Alder, Corn, and Sustainability
The Alder tree grows like a weed in this area and is one of
the few trees that can produce its own nitrogen for growth.
A few people grow the alder for lumber or paper, but mostly
it seems to be used for firewood. This has always bothered
me because it looks like the tree has greater potential.
My suspicions were confirmed a few days ago after reading
about farmers in Nagaland, India. They plant alders in
their fields and grow crops between them. After a few years
the alders are pollarded or coppiced. Some of the benefits
of this are:
1. Leaves provide mulch for plants underneath.
2. Leaves can be used as fodder for animals.
3. Cut trees can be used for firewood or lumber
4. Roots provide nitrogen for nearby plants.
5. Trees provide shade and habitat for wildlife.
The alder used in India is Alnus Nepalensis which is allowed to grow
for 6-8 years before cutting. Crops grown under the alders
include: corn, millet, potatoes, wheat, chillies, and pumpkins.
>From reading about India i concluded that that these alders are
growing in a warm area, possibly zone 9-10. The Alders are native
to that area. Here locally the most common alder that might
work is Red Alder (Alnus Oregona) which grows fast and produces
wood suitable for furniture.
Coppice - To cut back to ground level or to a small stump every few
years. The sprouts are harvested for propagation, baskets,
and other uses. The tree is allowed to grow for awhile then
cut back again.
Pollard - To cut tree off at about 6 feet and cut limbs back to 2 inch
stubs. The trimmings have many uses including twig furniture,
firewood, fencing, etc. In both Coppicing and Pollarding the
trees are cut in late winter or early spring.
The questions this raises are: Can we use this alder intercroping
idea in gardens? Can the alder also fit into a mushroom growing
and compost cycle? Can this technique be worked into a landscape
and fit into small gardens?
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Jeff Owens ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Zone 7, http://www.teleport.com/~kowens
Underground house, solar energy, reduced consumption, no TV
