Multiple use on marginal land: a case for cattle and loblolly pine

Abstract

Almost 20 million non-forest, cropland acres in the Southeastern United States can be classified as marginal. Demand projections for forest products call for a 40% increase by year 2030. Recently more land is being logged than regenerated. Land multiple use management, combining trees, cattle and wildlife, adjusts cash flows forward mitigating negative cash flow period associated with conventional forest production. Profit oopportunities for smaller landowners are increased. Modification of tree population and spacing, allowing inclusion of hay and pasture, increases net present value (NPV) of agroforestry over traditional forestry. Model results show an increase in NPV from $554 to $948 per acre when beef cattle are added to loblolly pines on marginal lands. -Authors