An Ecological Study of Four Species of Sumac in Relation to Development and Growth on Eroded Soil

The purpose of this investigation was to test and prove the hillculture crop value of various Iowa sumacs as erosion control and economic tannin-producing plants. The four species of sumac chosen for observation and possible investigation were Rhus aromatica Ait., fragrant or aromatic sumac; Rhus copallina L., black or dwarf sumac; Rhus glabra L., white or smooth sumac and Rhus typhina Torn., staghorn sumac. Experiments with these shrubs were begun in 1938 at the time that plantations of grapes, plums, nut trees, post trees and other woody plants of economic value were established in this area on eroded hillsides. The field work of these studies was done at the Hillculture Experimental Farm at Floris, Iowa.