Southern Perspective: Boise Cascade’s Short-Rotation Woody Crop Operations

Steve Coleman, Boise Cascade, DeRidder, LA

To start, I am not sure “we know” what is working. At this time we are still in the exploratory stage, to determine if SRWC operations are viable. In the latest draft of an SRWC Co-op study, the key questions surrounded basics of production, environmental assessments and management systems. Data surrounding these three factors are linked to the following comments.

SRWC structure in the South will probably never mirror the broad plains of fiber farms on the east side of Washington and Oregon state. Fiber farms of the South will be somewhat similar to the fiber farms on the west side of the states mentioned. Even then they will not be the same due to the difference that is found in how land is valued in the South under a forestry dominant scenario.

SRWC in the SOUTH will have opportunities based upon the objectives of the individuals establishing the crop. (Appendix A) If the rotation is 10 to 20 years still shorter than traditional tree cropping, there will be fewer constraints on obtaining an acceptable biological and economical crop. Intense regimes that include fertilization and competition control will have to be followed to maximize volume gain. Quality assurance programs will have to be in place to ensure correct species deployment and proper genetic material allocation by site. There is less competition from agricultural cropping and urban expansion for long term sites that may not have the highest productivity potential.

Pesticide control is essential as well as irrigation when the rotation age is below 10 years. When these two components are part of the management regime, site location is a key factor. Many locations are not feasible for fiber farming when pesticides and irrigation are part of operations. Irrigation is even a bigger factor when we consider the many ramifications that surround using ground water from wells. Sites that will be crop rotated in 10 years or less are more economical the closer they are located to the user of the fiber. With very few well drained, large, contiguous blocks of land to choose from, SRWC farming with 10 years less rotations will be difficult to justify economically in today’s market.

When one views the long term planning horizon with assumptions that reflect an increase in fiber prices, then SRWC of 10 years or less may have a greater role. The biology and processes will have to be fully developed, but that can be accomplished. In the end the economical feasibility of SRWC will determine the role SRWC serves in supplying fiber in the woodbaskets of the future.

APPENDIX A

1. ESTABLISHMENT & ACREAGE

• Most SRWC farms are being established on land that was farmed within the last ten years.
• Most SRWC farm land is well drained and has an acceptable nutrient base.
• Most SRWC farms are small in acreage with most under 100 and few greater than 500 acres.

2. PLANTING STOCK & IRRIGATION

• Most SRWC farms are planted with the best genetic material available.
• Most SRWC farms have irrigation, with drip or micro-irrigation being the most common.
• Lakes, rivers and canals are the primary sources for irrigation, and wells are utilized in some areas.

3. SPECIES

• To date, SRWC farming in the South is more successful for hardwoods than pines.
• The cottonwood is the preferred species, sycamore and sweetgum are frequently used species.
• Numerous other hardwood species are being tried with limited success in growth rates.

4. SPECIES & CROPPING AGE

• Most SRWC rotations range from six to twelve years depending on species, site and cultural
• treatments.
• Conifers are in the mix for SRWC but have limited success at the present.

5. SOILS, NUTRIENTS, & HERBICIDES

• SRWC establishment at this time start with the best soil available.
• Most soils are prepared like farming crops - disking, pre-nutrient screening with nutrients added
• as needed.
• Application of herbicide treatment with follow-up as needed.

6. PESTICIDES & AFTERCARE

• Most SRWC have added insecticide treatments as needed especially with hardwoods and
• especially cottonwood.
• Pesticide treatment for disease is being applied as needed for many species.
• Aftercare (i.e., pruning) is being addressed more than ever within the SRWC concept.

7. WHAT HAS TO BE DETERMINED

• Will SRWC be environmentally acceptable?
• Will SRWC be politically acceptable?
• Currently, all SRWC farms in the South are regulated, taxed, etc. according to forestry industry
• guidelines.
• Harvesting methods for various products.
• Species & clonal for product lines.

File posted on March 17, 1998; Date Modified: February 21, 1999