Validating Growing Conditions at Candidate Orchards Sites and Selecting Native Peach Scion Materials on Reservation Lands in the Four Corners
Class
Article
Department
Plants, Soils, and Climate
Faculty Mentor
Grant Cardon
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Native American designated farmlands have recently been abandoned in New Mexico and Arizona. In order to restore agriculture in New Mexico and Arizona Indian Reservations, archival climate history and soil surveys have been collected to determine candidate areas suitable for local fruit production. Based on the climate history and recent soil surveys, several sites appear to be suitable. Four out of ten locations have been selected for further soil analysis and climate monitoring to verify archival data sources and determine exact locations to establish orchards, specifically native peaches. Collecting bud-wood or dormant wood to do bench grafting and chip budding will help determine the viability and establishment of native peaches. Establishing orchards on Native American Reservations will help provide local foods, bring back lost traditions, and educate future generations about agriculture.
Start Date
4-9-2015 9:00 AM
Validating Growing Conditions at Candidate Orchards Sites and Selecting Native Peach Scion Materials on Reservation Lands in the Four Corners
Native American designated farmlands have recently been abandoned in New Mexico and Arizona. In order to restore agriculture in New Mexico and Arizona Indian Reservations, archival climate history and soil surveys have been collected to determine candidate areas suitable for local fruit production. Based on the climate history and recent soil surveys, several sites appear to be suitable. Four out of ten locations have been selected for further soil analysis and climate monitoring to verify archival data sources and determine exact locations to establish orchards, specifically native peaches. Collecting bud-wood or dormant wood to do bench grafting and chip budding will help determine the viability and establishment of native peaches. Establishing orchards on Native American Reservations will help provide local foods, bring back lost traditions, and educate future generations about agriculture.