Mississippi landowners with naturally occurring black walnut trees have an opportunity to participate in a Mississippi State University research project.

Funded by the John and Jane Player Endowment, the study by the MSU Forest and Wildlife Research Center is designed to characterize good walnut planting sites and the time needed to produce marketable trees.

"The black walnut has highly-valued wood that is used in fine furniture, cabinetry, interior paneling, gunstocks, and other speciality products," said forestry professor Emily Schultz, leader of the study. "Little is known, however, about the distribution, growth, and site requirements of walnut trees in Mississippi."

The majority of information concerning site and management requirements for black walnut has come from the Midwest and the eastern U.S. where the trees are grown for planned future income and attracting and enhancing wildlife populations.

"In general, walnut in the deep South has received very little attention except for the harvest of high-value individual trees," Schultz said. "We know, however that it requires proper site and soil conditions, as well as intensive management to increase the value of the wood and decrease the time it takes to produce marketable logs."

In addition to identifying planting sites and determing economic returns, the MSU study will identify management techniques and select trees to be included in a breeding program for superior trees adapted to Mississippi.

To complete the study, the researchers are seeking the assistance of Mississippi landowners who have naturally occurring black walnut trees in a wooded environment.

"We would like to take soil samples and collect height, diameter, and age data for walnut trees and surrounding trees on forested sites," Schultz said. "This information will help us understand the requirements of the black walnut in the South."

Individuals interested in participating in the black walnut study may contact Schultz at (662) 325-2697 or by email at eschultz@cfr.msstate.edu.