Constructing A Food Forest Orchard

© Larry Santoyo

To construct a productive forest system we assemble plants and animals in "guilds" that create a functionally harmonic effect. Harmonic effects are those that, by

putting two or more elements together, will result in benefits not produced by themselves alone ­ higher production, reduced pest or predator problems or maintenance of soil fertility. Every plant and animal in a guild has a function. The main element in a guild will be supported by plant(s) or animal(s) serving the functions of, at least, available nutrient fertilizer, soil building or pest control. Choosing elements for guild associates is done mainly through observation of naturally occurring plant and animal associates and then through trial and error based on these assemblies.

Designing the Food Forest

Observing and cataloging natural associations in the wilds near the proposed forest area (with a similar aspect and orientation) is the most appropriate way of determining plant and animal assemblies for any site. Guild association trials can begin by reconstructing or mimicking these associations and conditions 1) by using the same elements (genus and species). 2) by substituting a more productive or palatable species (same genus with a select species and or cultivars) 3) by substituting genus and species in the same family 4) through substituting family, genus and species based on the natural functions of each element (careful observation and research is required) or 5) by combining all of these strategies.

Food Forest Trials

A natural assembly may consist of: a high canopy of fir, with alder, elderberry and saskatoon berry as a middle canopy with gooseberry, snowberry, hemlock, mint and violets in the under story and ground cover. A closer look will reveal several insect species and fungi. Over time the occasional game bird will come to forage and deposit phosphates and nitrogen. Deer will browse and also leave fertilizer. Fish and small animal carcasses left by marauding coyotes, raccoons and skunks may also be found.

By recreating the interactive elements of this naturally occurring model, we can begin to construct another highly productive system more suited to harvest and human sustenance.

Alder (Alnus) is a nitrogen fixing deciduous tree ­ it produces large quantities of biomass and nurses young trees. Substituting another tree (such as Caragana arborescence or Eleagnus species) to serve the same function may be less invasive (with free range poultry), provide more benefits and require less water in the new food forest as well as provide excellent bee and poultry forage.

Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a native fruit ­ used fresh, dried and for making pemmican. Selected varieties of Saskatoon (Pembina, Smoky or Northline) produce large berries and less sucker growth than native species. Saskatoon produces a pome fruit ­ like the apple and pear in the Rosacea family. Apple and pear trees can therefore be added or substituted. There are some trials that are grafting apple varieties onto Saskatoon root stock. (This has been successful on native crab apple).

Fruiting Understory

Gooseberry (Ribes) produces a tart fresh fruit and because of its thorny nature reduces browse. Several selected varieties of gooseberries produce a larger more prolific and sweeter fruit. Red and Black Currants (another Ribes) can be substituted. Many ribes species are known to deter white flies. Viburnums and Vacciniums can also be included.

Ground covers

Natural ground covers can be used or substitute functions with nasturtiums and marigolds to control soil nematodes. Strawberries or mushrooms are also possible. Comfrey, vetch and yellow clover mowed early spring and mid to late summer provide trace minerals, mulch and nitrogen. No tilling of mulch crops is recommended.

Insectary Plants

Umbelliferous plants (dill, anise, carrots left to seed) mimic hemlock and other small flower plants. Umbels and rosacea provide habitat for wasps, who provide predatory insect control.

Vegetable Cropping

Harvesting and marketing vegetable and berry crops is an ideal way to produce a yield while the trees of the forest/orchard mature. Edges of forests and strips along the solar edge of the constructed food forests provide excellent areas for annual vegetable growing. Minimal tilling is optimum. Any tilling should occur outside of tree rows (drip line).

Soil & Site Preparation

Soil preparations and inoculates are essential for productive food forests. Recommendations for site preparation includes importing mass quantities of organic matter. Site can be planted on raised mounds or in swales along the contour. One foot deep or more of rotted alfalfa hay topped with one foot of manure can be added - as wide as the mature trees. Application of kelp for organic matter and trace minerals would also be ideal. Green manuring or mowing cover crops could follow after three to five years as soil maintenance. Use soil from nearby or model forest to inoculate new site. Soil microbes from Oak stands work well for establishing Walnuts (and vice versa). Legume cover crops may also need suitable inoculates (from established fields or purchased).

Livestock

Animals are essential to any forest system ­ especially constructed food forests with an abundance of fruit. Animals need not be harvested for food but must be included in any balanced system ­ populations must be monitored. Game birds and poultry should be encouraged or reintroduced. Late season free ranging animals can convert fallen fruit, slugs, and insect larvae into harvestable chicken, turkey or geese. Pigs and sheep can also be used (with more attention and fencing). Goats should be avoided. Deer browse can be effectively controlled by exclusionary fencing ­ either the entire site or around each individual tree. The presence of hunters and dogs significantly impact deer patterns and habits.
 

Recommended Food Forest Associates
Apple, Mulberry, Pear and Walnut1
Ribes and Viburnum species
Comfrey, Vetch and Clover
Pecan, Walnut and Oak2
Wild Plum and Apricot
Chamomile and Thyme
Hackberry, Walnut3
Ribes species

Natural Forest Associates4
Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, Grand Fir
Twinflower, Big Huckleberry, Utah Honeysuckle, Paxistima
Oakfern, Wild Ginger, Violet
Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, Grand Fir, Douglas Fir, White Pine
Big Huckleberry, Thimbleberry, Oregon Grape, Douglas Maple
Wild Sarsparilla (in Bracken Fern areas)

Other Possible Food Forest Associates
Hazelnut / Apricot
Black Cherry / Locust
Chestnut / Sassafras
Oak / Mountain Mahogany

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1 Practical Guide to a Sustainable Future, Bill Mollison, Island Press
2 Observed in Central Texas
3 Observed in Northern New Mexico
4 Observed in Eastern Washington

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 © Copyright Larry Santoyo

No part of this article may be reproduced without prior

written consent from the author.

Article courtesy of Permaearth..org

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