A spatially explicit tree search application for agroforestry in the United States

Abstract

A spatially explicit application has been developed for the conterminous United States to assist farmers and extension agents with selecting appropriate tree species for agroforestry applications. The application combines several spatially explicit databases of tree species, high-resolution soil data, and climate. On the front-end of the application, a simple graphical user interface (GUI) allows the user to indicate their location, the size of the area to be searched, and the functional use category for the trees. These parameters are used to query a PostGRESQL relational database management system on the back-end via a Python script. All tree species within the user-specified area and matching the user-specified objectives, are returned to the web page along with tree characteristics, and soil and climate data for the specified location. Expert feedback on the application was solicited and used to make improvements to the service. The accuracy of the application was tested at several locations in Missouri, USA, and found satisfactory.