Leaf area controls on energy partitioning of a temperate mountain grassland

Using a six year data set of eddy covariance flux measurements of sensible and latent heat, soil heat flux, net radiation, above-ground phytomass and meteorological driving forces energy partitioning was investigated at a temperate mountain grassland managed as a hay meadow in the Stubai Valley (Austria). The main findings of the study were: (i) Energy partitioning was dominated by latent heat, followed by sensible heat and the soil heat flux; (ii) When compared to standard environmental forcings, the amount of green plant matter, which due to three cuts varied considerably during the vegetation period, explained similar, and partially larger, fractions of the variability in energy partitioning; (iii) There were little, if any, indications of water stress effects on energy partitioning, despite reductions in soil water availability in combination with high evaporative demand, e.g. during the summer drought of 2003

Creating the knowledge infrastructure to enhance landowner adoption of agroforestry through an agroforestry academy

Paper presented at the 13th North American Agroforesty Conference, which was held June 19-21, 2013 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.In Poppy, L., Kort, J., Schroeder, B., Pollock, T., and Soolanayakanahally, R., eds. Agroforestry: Innovations in Agriculture. Proceedings, 13th North American Agroforestry Conference, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, June 19-21, 2013.Agroforestry offers a novel approach to land management that provides opportunities to combine productivity and profitability with environmental stewardship, resulting in healthy and sustainable agricultural systems that can be passed on to future generations. In spite of significant advances in both the science and practice of US agroforestry over the past 20 years, adoption has been limited. In the US, natural resource professionals and other educators are currently not equipped to help landowners adopt agroforestry. To advance adoption of agroforestry as a cornerstone of productive land use, a week-long agroforestry academy is being developed by a regional consortium of experts from Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The academy is designed to train natural resource professionals, extension agents, and other agricultural educators who work with landowners. Advanced training will be provided on the five recognized temperate zone agroforestry practices integrated with options for bioenergy, marketing, economic, social dimensions, and environmental services. The cornerstone of the academy will be an applied planning and design exercise. Academy trainees will work in small groups to gain hands on practice in agroforestry design based on the needs of a working farm. Academy trainers and graduates will form the core of the knowledge infrastructure needed to enhance landowner adoption of agroforestry, resulting in increased sustainability of rural communities and the food and agricultural system.Michael A. Gold (1), Mihaela M. Cernusca (1) and Shibu Jose (1) ; 1. University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, 203 ABNR Bldg., Columbia, MO 65211.Includes bibliographical references

Leaf area controls on energy partitioning of a mountain grassland

International audienceUsing a six year data set of eddy covariance flux measurements of sensible and latent heat, soil heat flux, net radiation, above-ground phytomass and meteorological driving forces energy partitioning was investigated at a temperate mountain grassland managed as a hay meadow in the Stubai Valley (Austria). The main findings of the study were: i) Energy partitioning was dominated by latent heat, followed by sensible heat and the soil heat flux; ii) When compared to standard environmental forcings, the amount of green plant matter, which due to three cuts varied considerably during the vegetation period, explained similar, and partially larger, fractions of the variability in energy partitioning; ii) There were little, if any, indications of water stress effects on energy partitioning, despite reductions in soil water availability in combination with high evaporative demand, e.g. during the summer drought of 2003

U.S. consumers' preferences for chestnuts : post purchase evaluation

Paper presented at the 12th North American Agroforesty Conference, which was held June 4-9, 2011 in Athens, Georgia.In Ashton, S. F., S.W. Workman, W.G. Hubbard and D.J. Moorhead, eds. Agroforestry: A Profitable Land Use. Proceedings, 12th North American Agroforestry Conference, Athens, GA, June 4-9, 2011.A regional study of consumer satisfaction and preferences for various chestnut attributes was conducted in 2009. Surveys were distributed to five chestnut growers/sellers in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and Illinois to accompany chestnut sales to their individual customers. Returned surveys represented consumers from 18 states, mainly the U.S. Midwest but also from the East and West coasts. The survey measured consumer satisfaction with the chestnuts purchased (by using affective, cognitive and behavioral constructs), assessed consumer's general knowledge about chestnuts, frequency of consumption and familiarity with cooking. The survey also included a choice-based conjoint analysis to evaluate the effects of origin, production process and price on consumer preferences for chestnuts. Statistical results indicate that high satisfaction with chestnuts purchased increases the likelihood of future purchase. Most consumers who are buying chestnuts know that chestnuts need to be refrigerated but more educational effort is needed regarding the low fat content of chestnuts as compared to other nuts and the gluten free attribute of chestnut flour. Conjoint analysis of chestnut attributes (i.e., origin, production process and price) confirmed results of past studies conducted in Missouri. Holding other attributes constant, chestnut origin is the most important attribute influencing purchases, consumers strongly preferring locally grown chestnuts over U.S. grown or imported. Chestnuts grown organically or pesticide free were preferred over conventionally produced. Price has also a significant influence on the purchase decision but when used as part of the decision process together with the other attributes the relative influence of price on consumer choice is reduced.Mihaela M. Cernusca, Francisco X. Aguilar and Michael A. Gold ; The Center for Agroforestry, University of Missouri Columbia, MO.Includes bibliographical references

Using the Porter Model to analyze the U.S. elderberry industry

Paper presented at the 12th North American Agroforesty Conference, which was held June 4-9, 2011 in Athens, Georgia.In Ashton, S. F., S.W. Workman, W.G. Hubbard and D.J. Moorhead, eds. Agroforestry: A Profitable Land Use. Proceedings, 12th North American Agroforestry Conference, Athens, GA, June 4-9, 2011.Elderberry, a perennial shrub native to North America with a variety of uses and benefits, is neither well known nor widely utilized as a specialty crop in the U.S. Up-to-date information is lacking with regard to the elderberry market or market potential. This research identifies the market participants along the value chain, the current status of the industry, direction, and future trends, elderberry market limitations as well as risks and potential opportunities for elderberry producers and processors. A combination of quantitative (mail survey) and qualitative (phone interview) methods have been used. The theoretical model used for the survey and interview development and analysis is based on the Porter Five Forces Model (PFFM) which describes the competitive forces that coordinate and control the market. The PFFM has been used previously to shed light on the chestnut and shiitake mushroom specialty crop markets. Seventy-four mail survey responses and 20 follow up phone interviews provided information on the market participants, challenges, opportunities and competitive forces in the elderberry industry. Results show a nascent industry with mostly small scale participants poised for growth. Demand trends are favorable and prices are good across the value chain. Challenges include a limited domestic supply of fruit, few regionally adapted varieties suitable for commercial production, and high labor costs. Additionally, the absence of existing mechanical harvesting equipment limits future production potential and industry growth. Respondents identified low levels of competition within the industry at the present time. Based on identified market size and demand, opportunities exist to increase the domestic elderberry industry across the value chain.Mihaela M. Cernusca, Michael A. Gold and Larry D. Godsey ; The Center for Agroforestry, University of Missouri.Includes bibliographical references

Growing and Marketing Elderberries in Missouri (2012)

The American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis, also known as Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) is native to much of eastern and midwestern North America. The plant is a medium to large multiple-stemmed shrub, bush or small tree. Elderberry is commonly found growing in a range of habitats throughout Missouri, but it prefers moist, well-drained, sunny sites and is often found along roadside ditches and streams.By Patrick L. Byers, Andrew L. Thomas, Mihaela M. Cernusca, Larry D. Godsey and Michael A. Gold (University of Missouri)Includes bibliographical reference

Agricultural land-use change and ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) colonization in Pyrenean landscapes: an interdisciplinary case study

 ONLINE FIRSTInternational audienceChanges in agricultural land use are responsible for significant modifications in mountain landscapes. This study is part of an interdisciplinary research on the processes and consequences of spontaneous afforestation of Pyrenean landscapes by ash, and the possibilities for its management. We address the relationships between vegetation dynamics and land-use change from the combination of an agricultural study of change in farm management and an ecological study of grassland colonization by ash. In the framework of a village case study, we characterized parcels management and land-use histories, and analyzed the dynamics of the composition of grassland vegetation communities. From a joint analysis of the results obtained in each discipline, we discuss the limitations and comple-mentarities of the two approaches for the interdisciplinary assessment of the afforestation process