*Using a flood simulator, MU researchers reveal cottonwood trees as a profitable crop in devastated flood areas*
During the 1993 flood, Gene Garrett, forestry professor and former director of the Center for Agroforestry, observed that cottonwood trees seemed to thrive in the flood waters. As a result, Garrett, John Dwyer and Hank Stelzer, associate professors in forestry, initiated a study at the flood laboratory at the University of Missouri Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center (HARC), to identify superior cottonwood “clone” trees that would tolerate flood conditions.
About the image: Located in New Franklin, Mo., the MU flood lab, recognized as the most realistic flood simulator in the Midwest, features 24 two-foot-deep flood channels that can be flooded individually and drained to simulate a variety of flood conditions. Image credit: University of Missouri
“Among the fastest growing trees in North America, cottonwoods can be profitable,” Garret said. “They can be used for biomass, paper, rough-cut lumber for home framing, and interior lumber for cabinets. They thrive in boggy and sandy areas that can no longer sustain traditional crops.”
Given the capability to independently adjust the channels for water depth, standing or flowing water, and duration of flooding, the lab allows researchers to determine the flood tolerance of selected grasses, legumes and tree species.
About the image: Water in each individual channel can be raised or lowered, depending on the research needs. The white pump house, visible in the background, moves the water from the pond to the channels. Image credit: University of Missouri
“Before the MU flood lab, we had little scientific evidence on which trees were flood tolerant,” Garrett said. “Data on tree flood tolerance, as well as information about commercial markets for cottonwoods, are being given to Missouri farmers who now have more options in their bottomlands that are prone to flooding”
Dwyer also received a Mizzou Advantage grant to search for economical ways to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels by planting bio-energy plantations that provide woody biomass.
An important first step in initiating the program is a round of grants, totaling more than $900,000, that will fund 26 networking and other projects. MU officials’ goal is that Mizzou Advantage will strengthen existing faculty networks, create new networks and propel Mizzou’s research, instruction and other activities to the next level.
*Source: University of Missouri