Showing papers in "Australian Forestry in 1997"
TL;DR: Bauxite mines rehabilitated in the early 1980s in Western Australia have built up substantial fuel loads that may be reduced through prescription burning, which indicated the heterogenous nature of the fuel distribution that led to heterogeneity in fire behaviour.
Abstract: Summary Bauxite mines rehabilitated in the early 1980s in Western Australia have built up substantial fuel loads that may be reduced through prescription burning. Fuel characteristics, vegetation structure and fire behaviour of 11–15 year-old rehabilitated bauxite mines were examined. Fuel loads were high in all pre-burn rehabilitation areas (23.4–35.1 t ha−1) although large ranges in fuel load estimates of sample plots (6.3–49.3 t ha−1) indicated the heterogenous nature of the fuel distribution that led to heterogeneity in fire behaviour. The vegetation structure of the rehabilitated areas differed from that of the native jarrah forest due to a lower proportion of live to dead plant material and the presence of a prominent mid-storey layer composed of dead Acacia plants. This mid-storey layer contributed 45% of the total fuel load and led to increased flame heights and subsequent higher levels of crown scorch regardless of the soil and litter moisture conditions. Seven prescription burns were carried out...
38 citations
TL;DR: The hypothesis that the introduced soil borne fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi causes the death of jarrah trees in south-west Western Australia, has been widely accepted for many years, and data which support or are inconsistent with them are traced.
Abstract: Summary The hypothesis that the introduced soil borne fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi causes the death of jarrah trees in south-west Western Australia, has been widely accepted for many years. Alternative hypotheses which have been given less prominence are that either jarrah deaths are caused by waterlogging alone, or by a combination of waterlogging damage and Phytophthora infection. This paper traces the development of these hypotheses, and details data which support or are inconsistent with them. It also describes a recent study where jarrah deaths are consistent with the trees having been killed by waterlogging. There appear to be several disorders which have been included in the name jarrah dieback: deaths of midand understorey species caused by P. cinnamomi, deaths of groups of jarrah caused by waterlogging, a background mortality of isolated jarrah deaths, and a crown decline of jarrah. On some sites all problems occur together.
28 citations
TL;DR: Hollow-dependent fauna have been identified, as a group, to be vulnerable to the effects of timber harvesting in eucalypt forests and a range of prescriptions applied to mitigate these effects are reviewed.
Abstract: Summary Hollow-dependent fauna have been identified, as a group, to be vulnerable to the effects of timber harvesting in eucalypt forests. Australian forest management agencies apply prescriptions to mitigate these effects on sites harvested for timber. We review the efficacy of these prescriptions with respect to the conservation of eight species of hollow-dependent arboreal marsupial commonly found in forests managed for wood production in eastern Australia. For each species we summarise information on the dimensions of hollows occupied, the diameter of nest trees, whether the species utilises hollows in dead trees, the extent to which resources other than hollows in standing trees are utilised as nest sites, the number of nest trees occupied within the home range, the distance between nest trees utilised by the species and the extent to which the species will co-occupy the nest tree with other species. These data are then compared with a range of prescriptions employed in Australian forests. We draw th...
28 citations
TL;DR: It would appear that spring burns are more favourable than autumn burns to the survival and growth of tree species in rehabilitated areas.
Abstract: Summary The response of fourteen tree species to autumn and spring prescribed burns was assessed in 11 to 13-year-old rehabilitated bauxite mines. Of the 578 trees recorded, 2.8% were killed, a further 14.7% resprouted basally (no resprouts above 2 m) while the remainder resprouted aerially (73.2%) or were not scorched (8.5%). This is indicative of the high tolerance to fire of all species recorded in this study. The most fire tolerant species were Eucalyptus calophylla, E. patens, E. botryiodes and E. maculata. The most susceptible species were E. accedens and E. wandoo. Increased fire tolerance was related to increased bark thickness and larger stem diameter. Rough-barked species were more resistant to fire than smooth-barked species. Tree mortality and the incidence of basal resprouting was higher following autumn burning than spring burning. Based on these findings, it would appear that spring burns are more favourable than autumn burns to the survival and growth of tree species in rehabilitated areas.
26 citations
TL;DR: The contact insecticides carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, fenthion, malathion and pyrethrins, and the microbial insecticide dipel (Bacillus thuringiensis) were tested for effectiveness in controlling the autumn gum moth Mnesampela private on foliage of Eucalyptus globules in north-central Victoria.
Abstract: The contact insecticides carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, fenthion, malathion and pyrethrins, the systemic insecticides dimethoate and omethoate, and the microbial insecticide dipel (Bacillus thuringiensis)...
23 citations
TL;DR: Overall activity levels increased significantly with increasing forest age; this was interpreted as a response to changing forest structure, particularly inter-crown gaps of the primary canopy, and the height difference between the primary and secondary canopies.
Abstract: Summary Ultrasonic detectors were employed during two summers at 22 sites embracing six age-classes of montane ash forest in the Central Highlands, Victoria, to monitor gross levels of insectivorous bat activity, measured as ‘pass’ rate. A range of biophysical factors influenced the level of bat activity. Overall activity levels increased significantly with increasing forest age; this was interpreted as a response to changing forest structure, particularly inter-crown gaps of the primary canopy, and the height difference between the primary and secondary canopies. Activity levels were highest in the 165 year-old stands, easily exceeding activity levels in all other stands. No significant relationship was found between bat activity levels and the proximity of ‘old-growth’ forest, perhaps because few sites were far from old forest.
23 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that despite increasing interest by landholders, industry and government, it cannot be assumed that the benefits of farm forestry will necessarily be delivered to all stakeholders and development needs to be underpinned by adequate analysis of how regional stakeholders, particularly small-scale growers, are to benefit from farm forestry.
Abstract: Summary Farm forestry in Australia is increasingly promoted as a national strategy likely to deliver important benefits in terms of expanding opportunities for commercial wood production, assisting the move to more sustainable agriculture and enhancing regional development. While the benefits from farm forestry are often cited as social, economic and environmental in nature, there is little detailed analysis of the extent of the socio-economic benefits that will flow to regional communities. The authors argue that despite increasing interest by landholders, industry and government, it cannot be assumed that the benefits of farm forestry will necessarily be delivered to all stakeholders. As such, farm forestry development needs to be underpinned by adequate analysis of how regional stakeholders, particularly small-scale growers, are to benefit from farm forestry. In this paper the authors draw upon Australian and international experiences to present what they view as some of the key socio-economic consider...
22 citations
TL;DR: A study in which Immature, Mature and Senescent stages were interpreted from aerial photography, confirming that broad structural development stages can be mapped from API, and that the stages correlate well with the age of the dominant cohort.
Abstract: Summary Even-aged stands of karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) develop through distinct stages of development— Establishment, Juvenile, Immature, Mature and Senescent. This paper describes a study in which Immature, Mature and Senescent stages were interpreted from aerial photography. The age range of these stages was estimated by sampling diameters of dominant trees for which regressions of diameter and age had been established. The stage and age of uneven-aged stands was based on the biologically dominant cohort—the oldest cohort with a crown cover exceeding 25%. The results confirm that broad structural development stages can be mapped from API, and that the stages, defined from stand dynamics and silvicultural characteristics, correlate well with the age of the dominant cohort. Data for stages derived from interpretation and from historical records were combined to produce a map of development stages for the karri dominant forest in the south west of Western Australia. This was part of a broader study to...
19 citations
TL;DR: The age distribution of the kam (Eucalyptus diversicolor) forest of Western Australia was determined from previous mapping of development stages and sampling of stand ages within those stages and an hypothesis is developed to explain the preponderance of mature stands in the present virgin (unlogged) forest.
Abstract: Summary The age distribution of the kam (Eucalyptus diversicolor) forest of Western Australia was determined from previous mapping of development stages and sampling of stand ages within those stages. An hypothesis is developed to explain the preponderance of mature stands in the present virgin (unlogged) forest. Forest age and development stage is projected forward one hundred years using a combination of the planned harvesting regime and assumed natural development processes. Present understorey age has been related to overstorey development stage. The maintenance of forest structure is discussed with emphasis on the issues related to the maintenance of ‘old growth’.
19 citations
TL;DR: The regenerative strategies of understorey flora were assessed following the clearfelling of three coupes in Wet Forest of the Victorian Central Highlands, finding that several resprouting species were amongst the structurally dominant species in surrounding vegetation.
Abstract: Summary While understorey species are assumed to regenerate after logging as they would following a wildfire, little empirical evidence exists to evaluate the claim. The regenerative strategies of understorey flora were assessed following the clearfelling of three coupes in Wet Forest of the Victorian Central Highlands. Vegetation adjacent to the coupes was sampled as an indication of pre-harvest floristics. The majority of regeneration in one-year-old harvested forest was from seed. Few vegetatively resprouting species were recorded after clearfelling, although several resprouting species were amongst the structurally dominant species in surrounding vegetation. These species appear to be vulnerable in a logging operation and may require special protection to preserve community structure.
19 citations
TL;DR: Mixtures with nitrogen-fixing tree species may alleviate the need for N fertilizer in Eucalyptus plantations, but questions remain as to how growth and yield are affected.
Abstract: Summary Mixtures with nitrogen-fixing tree species may alleviate the need for N fertilizer in Eucalyptus plantations, but questions remain as to how growth and yield are affected. In this five-year trial grown at sea level, Eucalyptus grandis was planted alone and in combination with an N-fixing species; either a Leucaena hybrid, Paraserianthes falcataria, or Enterolobium cyclocarpum, by alternating tree types within rows. The N-fixing species were also grown in pure stands. All trees were initially coppiced after the first year and then harvested on one, two and four-year rotations. Mean annual increments (MAI) at one, two and four-year rotations averaged 8.2, 15.6, and 15.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1 total biomass dry matter, respectively. Several mixed plantings equalled or exceeded the pure Eucalyptus plots in yield. Two-year old P. falcataria plots had the highest MAI at 21.6 Mg ha−1 yr−1. Stem diameter (DBH) was the best predictor of tree biomass, and height explained significant additional variation only for leu...
TL;DR: Examination of continuing developments in inter-rotation management of steep-country Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine) plantations in south-east Queensland, Australia finds a number of options for retaining residue on hillslopes during site preparation, and their potential for use in steep- country forestry is assessed.
Abstract: Summary This paper examines continuing developments in inter-rotation management of steep-country Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine) plantations in south-east Queensland, Australia. Current systems for clearfell residue and understorey vegetation management during second rotation site preparation are described, and their deficiencies briefly outlined. A number of options for retaining residue on hillslopes during site preparation are presented, and their potential for use in steep-country forestry, based on preliminary trials, is assessed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential nutritional constraints to the establishment of high-value cabinet timber species on five such north Queensland soils were evaluated in glasshouse nutrient omission experiments with seedlings of Australian red cedar (Toona ciliata M. Roemer).
Abstract: Summary Landscapes that are candidates for rehabilitation with tree species often include soils that are infertile, either inherently or as a result of previous agricultural, logging or mining activities. The potential nutritional constraints to the establishment of high-value cabinet timber species on five such north Queensland soils were evaluated in glasshouse nutrient omission experiments with seedlings of Australian red cedar (Toona ciliata M. Roemer). The soils, collected from sites now considered marginal or uneconomic for agricultural production but which had formerly supported tropical rainforest, were broadly representative of those available for plantation or agroforestry development in the region and differed in both parent materials and previous land-use histories. Within each soil there were marked differences in seedling dry matter production associated with the range of nutrient omission treatments that were imposed. Depending on the soil, single and multiple nutrient deficiencies were ide...
TL;DR: The paper outlines the objectives and aims of the Forest Inventory and Analysis program, which systematically samples approximately 6.5 million photo-points, plus a subsample of 135 000 forested ground plots to obtain estimates of timber and non-timber resources at national, regional, state, and sub-state levels on a seven to 14 year cycle in contiguous USA.
Abstract: Summary The US Forest Service manages 56 million hectares of forest but maintains an inventory of all US forests covering some 295 million hectares - approximately seven times the area of Australia's forests. Its national inventory program - the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program - commenced in 1930 and now systematically samples approximately 6.5 million photo-points, plus a subsample of 135 000 forested ground plots to obtain estimates of timber and non-timber resources at national, regional, state, and sub-state levels on a seven to 14 year cycle in contiguous USA. Grid sampling on air-photos provides data for stratifying cover types and estimating areas. Double sampling on permanent ground plots provides data to determine volumes, growth, mortality, regeneration, structure and other vegetation and habitat values. A related Forest Health Monitoring Program monitors status, changes, and long-term trends in the distributions and health of forest ecosystems. The paper outlines the objectives and ...
TL;DR: The most significant increase in productivity was found in young stands but the advantage declined after age 20, and the superior productivity of R2 stands was generally attributed to better site preparation, seed sources, weed control and fertiliser applications.
Abstract: Summary Productivity of the first and second rotations of Pinus radiata (D. Don) plantations was evaluated at seven sites on four parent rock types in New South Wales. The comparisons were made at ages 11, 14, 18, 19, 20 and 24 years using data from first rotation (RI) and second rotation (R2) stands collected from (1) adjacent compartments, (2) the same compartment and (3) the same plots. The results show no overall decline in the productivity of R2 stands, although there were some fluctuations. Mean dominant height, diameter at breast height, basal area and stand volume of R2 stands were generally greater than those of R1 stands. The mean increases in stand basal area and volume were about 13% and 18% respectively. The most significant increase in productivity was found in young stands but the advantage declined after age 20. The superior productivity of R2 stands was generally attributed to better site preparation, seed sources, weed control and fertiliser applications.
TL;DR: The effect of burning, soil scarification and seeding on 11 to 13-year-old rehabilitated bauxite mines was examined to assist the development of a prescription for increasing establishment of native tree and understorey species.
Abstract: Summary The effect of burning, soil scarification and seeding on 11 to 13-year-old rehabilitated bauxite mines was examined to assist the development of a prescription for increasing establishment of native tree and understorey species. Scarified and non-scarified treatments were investigated following burning in autumn and spring, and in no burn areas. All treatments were seeded with a mix containing jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), the native overstorey dominant, and 37 understorey species. Plant response was measured as the density of all plants, weeds, eastern Australian eucalypts, acacias and jarrah as well as native species numbers and the Shannon-Weiner diversity index. Nearly all of these measures were significantly higher in the burnt compared to the unburnt treatments. Species numbers, total plant density. Acacia density and jarrah density were higher following autumn burning than spring burning. However, the density of eastern Australian eucalypt seedlings was also significantly increased by autu...
TL;DR: Considering its high polyflavanoid content and exceptionally high tannin purity, A. storyi can be regarded as a potential tannIn-producing species.
Abstract: Summary Bark samples were taken from 94 trees of 10 Acacia species from 19 seed lots selected for rapid growth. The yields, Stiasny values and polyflavanoid content of the hot-water extractives were determined. The attributes of the bark of A. storyi trees were found to be very similar to those of A. mearnsii, which has been commercially used for the production of tannin in South Africa and Brazil. Considering its high polyflavanoid content and exceptionally high tannin purity, A. storyi can be regarded as a potential tannin-producing species. Statistical analysis showed that the polyflavanoid content of the bark can be predicted from the extractives yield.
TL;DR: In this article, a brief overview of the former and prevailing capital gains tax (CGT) treatment of the sale of timber harvested on freehold land is provided, in particular the consequences of granting a profit a prendre to harvest the same timber may.
Abstract: Summary This article provides a brief overview of the former and prevailing capital gains tax (CGT) treatment of the sale of timber harvested on freehold land. In particular the consequences of granting a profit a prendre will be discussed. The manner and timing of current disposal of pre-capital gains tax assets is critical to the tax implications for the taxpayer. The sale of trees (acquired pre-CGT) harvested by the landowner and disposed of will not attract CGT, whereas granting a profit a prendre to harvest the same timber may. Under current legislation the proportion of the original purchase price of post-CGT acquired land and trees that is attributable to the trees is included in the cost base of trees subsequently disposed of. This reduces the amount of any capital gains incurred upon the sale of the trees. Accordingly, an initial apportionment of the original purchase price between the land and standing timber may be well advised in order to avoid any future problems at the time of disposal.
TL;DR: In this article, Monte Carlo simulation was used to predict the sample size required to achieve a specified precision of the estimate of residue for nine-sided polygonal (nonagonal) sample lines.
Abstract: Summary Line intersect sampling is applied in various aspects of forest management. One of the more common applications is to estimate the quantity of logging residue remaining on the ground following harvesting operations. The estimate of residue quantity can be used to develop residue models for yield prediction and to monitor harvesting operations to ensure prescribed utilisation levels are achieved. The application of line intersect sampling to quantifying logging residue has not always been as efficient as may be desired. Alternatives to the traditional application of the method have been developed using regular polygons with odd numbers of sides and circular sample lines. These shapes are more robust in overcoming the bias in the orientation of logging residue. Monte Carlo simulation was used to develop a model to predict the sample size required to achieve a specified precision of the estimate of residue for nine-sided polygonal (nonagonal) sample lines. Budget functions derived from time studies o...
TL;DR: The steelblue sawfly, potentially a highly destructive ‘primary’ defoliator in young plantations up to several metres high, is known to attack 16 species of eucalypt, including E. camaldulensis and E. globulus, which are among the favoured species for commercial hardwood plantation programs in Australia.
Abstract: Summary The contact insecticides carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, fenthion, malathion and the Pyrethrins, the systemic insecticides dimethoate and omethoate, and the microbial insecticide dipel (Bacillus thuringiensis), were tested in an irrigated 2.9 year-old eucalypt plantation in north-central Victoria during late May 1996 for effectiveness in controlling the steelblue sawfly (Perga affinis affinis) at concentrations recommended by the manufacturers against a range of target invertebrate pests, and at half and twice those concentrations. The steelblue sawfly, potentially a highly destructive ‘primary’ defoliator in young plantations up to several metres high, is known to attack 16 species of eucalypt, including E. camaldulensis and E. globulus, which are among the favoured species for commercial hardwood plantation programs in Australia. Upper crown foliage is particularly prone to damage between mid-winter and late-spring, although whole trees and entire stands can be stripped of foliage. Significant loss of h...
TL;DR: In this paper, a change in the general philosophy associated with silvicultural practices from simply growing and cutting crops of trees to the creation and perpetuation of key components of stand structure and plant species composition (e.g. large, old hollow-bearing trees and intact thickets of understorey vegetation).
Abstract: Summary Achieving ecologically sustainable forest management will be a major challenge for the forestry profession. In this context, forest managers need to acknowledge that timber production no longer holds primacy in off-reserve areas and other forest values are of equal importance such as the conservation of biodiversity and the production of water. The maintenance of these other values will require a change in the general philosophy associated with silvicultural practices from simply growing and cutting crops of trees to the creation and perpetuation of key components of stand structure and plant species composition (e.g. large, old hollow-bearing trees and intact thickets of understorey vegetation). This may require a shift from conventional logging methods to the development of new and potentially more complex silvicultural systems. Increasing the complexity of forest management should be viewed as a normal part of modern forestry and not a constraint on the profession. Indeed, these challenges repr...
TL;DR: In this article, changes over time in the level and distribution of expenditure on research into forestry and forest products have been estimated for three periods of time - 1985/86, 1989/90 and 1994/95.
Abstract: Summary Changes over time in the level and distribution of expenditure on research into forestry and forest products have been estimated for three periods of time - 1985/86, 1989/90 and 1994/95. During the period from 1985/86 to 1994/95 expenditure increased from $31.89 m in 1985/86 to $45.44 m in 1994/95 for production-oriented forest research and from $ 15.12 m to $20.07 m during the same period for forest products research. When inflation over this nine year period is taken into account, there has been a reduction in real expenditure (in 1994/95 dollars) of $3.6m and $2.6m for forest and forest products research respectively. The fragmentation of effort in organisations undertaking research, together with the diversity of topics being addressed, raises concerns about the effectiveness of expenditure, especially when considered in relation to some other forest growing countries. Probable initial effects will be loss of expertise in some areas, reduced recruitment of young scientists, and deterioration i...
TL;DR: Shelterwood regeneration was tested as an alternative to clearfelling of Eucalyptus regnans dominated forests in southeast Victoria, using two retention levels, 30% and 50% by basal area, with substantial seedling damage attributed to tree felling.
Abstract: Summary Shelterwood regeneration was tested as an alternative to clearfelling of Eucalyptus regnans dominated forests in southeast Victoria, using two retention levels, 30% and 50% by basal area. Removal of the retained trees was carried out 3 years after the regeneration felling. Stocking of regeneration following overwood removal was generally unsatisfactory, particularly in terms of its distribution. Large contiguous unstocked areas (0.35 to 0.7ha) were evident in all treatment units. The sources of seedling damage included tree felling, log preparation and extraction related activities such as snig track construction, log winching and snigging. Where there was soil profile disturbance, usually related to snig track construction, the vegetation was generally destroyed, accounting for much of the reduction in seedling density and stocking. In the remaining area substantial seedling damage was attributed to tree felling. Therefore, while a similar snig track network is necessary regardless of the level o...
TL;DR: An 80 ha plantation of Eucalyptus nitens (Deane and Maiden) Maiden was established on a site which had formerly carried native wet sclerophyll forest and the effects of two operational practices on tree growth were examined.
Abstract: Summary An 80 ha plantation of Eucalyptus nitens (Deane and Maiden) Maiden was established on a site which had formerly carried native wet sclerophyll forest. The plantation was divided into eight blocks of 10 ha and the effects of two operational practices on tree growth were examined. The first practice was clearing into windrows using either an excavator or bulldozer. The second practice was application of nitrogen fertiliser at either 300 kg N ha−1 or 100 kg N ha−1 between planting and age three years. Tree growth was measured annually until age seven years. Application of fertiliser at the higher level increased growth. There were significant differences in volume and volume increment at age three and four years but there were no significant differences by age seven years. Clearing with the excavator also increased growth compared to clearing with the bulldozer but significant differences in diameter were not observed until age six and seven years and in volume increment until age seven years. The re...
TL;DR: In this paper, the major objectives of sustainable plantation management can be defined as: (i) managing hillslopes to maintain site fertility while avoiding a diffuse source of pollutants to watercourses; (ii) protecting water courses from bank and bed instability while maintaining water quality and in-stream values; and (iii) ensuring that the roading system is properly designed, constructed, stabilised and maintained in order to avoid point sources of pollutants.
Abstract: Summary For the purpose of reviewing sustainable plantation management, it is convenient to separate a plantation estate into three components: hillslopes, watercourses and the roading and tracking system, as these are routinely demarcated and separately managed. Within this context, the major objectives of sustainable plantation management can be defined as: (i) managing hillslopes to maintain site fertility while avoiding a diffuse source of pollutants to watercourses; (ii) protecting watercourses from bank and bed instability while maintaining water quality and in-stream values; and (iii) ensuring that the roading system is properly designed, constructed, stabilised and maintained in order to avoid point sources of pollutants. This paper is specifically concerned with assessing how well the first two of these are achieved in Queensland Department of Primary Industries-Forestry (QDPI-F) Pinus plantations. Practices for protecting hillslopes are evaluated in terms of avoiding excessive compaction, deplet...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the effect of increasing buffer width on the loss of land and loggable resource caused by increasing buffer strip widths on the 65 km Tarago Catchment in southern Australia.
Abstract: Summary The loss of land and loggable resource caused by increasing buffer strip widths was examined on the 65 km Tarago Catchment in southern Australia. Forty randomly-located hypothetical logging coupe envelopes were generated. Each logging coupe had stream buffers of 5m, 7.5m, 10m, 20m, 30m, 50m, 100m, 150m, 200m, and 250m generated to define the loggable areas. The area of the coupe and the extent of the forest type within the coupe was then computed using a geographic information system. The forest type areas were multiplied by stem volume per hectare, and the appropriate selling price was used to calculate the current value of the available crop. As buffer width increased both the coupe area and coupe value rapidly decreased. Typically 50% of the loggable land area was removed by a 90 metre buffer, while 50% of the commercial value was removed by an 85m buffer, reflecting a tendency for the more valuable forest tracts to occur closer to the stream. The effect of increasing buffer widths on individua...
TL;DR: New data on the distribution and biology of Arhopalus syriacus (Reitter) in Australia is presented and knowledge of its biology expanded.
Abstract: Summary New data on the distribution and biology of Arhopalus syriacus (Reitter) in Australia is presented. A. syriacus probably entered Australia via Sydney during the 1950s and has since spread to various locations on the central and mid-north coasts of New South Wales. There are no records of A. syriacus from other States. A. syriacus from Australia, both male and female, are illustrated for the first time and knowledge of its biology expanded. The potential economic significance to Pinus in Australia is discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential of newly planted radiata pine to respond to nitrogen fertilizer applied at the time of planting was evaluated in four experimental areas near Mount Gambier for three consecutive years.
Abstract: Summary Four experimental areas near Mount Gambier were established each year for three consecutive years. Choice of twelve sites within these areas was based on the potential of newly planted radiata pine to respond to nitrogen fertilizer applied at the time of planting. Key soil and foliage chemicals were monitored along with cumulative rainfall at each site. Tree growth was measured annually. Results showed that there was no correlation between tree growth and any of the initial soil chemical values. Bracken fern inhibited tree growth on two sites and sand blasting damaged trees on a third. Regressions for growth vs cumulative rainfall showed there was a strong relationship between growth and total rainfall, with the two inland areas being significantly more productive. The four slopes of the linear plots of the regressions of growth vs cumulative rainfall were not significantly different. Application of nitrogen fertilizer provided no economic growth responses up to age 4 years. Only one area responde...