regenerative agriculture research and adoption at Ox Heights
2026: Determine the Most Efficient Practices for Establishing Chestnut Trees from Seed
Starting May 2026, we will test four different strategies for establishing chestnut trees in our chestnut orchard from seed, focusing on sustainable chestnut production. These strategies vary in labor and material costs: (1) direct seeding in the field, (2) outplanting potted seedlings, (3) direct seeding in the field with a tree tube, and (4) outplanting potted seedlings with a tree tube. Additionally, we will explore intercropping techniques to enhance the overall productivity of the orchard. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project 26-1503
2024: Establishment Best Practices for Trees Producing Edible Pine Nuts in the North Central United States
Here we established a chestnut orchard alongside an edible pine nut plantation, testing intercropping techniques to maximize survival and growth. Are pine nuts coming in 2034? This work is part of the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project 24-1420, focusing on sustainable chestnut production. Project Final Report Available Here.
2022: Promoting farm sustainability with complementary intercropping of English walnut, peaches, and sheep pastureland.
Here we established our intercropped peach and English walnut orchard, integrating it with sheep pastureland. Discover why English walnuts and peaches complement each other and learn about effective intercropping techniques. Additionally, we are excited to announce that our English walnuts should be available from Ox Heights starting in 2026! This initiative is part of the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project 22-1329, which also explores sustainable chestnut production. Read here!
2019: Testing aged manure for enhanced soil health and tree establishment in a pioneer chestnut orchard.
In our research, we evaluated how aged manure performed compared to inorganic fertilizer in our chestnut orchard. The findings motivated us to adopt intercropping techniques and transition to a silvopasture farm ecosystem, where sheep help manage grass and enhance fertilization for sustainable chestnut production. This initiative is part of the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grant Project 19-1170. Read more here!
2017: Proof of Concept – Sustainable Chestnut Production in Northeast Lower Michigan
Discover how our chestnut orchard was established and the variations in chestnut growth and survival across different cultivars. We also utilized intercropping techniques to harvest forage from the orchard during its establishment, which helped improve our soils for sustainable chestnut production. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project 17-1081. Read here!