Showing papers in "Australian Forestry in 1984"
TL;DR: The most important causes of house destruction were found to be fires originating in roofs, or in nearby structures such as garden sheds, and about 44 per cent of those who fled might expect to lose their houses.
Abstract: Summary Results from a detailed study of the bushfire on 16 February 1983 at Mount Macedon, Victoria, suggest that able-bodied residents who are threatened by a bushfire should remain in their houses. Their chances of surviving are excellent, and 90 per cent can expect to save their houses. Evacuation is a potentially more perilous alternative for residents, and about 44 per cent of those who flee might expect to lose their houses. Provision should however be made to evacuate disabled or infirm persons and the residents of houses that are surrounded by exceptionally high fuel loads. The most important causes of house destruction were found to be fires originating in roofs, or in nearby structures such as garden sheds.
55 citations
TL;DR: Physical and chemical properties of litter and soil of two adjacent stands of high quality jarrah forest, one unburned since 1937, the other burned periodically during the past 40 years and last burned in Spring 1981, were compared in 1982 and 1983.
Abstract: Summary Physical and chemical properties of litter and soil of two adjacent stands of high quality jarrah forest, one unburned since 1937, the other burned periodically during the past 40 years and last burned in Spring 1981, were compared in 1982 and 1983. Sampling of the larger elements of the invertebrate fauna was by litter and soil coring and pitfall-trapping three times during 1983. Most of the soil properties studied had higher values in the burned stand, suggesting that repeated low intensity fires do not deplete jarrah forest soils of nutrients. Periodic low intensity fires had little impact on the frequency of occurrence or capture of the invertebrate fauna studied.
38 citations
TL;DR: The fungus appears to be the most widespread and destructive root-rot pathogen of hoop pine and control is required on some forest areas and information on the field biology of the pathogen is reported.
Abstract: Summary A causal relationship between Phellinus noxius and root-rot of Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine) has been established by means of laboratory and field experiments. Current information on the field biology of the pathogen, and the symptomatology, distribution and impact of the disease in hoop pine plantations in Queensland is reported. While the role of spores in the spread of the fungus is equivocal, local transmission of the disease is by root contact between a healthy tree and a source of infection. The fungus appears to be the most widespread and destructive root-rot pathogen of hoop pine and control is required on some forest areas.
31 citations
TL;DR: Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) was the most successful of 22 species planted in terms of both survival and height growth in a field trial of growing trees on salt-affected land.
Abstract: A field trial has been established near Kerang, in north-central Victoria, to provide information on methods and effects of growing trees on salt-affected land. The experimental site comprised a sa...
26 citations
TL;DR: Estimation of tree age in various species along the east coast of Australia is made difficult by the lack of identifiable annual growth rings in stem wood and this creates problems in studying long term forest dynamics.
Abstract: Summary Estimation of tree age in various species along the east coast of Australia is made difficult by the lack of identifiable annual growth rings in stem wood and this creates problems in studying long term forest dynamics. It is possible to use radiocarbon dating to obtain general information for this purpose. In an area on the north coast of New South Wales where three forest types, were in close proximity, individuals of Eucalyptus pilularis (blackbutt) were found to be about 100 years old, Tristania conferta (brushbox) between 100 and 1340 years old and subtropical rainforest was between 100 and 880 years old. From these data, together with that from dating of soil charcoal, the frequency of fire (with sufficient severity to result in the production of charcoal) was estimated to be 300 years in the blackbutt forest, 300–400 years in the brushbox forest and in excess of 1000 years in the rainforest. Although only a few results are available, they indicate the potential of radiocarbon dating for use...
24 citations
TL;DR: From 1979 to 1982 in north-eastern Victoria, interactions between the European tree-killing wood wasp Sirex noctilio, the parasitic nematode Deladenus siricidicola, and the parasitoids Ibalia leucospoides and Megarhyssa nortoni nortoni were studied within the sapwood of Pinus radiata trap trees treated with 20% dicamba herbicide.
Abstract: From 1979 to 1982 in north-eastern Victoria, interactions between the European tree-killing wood wasp Sirex noctilio, the parasitic nematode Deladenus siricidicola, and the parasitoids Ibalia leuco...
21 citations
TL;DR: The main effect of damage by P. adamsoni was excessive centre defect resulting in downgrading of potential sawlog to pulpwood or waste and its effect on log quality were investigated in coastal lowland eucalypt forests in eastern Tasmania.
Abstract: Summary Damage caused by Porotermes adamsoni and its effect on log quality were investigated in coastal lowland eucalypt forests in eastern Tasmania. In two study areas, 60 per cent and 43 per cent of trees sampled had been damaged by P. adamsoni. All eucalypt species (6) were attacked and there was no significant difference between species in the proportion of trees so affected. The incidence of damage increased directly with diameter class and 90 per cent of trees over 105 cm stump diameter were found to be affected. The pattern of damage within attacked trees is described. The main effect of damage by P. adamsoni was excessive centre defect (‘pipe’ in the heart of the tree, with concentrically arranged galleries, sometimes associated with decay) resulting in downgrading of potential sawlog to pulpwood or waste. Sixty per cent of assessed sawlogs were rejected after cutting due to excessive defect and 43 per cent of all potential pulpwood logs were graded as optional pulpwood.
18 citations
TL;DR: Mulching the litter and logging residue retained in situ as a mulch has several beneficial aspects that can assist in maintaining the productivity of radiata pine plantations on sandy soils in the Mt Gambier region of southern Australia.
Abstract: Summary Litter and logging residue retained in situ as a mulch has several beneficial aspects that can assist in maintaining the productivity of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) plantations on sandy soils in the Mt Gambier region of southern Australia. These benefits include the conservation of soil moisture, conservation of nutrients, protection of soil, and provision of a more favourable environment for root development in the surface soil horizons. The maintenance of site fertility by the addition of fertilisers is discussed and compared in both ‘burn’ and ‘non-burn’ situations. Mulching the litter and logging residue is operationally feasible and is an option that should be considered by plantation managers when re-establishing radiata pine, particularly on soils of low to moderate fertility.
15 citations
TL;DR: Early height growth of mixed eucalypt species regeneration established by clearfall, burn and sow treatments at four locations taking in a range of different forest sites in eastern and north-eastern Tasmania has been compared with that of natural regeneration on adjoining areas which were clearfelled at the same time but not burnt.
Abstract: Summary Early height growth of mixed eucalypt species regeneration established by clearfall, burn and sow treatments at four locations taking in a range of different forest sites in eastern and north-eastern Tasmania has been compared with that of natural regeneration on adjoining areas which were clearfelled at the same time but not burnt. The natural regeneration was of various origins but was generally still quite small at the time of the burn and sow treatments, which it pre-dated by up to 12 years. Height has been measured several times at each site during the period 2–10 years post-burn. On two relatively wet sites (approximately 1250 mm and 1000 mm mean annual rainfall) the burn and sow treatments produced significantly faster early height growth than the unburnt treatments, but on the two drier sites (approximately 850 mm and 800 mm mean annual rainfall) growth rates did not differ significantly between treatments. On the drier sites the unburnt treatment allowed vigorous coppice shoots to establi...
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that windrow raking of logging slash and litter before replanting was likely to have a greater effect on site nutrient capital than broadcast burning, since very large quantities are contained in the mineral soil.
Abstract: Summary After clearfeliing and removal of sawlogs and waste wood from a 33-year-old crop of radiata pine, a site on the central tablelands of New South Wales contained an estimated 222 kg ha ' of nitrogen in above-ground litter and logging slash, and 8746 kg ha−1 in the soil. Broadcast burning of the litter and slash removed 139 kg ha−1 of nitrogen, but had no measurable effect on the organic matter content of the soil. Hand raking removed 212 kg ha−1 of nitrogen from the litter and slash, as well as approximately 1 cm of topsoil, containing at least 124 kg ha−1 nitrogen. It was concluded that on this site the commonly used technique of windrow raking of logging slash and litter before replanting was likely to have a greater effect on site nutrient capital than broadcast burning. Neither practice had an appreciable impact on total site reserves of nitrogen, since very large quantities are contained in the mineral soil. However, since little is known of the availability of these soil reserves to the replan...
11 citations
TL;DR: Five aspects which must be considered when planning an aerial photographic mission to map mechanical hail damage of pine plantations per se or the subsequent dieback due to infection by Diplodea pinea are presented.
Abstract: Summary A brief discussion is presented of five aspects which must be considered when planning an aerial photographic mission to map mechanical hail damage of pine plantations per se or the subsequent dieback due to infection by Diplodea pinea. These are the timing of photography, the film, scale and format to be used and the likely costs. A number of recommendations are made which will enable forest managers to prescribe a suitable aerial survey of any particular damage event.
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive assessment of the nature and incidence of damage caused by wind, snow and hail storms in Australian plantations of pines, mainly Pinus radiata, is presented.
Abstract: Summary From Australia-wide surveys, forestry records and studies of major events of storm damage, a first comprehensive assessment is presented of the nature and incidence of damage caused by wind, snow and hail storms in Australian plantations of pines, mainly Pinus radiata. The main types of damage by wind and snow are the uprooting of trees, the tilting of saplings and trees and the bending or breakage of stems and branches. Wind may also abrade and strip the foliage or desiccate the crowns. The physical impact of hailstones damages the bark and cambium on limbs and the upper trunk, and detaches foliage and foliar shoots. This is sometimes followed by dieback of the crown and even death of trees, usually associated with infection by Diplodia pinea. Meteorological records indicate that potentially damaging wind and hail storms have occurred in all Australian plantation areas, but damaging snow storms have been confined to the southeastern highlands. During the 1970s, storms severely damaged at least 90...
TL;DR: Nitrogen fertiliser increased the root/shoot ratio of slash pine with a consequent improvement in windfirmness and was confirmed by excavations of exotic pines at other locations on the Queensland coastal lowlands.
Abstract: Summary A trial testing the effect of ripping and nitrogen fertiliser (in the presence of cultivation and phosphorus fertiliser) on the growth of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) was sited on a shallow soil on the coastal lowlands of Queensland. Ripping was shown to have no significant effect (additional to that of ploughing and mounding) on the survival, growth or windfirmness of slash pine on this soil type. Nitrogen fertiliser (in the presence of phosphorus) gave an early stimulus to height growth, but had no effect on survival, diameter or basal area. Contrary to other studies, nitrogen fertiliser increased the root/shoot (weight) ratio of slash pine with a consequent improvement in windfirmness. This increase in root/shoot (weight) ratios was confirmed by excavations of exotic pines at other locations on the Queensland coastal lowlands.
TL;DR: In this article, the use of explosives to fell eucalypt stags (dead trees) was tested in week-long trials in each of two forest locations and two techniques of placement of explosives (keyhole and understump) and two types of explosives(gelignite and ANFO) were found to be satisfactory alternatives to the normal procedure of felling stags by chainsaw or pushing them over with a tractor equipped with a blade or tree pusher.
Abstract: Summary The use of explosives to fell eucalypt stags (dead trees) was tested in week-long trials in each of two forest locations. Two techniques of placement of explosives (keyhole and understump) and two types of explosives (gelignite and ANFO) were found to be satisfactory alternatives to the normal procedure of felling stags by chainsaw or pushing them over with a tractor equipped with a blade or tree pusher. Explosives had the advantage that a man is not at the base of the stag when it falls.
TL;DR: It is suggested large scale clonal plantations of radiata pine are now possible and a new technique for mass propagation of cuttings of the species described is described.
Abstract: Summary The advantages of vegetative propagation of forest trees are discussed. The history of the development of such techniques with radiata pine (Pinus radiata) is outlined and a new technique for mass propagation of cuttings of the species described. It is suggested large scale clonal plantations of this species are now possible.
TL;DR: Except for vigorous young (<6 yr) plants, all classes of trees were susceptible to the dieback, largely irrespective of dominance, vigour, and dominance associated with infection by Diplodia pinea.
Abstract: Summary From data gathered on twenty hailstorms which severely damaged pine plantations in various parts of Australia during the past decade, and from a review of the literature, an analysis is presented of the nature and effects of hail damage on Pinus radiata and Pinus elliottii. Meterorological data from Australia indicate that plantations in this country are likely to experience about two physically damaging hailstorms per 35-year rotation, and scars left by the impact of hailstones tend to confirm this. Hailstones knocked needle fascicles and thin shoots off the trees and thus caused up to 70% defoliation. They also killed 1–4 cm wide patches of bark and cambium where the bark was thin, i.e. on limbs, and the top 6–12 m of the stem. More serious damage resulted when these physical injuries were followed by shoot dieback associated with infection by Diplodia pinea. Except for vigorous young (<6 yr) plants, all classes of trees were susceptible to the dieback, largely irrespective of dominance, vigour,...
TL;DR: In this paper, the main expenditure was on the control of grasses on second rotation sites in New Zealand, and acacias and eucalypts on cleared native forest sites in Australia.
Abstract: Summary Forestry organisations in Australia and New Zealand were canvassed for their use of weedicides in planted coniferous forests. The main expenditure was on the control of grasses on second rotation sites in New Zealand, and acacias and eucalypts on cleared native forest sites in Australia. Aerial application predominated in New Zealand where weed control costs were 1.7 times those in Australia (1983 A$ values). Non-woody weeds had a mean treatment productivity (ha man−1d−1) some 2.5 times higher than woody weeds, but high variation in treatment costs resulted in no difference between mean treatment costs for woody and non-woody weeds. Twenty chemical formulations in 46 prescriptions and six application methods were used to control only 20 weed groups. Six of the chemicals and mixtures were applied over most (78%) of the surveyed area with 78% of the expenditure. 2,4,5-T alone and in mixtures was applied to 40% of the area, and 79% of organisations were testing alternatives to 2,4,5-T. Other prominen...
TL;DR: In this paper, an alternative "hygienic" logging system has been developed, which involves eight overlapping steps, each designed to cover for a hygiene failure at some point in the system.
Abstract: Summary Timber harvesting by conventional logging methods threatens other land-use values in the northern jarrah forest, as it can spread jarrah dieback disease An alternative “hygienic” logging system has been developed This involves eight overlapping steps, each designed to cover for a hygiene failure at some point in the system After three years of operational trials, the system offers promise in the control of disease spread by logging Other aspects, and in particular, cost-effectiveness, need further evaluation Even so, the new techniques are now in widespread use throughout the northern jarrah forest
TL;DR: It is unlikely that marketable round posts can be produced from trees of this species grown under such conditions, but measurements of maximum load and modulus of rupture showed that strength properties were sufficiently high for posts of these two eucalypt species to meet any strength requirements for fencing.
Abstract: Summary Round posts and wood samples from fast-grown planted trees, irrigated with sewage effluent, only five years of age, at Mildura, Victoria, were tested for basic density, strength properties and preservative absorption. The full range of tests were made with Eucalyptus grandis (flooded gum) and E. botryoides (southern mahogany), whereas only density measurements could be carried out on Casuarina cunninghamiana (river she-oak) because of severe splitting of the post sections on drying. It is unlikely that marketable round posts can be produced from trees of this species grown under such conditions. The proportion of sapwood in trees of all three species was found to be high, and density values were considerably lower than those for the heartwood of butt logs from mature trees of the same species. However, measurements of maximum load and modulus of rupture showed that strength properties were sufficiently high for posts of these two eucalypt species to meet any strength requirements for fencing. The ...
TL;DR: A newly established commercial nursery of Pinus radiata was successfully inoculated with the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizopogon luteolus by spraying a suspension of basidiospores onto the soil prior to sowing.
Abstract: Summary A newly established commercial nursery of Pinus radiata was successfully inoculated with the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizopogon luteolus by spraying a suspension of basidiospores onto the soil prior to sowing. The inoculation increased mycorrhizal infection and probably seedling height growth in non-fumigated soil. The technique may have wider application.
TL;DR: The basal area increment of trees in two stands of Eucalyptus obliqua L'Herit in central Victoria was studied for periods of 7–8 years after wildfire and there was an appreciable temporary reduction in b.a.i. only in stems receiving more than 50% crown scorch.
Abstract: Summary The basal area increment (b.a.i.) of trees in two stands of Eucalyptus obliqua L'Herit. (messmate stringybark) in central Victoria was studied for periods of 7–8 years after wildfire. There was an appreciable temporary reduction in b.a.i. only in stems receiving more than 50% crown scorch. These stems resumed normal increment within three to four years of the fire, this being coincident with full restoration of foliage.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of two case studies covering regrowth dieback in Tasmania and jarrah disease in Western Australia illustrates the importance of these factors on detection, evaluation and mapping.
Abstract: Summary Aerial photography has significant potential for detecting and monitoring expressions of disease and effectiveness of controls, but results vary for different symptoms and choice of camera, film, scale and lighting conditions. A review of two case studies covering regrowth dieback in Tasmania and jarrah dieback in Western Australia illustrates the importance of these factors on detection, evaluation and mapping.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review is given of Australian publications in the discipline of economics that have borne on several forestry planning issues, including regional land use, forest growing, forest harvesting and marketing, forest recreation, forest environment protection, and agroforestry.
Abstract: Summary A review is given of Australian publications in the discipline of economics (widely defined) that have borne on several forestry planning issues. These include: regional land use, forest growing, forest harvesting and marketing, forest recreation, forest environment protection, and agroforestry. National and State forest policy issues, including trade and ownership policies, are also touched upon. The studies are found at the least to have provided information which either potentially or actually ‘improved’ the outcome of the canvassed issues. The notion of what constitutes an ‘improvement’ is discussed. Some possible reasons are given for the potential contributions having been effective or otherwise in this context. Suggestions are made as to the forestry planning issues where further economic studies might lead to improved outcomes.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine concepts of comprehensive strategic land-use planning and implications for foresters with particular reference to the preparation of strategic land use policies for public lands in the State of Victoria.
Abstract: Summary Victoria's first Act directed to comprehensive land-use planning was the Town and Country Planning Act of 1944, which covered detailed planning through optional powers for local authorities. Amendments in 1949 and 1968 provided respectively for better co-ordination of Melbourne's planning and the preparation of comprehensive state strategic land-use policies, called Statements of Planning Policy. A new Act, the Land Conservation Act 1970, provided more explicitly for comprehensive strategic planning on public lands. Statements of Planning Policy were intended to serve three major purposes: to assist Government to co-ordinate land-use planning throughout the State; to provide guidelines for State, regional and municipal land-use planning and management authorities; and to safeguard State interests in the conservation and development of localised resources. The paper examines concepts of comprehensive strategic land-use planning and implications for foresters with particular reference to the prepara...
TL;DR: The locations of 92 major publicly and privately owned conifer and eucalypt plantation sites are shown, which account for over 80 per cent of the total plantation area in Australia.
Abstract: Summary The locations of 92 major publicly and privately owned conifer and eucalypt plantation sites are shown. These forests account for over 80 per cent of the total plantation area in Australia. Names of the forests, names of major species grown and areas planted are tabulated for each site. The significance of the sites shown is discussed briefly in relation to total areas of plantations at the territory/state and national levels.
TL;DR: In this article, financial accounts of the Tasmanian Forestry Commission for native forest operations 1953/54 to 1981/82 are presented and expenditures are reallocated between operations, recreation and wildlife conservation.
Abstract: Summary Multiple-use management of Crown forests in Tasmania is implemented by zoning. State forests must provide a range of benefits and the Forestry Commission should apportion significant costs between users. Each use must be satisfied in a way that ensures its continuance and resulting costs debited to that use. Financial accounts of the Tasmanian Forestry Commission for native forest operations 1953/54 to 1981/82 are presented and expenditures are re-allocated between operations, recreation and wildlife conservation. The Commission's receipts include royalties, fees and subsidies from Tasmania's consolidated revenue. In the four years to June 1982 the general taxpayer provided sixteen percent of total receipts from consolidated revenue, which was about twice the estimated cost of the provisions for recreation and wildlife conservation. Thus the “public” paid for non-wood expenditures and made a contribution to meeting losses incurred in wood production.
TL;DR: Costs and returns at 1980/81 prices and yield data were obtained for 41 plots, aged 24-81 years, of even-aged high quality Eucalyptus regnans/E. obliqua forest in southern Tasmania as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Costs and returns at 1980/81 prices and yield data were obtained for 41 plots, aged 24–81 years, of even-aged high quality Eucalyptus regnans/E. obliqua forest in southern Tasmania. The present val...
TL;DR: Two kinds of environmental constraints on the forestry and wood manufacturing sectors are defined: ‘land use’ constraints and ‘production” constraints.
Abstract: Summary Two kinds of environmental constraints on the forestry and wood manufacturing sectors are defined: ‘land use’ constraints and ‘production’ constraints. The recent effects of these constraints on the two sectors are described with reference to the State of Victoria. Prognoses are given in general terms as to the likely future severity of these constraints.