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Visualizing and Analyzing Agroforestry Crop Scalability & Marketability

Lawton & Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Project Description

The first part of our project aimed to evaluate the spatial suitability of multiple perennial crops within Oikos Tree Crops Farm in Michigan by analyzing fine-scale topographic conditions.High-resolution UAV imagery was used to generate a digital terrain model, from which slope values were derived and classified in ArcGIS Pro. Species-specific suitability maps were then developed through reclassification based on the ecological requirements of each crop, including chickasaw plum, quince, wild apple, American persimmon, thimbleberry, chestnut, magnolia, and hazelnut.The results indicate that most areas of the farm fall within gentle to moderate slope ranges (approximately 2–8%), providing favorable drainage and stable soil conditions. Crops such as chestnut, persimmon, and magnolia exhibit large, continuous areas of high suitability, while species like thimbleberry and hazelnut show more fragmented suitability patterns, reflecting sensitivity to localized terrain variation. Overall, the study demonstrates that even subtle micro-topographic differences can significantly influence crop suitability at the farm scale. The integration of UAV-derived data and GIS-based analysis provides an effective approach for identifying optimal planting zones and supports more precise agroforestry planning. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating high-resolution spatial data into sustainable farm design and management. The primary objective of the second part of the study was to address the gaps in knowledge about the marketability, grow requirements and harvest requirements of crops that have the potential to be integrated into agroforestry systems and commercially grown in Michigan. We relied on Ken Asmus of Oikos Tree Crops and his experiential knowledge to select six regionally adapted crops that have shown high productivity and resilience to pests and disease amongst other resiliency factors. After harvesting these crops on a small scale, we developed twelve value-added products. We then conducted several taste test events at locales in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan, showcasing these crops to collect consumer feedback. We found that of our six ‘best bet crops, Serviceberries/Saskatoons elicited the greatest customer interest and taste test ratings (43 respondents rated it 4.5/5). We used Ken’s grow recommendations, survey responses from the Michigan Agroforestry Working Group and the marketability data we collected to create an educational pamphlet for growers to use. Since several growers from the Agroforestry Working group requested short videos, webinars and/or Youtube videos, future efforts would be to create filmed educational media. After our final taste test survey, we also conducted a Fruit & Nut Cooperative meeting and got together with 9 growers to discuss future efforts to have a shared space, processing equipment and distribution channels to improve marketing capabilities of agroforestry crops.

Year
2025-2026
Project Status
Past Project
Client Organization
Michigan Agroforestry Working Group, Oikos Tree Crops
Students Involved

Milan Anderson (ESM)  
Yuxuan Gao (SD)  
Ruilin Meng (ESM) 
Qian Xu

SEAS Faculty Advisor
Shannon Brines
Final Report
Final Report

I'M READY TO APPLYI WANT TO LEARN MORE

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University of Michigan
School for Environment and Sustainability
Dana Building
440 Church Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-6453
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