Coppice Agroforestry: Tending Trees for Product, Profit, and Woodland Ecology

Description

Cut and come again forestry - reviving the ancient practice of resprout silviculture to power local woodland-based economies. Coppice Agroforestry is a richly illustrated, comprehensive guide to resprout silviculture - managing trees and shrubs by coppicing, pollarding, shredding, and pleaching - for a continuous supply of small diameter polewood for products from firewood to fine furniture. Contextualizing resprout silviculture historically, ecologically, and economically, Coppice Agroforestry explores the potential of this ancient practice for modern times. Coverage includes: The cultural history of coppicing in Europe and North America Tree and shrub anatomy, biology, and woodland ecology A suite of woodland management systems Dozens of handcrafted wood products on a continuum of value, offering a wide range of business opportunities Case studies of diverse coppice-based enterprises Assessing existing forests for coppice potential Designing new resprout silviculture systems Tables highlighting diverse species for various uses A vision of a modern resprout silviculture renaissance. A decade in the making, encyclopedic in scope, and written by the hand of a woodsman, Coppice Agroforestry is a deep dive into this ancient practice, blending it with modern science, systems thinking, and tools to land it firmly into the 21st century. Whether you have a few trees or an entire forest, Coppice Agroforestry is the must-have practical guide for homesteaders, farmers, foresters, land managers, and educators who ally themselves with the remarkable resilience of woody plants.

Mark Krawczyk is an applied ecologist, educator, and grower incorporating permaculture design, agroforestry, natural building, traditional woodworking, and small-scale forestry. He owns and operates Keyline Vermont LLC, providing farmers, homeowners, and homesteaders with education, design, and consulting services. He and his wife also manage Valley Clayplain Forest Farm, 52 acres of field and forest in New Haven, Vermont.

"Mark's magnum opus has finally landed and it is well worth the wait! Packed with historical background and detailed research, this has to be the most comprehensive text on coppice silviculture. Supported by Mark's practical knowledge and understanding of the importance of ecological design, he weaves the ancient knowledge of practical craft and coppice management into future sustainable land use systems. A wealth of appendices will appeal to those planning future forests and agroforestry systems, and above all he entices the reader to sharpen a billhook and begin to coppice." - Ben Law, woodsman, eco-builder, and author, The Woodland Way and Woodland Craft "Without a doubt the finest work on the history and the "how" and the "why" of coppice forestry, a widespread practice of the past that will no doubt play a crucial role in our future. Learn how we can harvest trees and still have forests, too!" - Mark Shepard, coppice agroforester, author, Restoration Agriculture and Water for any Farm "This classic book covers the ancient and much forgotten craft of coppicing. This essential sustainable skill not only must be revived but also expanded to suit new geographies and species and create more possibilities than ever before. Mark has written a book you should purchase for both your future security and that of your grandchildren." - Geoff Lawton, permaculture consultant, designer, teacher, and speaker (permacultureconsultants.com) "Coppicing is an essential component of climate-friendly agriculture and land management. Coppice Agroforestry is a comprehensive guide, based on science and practical experience, to a truly perennial system for producing diverse wood products. Krawczyk's book will be inspiring readers to coppice for decades to come." - Eric Toensmeier, author, The Carbon Farming Solution, co-author, Edible Forest Gardens "Rich in history, culture, botany, and practice, this remarkable work shows exceptional scholarship, dedication, and experience. Krawczyk, who has bridged the Atlantic world, is a worthy successor to Rackham, and just the interpreter of coppice North Americans need to create their own thriving backwoods industries. Ten years in the making, it could not be more timely. Buy it. Read it. Live it." - Peter Bane, author, The Permaculture Handbook, executive director, Permaculture Institute of North America "If you own forested land and want to manage it sustainably, this book is a must-read. It's teeming with useful information that will help build a sustainable future and help readers become more self-sufficient." - Dan Chiras, author, The Chinese Greenhouse, The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, and Power from the Sun "A masterwork of research and practice by a tree craftsman whose life partnership with trees started young and never stopped. This manual is vast, practical, and astonishing in depth and relevance. It will likely be the go-to authority on utilizing trees in coppicing contexts for many decades to come. It is also a relevant resource for anyone in woody plant horticulture, agroforestry, and ecological restoration as a whole." - Ben Falk, author, The Resilient Farm and Homestead "A well-written and comprehensive body of work that celebrates a commonly referenced but often misunderstood facet of perennial polyculture farming. Krawczyk's subject mastery and the delight with which he shares it will surely advance the field of coppice silviculture, and inspire use of the techniques he commands and cherishes." - Dr. John Munsell, professor and forest management extension specialist, Virginia Tech "Krawczyk's writing is a pleasure to consume and the breadth of information is a testament to his lifetime of devotion to the topic. The abundance of pictures, diagrams, and charts helps any reader chart a course to successful coppicing and envision a future where resprout agriculture persists in landscapes everywhere." - Steve Gabriel, farmer, author, Silvopasture, and co-author Farming the Woods