Monday, April 12, 2004 Poultry scientist touts benefits of trees for chicken farms NEWARK, Del. -- How does an Extension poultry scientist who has devoted his career to Delmarva's billion dollar broiler industry find himself on the road touting environmental benefits of trees? "It all started three years ago with a phone call," George (Bud) Malone said. "A Sussex County resident called me with concerns about a poultry farm that she had lived next to, with no problems or concerns, for many years. But the poultry house was being retrofitted for tunnel ventilation. Because the powerful fans were directed toward her home, she was troubled about what would happen." Malone visited the farm to consider solutions that would benefit the grower's operation while preserving positive neighbor relations. That is when Malone thought about trees -- lines of trees -- surrounding the facility. "It was the obvious solution," he said. "Studies have demonstrated that planting trees around a poultry building offers benefits, including more efficient production and improved soil, air and water quality." Since then Malone has worked with a number of Delmarva growers interested in tree planting around poultry houses. As word has spread about the success of this technique, Malone has become a highly sought-out speaker. Malone recently did a question and answer session with the University of Delaware College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Outreach publication about tree planting. Why are trees a natural for protecting resources? Malone: Planting trees around poultry structures creates a natural filter, a cost-effective way to reduce odors, feathers, noise and ammonia-laden dust particles that are part of any poultry operation. Trees take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, store the carbon in their wood and release oxygen back into the air. A single-row, evergreen, windbreak one mile long traps and stores carbon equivalent to 60 tons of carbon dioxide. Trees also filter nutrients in surface water and ground water. A tree windbreak can take up from groundwater 200 pounds to 300 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year. What else do trees do? Malone: When strategically placed, trees reduce heating costs by protecting the houses from winter and cooling costs by providing shade in the summer. Trees help promote a positive image of agriculture. Not only do trees contribute to a pleasing view and can increase property value, the view of everyday poultry activities are screened from a neighbor's view. OK, if trees are known to benefit the environment and the farm's bottom line, why has no one come up with this solution before? They have, but until recently, poultry houses were ventilated by fresh air that came in through the windows and trees blocked air circulation. The switch to tunnel ventilation and windowless-type housing changed all that. This article is drawn from the University of Delaware College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Outreach publication. Originally published Monday, April 12, 2004