Savanna expansion

I have a bur oak savanna that I would like to expand. We are seeing more of the oak diseases. I am wondering what other species might work for savanna development. The location is northern Iowa. Also would like to know if water is my limiting growth factor? I have the ability to water. Could I use basin irrigation and only apply a couple of times per year? From a timber harvest stand point does the savanna compare favorably to a forest? I would expect the forest to be more effective user of water since understory is not as competative for moisture. I am harvesting some smaller oaks in areas that are more forest like. These make great logs for shitaike mushrooms. It might make sense to plant at forest density and thin to savannah timber in the long term. What do you think?

Hi Gordon,

Thanks so much for your question and I'm so glad to hear that you are interested in expanding your oak savannahs.  That is such an important forest type in your area.  I would recommend getting into contact with your local state forestry agency as well as your extension foresters.  They can provide you with information that is specifically relevant to your location.

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/staff/randall.html

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/links/contacts.html

Hope that helps!

cheers,

Caroline Kuebler

Project Manager for MyLandPlan.org

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