Natural Spreading of Planted Black Locust in Southeastern Ohio

This paper presents the results of a study to throw light on various problems relating to the spread of black locust ( Robinia pseudacacia L.) on southeastern Ohio farmlands. Planting for erosion control, begun many years ago, has been followed by a spread through root suckering at rates varying with local conditions of site and land use between 3.3 and 10 feet a year. The advance was slowest on lands heavily grazed. By planting a square 2 1/2-acre worn-out field or pasture either in 5 parallel strips or in 8 groups, a 6-foot annual advance would obtain a complete coverage in from 7 to 10 years, with a large economy in cost and quantity of planting stock.