| [Image: forest at Calhoun] |
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Researchers at the Calhoun Research Station, near Calhoun, La., are developing new uses for small-diameter trees and for recycled wood. They are producing new chemicals and products by recycling preservatives and wood fiber from decommissioned telephone poles. They also have projects involving partial harvesting of unmanaged forests to improve tree growth and production of wood chips for energy.
The ultimate goal is no waste in wood, according to Michael Blazier, an LSU AgCenter forestry researcher. All of these projects and more will be on display at a field day at the station on Oct. 29, beginning at noon, says Allen Nipper, LSU AgCenter director of the North Central Region.
The Calhoun Research Station holds the distinction of the oldest off-campus experiment station still in operation in Louisiana. LSU accepted a proposal by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury to establish an experiment station in the hill parishes of north Louisiana on April 3, 1888. Originally named the North Louisiana Experiment Station, the name was later changed to the Calhoun Research Station.
The Calhoun Research Station sits on the original 333 acres that the Ouachita Parish Police Jury provided, plus 80 acres purchased in 1911. A few acres were lost in the 1950s because of Interstate 20.
Resources at the Calhoun Station include 12 acres of ponds, a native plant arboretum, an automated weather station and a U.S. Historical Climate Network (NWS) weather station.
Agricultural and wood science research is conducted at the Calhoun Research Station. Research projects are in water quality, forest sustainability and recycling decommissioned preservative-treated wood, utilization of small diameter timber and biomass production and utilization. In another project scientists are testing the use of miscanthus grass for biofuel.
The history of the station includes development of six southern pea, five watermelon and 15 peach varieties. One variety, the Harvester peach, received the Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science in 1998.
The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment, and improving the quality of life through its 4-H youth, family and community programs.