I am interested in making a long term investment in a forestry with an indefinite time horizon (50 to 150 years). I am particularly interested in Black walnut, Oak, and Cherry (Primary interest in Black walnut, but others included for diversification). I have a hypothesis that over this long time horizon and highly managed operation that I will maximize my timber production by planting on high quality agricultural soils commonly found in IL and IA such as Argiudolls.

My idea is to purchase land in the class I to class III range and establish a forestry program. I'm interested to qualify whether Black Walnut will do well on these types of soils and if it is known that there is a significant difference in growth rate of trees planted on Class I soils or trees planted on class III, class IV or class V soils.

Thanks,

Jim

Hi James:

Characteristics of optimum black walnut planting sites related to soil properties: deep, fertile, moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 6.1-7.8). Deviation from these basic soil/site requirements generally results in poor growth or worse, mortality.

Fortunately, the USDA Web Soil Survey online website now features a "Walnut Suitability" option, thereby giving landowners and foresters basic guidance as to whether a particular soil type and site location is suitable for optimum black walnut growth and development.

USDA Web Soil Survey:

http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm

USDA Soil Survey Data (IL):

http://soils.usda.gov/survey/online_surveys/illinois/

Working with a professional forester, either an Illinois DNR district forester or a professional consulting forester, is strongly advised!

Directory of Professional Consulting Foresters:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/forestry/pdf/tfb-nres-202.pdf

IDNR District Foresters:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/forestry/pdf/tfb-nres-201.pdf