Training Manual for Applied Agroforestry Practices - 2006 Edition Updated!

Printed in January 2006, this newest version of the Agroforestry Training Manual is designed for natural resources professionals and landowners and includes worksheets and exercises for use as an educational tool. The manual features descriptions of establishing and managing the five agroforestry practices, plus success stories of Midwestern landowners utilizing agroforestry on agricultural and forested lands. Additional sections include a Planning for Agroforestry workbook; wildlife habitat and agroforestry; marketing principles and economic considerations. Appendix sections include tree, shrub, grass and forage information for agroforestry plantings and timber sales suggestions.

Each section is available for downloading:

Introduction and Table of Contents: (PDF 1.6 MB)
This section tells how to use the Training Manual and about the Center's goals and mission. The Table of Contents is also included.

Section 1: Defining Agroforestry (PDF 718 KB)
Learn about the key criteria for agroforestry practices and the definition of riparian forest buffers, windbreaks, alley cropping, silvopasture and forest farming.

Section 2: Planning for Agroforestry (PDF 345 KB)
The importance of developing an agroforestry workplan, and 23 detailed steps for establishing this plan, are outlined in this section.

Section 3: Alley Cropping (PDF 1.3 MB)
Learn how alley cropping can diversify farm income, enhance wildlife and improve asthetics, among other benefits. Tree and shrub arrangement, selection and maintenance are included, along with examples of alley cropping practices and economic incentives.

Section 4: Silvopasture (PDF 1.3 MB)
Silvopasture, when properly applied and well managed, can enhance farm income, provide environmental benefits and enhance wildlife habitat. This section includes types of silvopasture; considerations for livestock, trees and forages; and tree spacing and arrangement, along with success stories and frequently asked questions.

Section 5: Riparian Forest Buffers (PDF 2.3 MB)
Riparian forest buffers offer water quality benefits, streambank stabilization, wildlife habitat and alternative income opportunities, among other benefits. Learn in this section how to design a riparian forest buffer; how to select tree, grass and shrub species; how to maintenance a buffer; and ideas for marketing products produced from a buffer. Financial considerations and current UMCA research are also included.

Section 6: Windbreaks (PDF 1.6 MB)
This section will guide landowners through the process of planning, designing and managing a windbreak. Length, width and density are addressed in relation to desired windbreak function. Economic incentives and success stories are also included.

Section 7: Forest Farming (PDF 1.2 MB)
Forest farming improves forest health, provides additional income opportunities and diversifies farm income by incorporating trees and understory plants. This section explores sustainable forest management, products derived from forest farming, and ways to utilize correct shade levels in a forest farming practice.

Section 8: Agroforestry and Wildlife (PDF 1.5 MB)
Learn how to incorporate agroforestry practices to enhance habitat for deer, quail, turkey, waterfowl and mourning doves. The Center's research in this area is also included.

Section 9: Marketing Principles for Agroforestry (PDF 1 MB)
One of the key benefits of agroforestry is the potential for a landowner to earn income form a wide range of alternative products. Understanding various dimensions of market supply, demand and research principles are important for success. This chapter gives an outline of key market considerations for selling alternative products.

Section 10: Economic Considerations (PDF 502 KB)
This section is a brief overview of the resources and information found in the Center's three Agroforestry in Action guides on economics: Economic Budgeting for Agroforestry Practices; Tax Considerations for the Establishment of Agroforestry Practices; and Funding Incentives for Agroforestry in Missouri.

Appendix Section 1: (PDF 1.5 MB)
This section includes three Agroforestry in Action guides:
Economic Budgeting for Agroforestry Practices
Funding Incentives for Agroforestry in Missouri (Updated in 2005)
Tax Considerations for the Establishment of Agroforestry Practices (Updated in 2005)

Appendix Section 2: Trees and Shrubs for Agroforestry
(PDF 725 KB)
Read suggestions for identifying the proper trees and shrubs for agroforestry practices, including a detailed table of appropriate species for Missouri.

Appendix Section 3: Grasses and Forages for Agroforestry (PDF 422 KB)
Learn what makes a forage or grass appropriate for an agroforestry practice and read suggestions on planting design and management. A table of common grass and legume forages for agroforestry practices in Missouri is featured.

Appendix Section 4: The Basics of Selling Timber (PDF 193 KB)
Landowners who do a thorough job of planning and marketing are usually satisfied with a timber harvest. Many people do not know the true value of their timber, and without planning and marketing, may receive only a fraction of their timber's true worth. Learn steps to selling timber and ways to determine your timber's value in this section. A sample timber bid form and a sample sale contract are included.

Appendix Section 5: Planning for Agroforestry Workbook
(PDF 1 MB)
This section offers 23 workbook pages to fill in, following each step of developing and implementing an agroforestry plan that is based on the landowner's objectives and resources. (Complete this workbook after you have worked through the previous sections of the Training Manual.)

Appendix Section 6: Plant Resource Guide (PDF 506 KB)
A description of nearly 60 plant, tree and grass species is given, including management and harvesting considerations, propagation techniques, economic uses and additional resources for each type. Uses for agroforestry practices are also given.

Complete Training Manual (PDF 46.8 MB)
The pdf version of the Training Manual is available for downloading here, or request a free CD version from the Center for Agroforestry using the Publication Order Form.