regional profile series region 6: north, south and central ...20qld... · silviculture 591/1. 30...

Hardwoods Queensland www.dpi.qld.gov.au/hardwoodsqld/ High quality, marketable plantation hardwoods grown in 25 year rotations.

Regional Profile series A regional perspective for hardwood plantation growers in Queensland.

Region 6: North, South and Central Burnett. Revision 2 August 2002

QUEENSLAND FORESTRY RE

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Hardwoods Queensland Regional profile series

Region 6: north, south and central Burnett August 2002

Contents Page Regional profiles: A regional perspective for hardwood plantation growers in 2 Queensland. Region 6. Burnett (north, south, central) 6 • Best potential hardwood species 6 • Regional characteristics with an impact on plantation establishment. 6 • Impact of soil type variation on hardwood species performance 7 • Management considerations specific to this region 10 Assessing the performance of 18 hardwood species / provenances on a black soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 586/1. 13 Testing the effectiveness of cultivation, weed control and fertiliser on early growth of two hardwood tree species. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: 17 Silviculture 587/1. Assessing the performance of 15 hardwood species / provenances on a red soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 589/1. 22 Assessing the performance of 18 hardwood species / provenances on a brown soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 590/1 26 Testing the effectiveness of cultivation, weed control and fertiliser on the early growth of two hardwood tree species. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Silviculture 591/1. 30 Assessing the performance of 19 hardwood species / provenances on a brown soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 592/1. 36 Assessing the performance of 19 hardwood species / provenances on a red soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 593/1. 40

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries, Queensland, has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.

© The State of Queensland Department of Primary Industries, 2002 Revised August 2002 Produced by: Queensland Forestry Research Institute, Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences

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Regional profiles: A regional perspective for hardwood plantation growers in Queensland.

G. Dickinson, D. Lee, J. Huth and S. House Queensland Forestry Research Institute

Hardwoods Queensland’s research and development strategy recognises that regions within the state differ with respect to soils and site conditions, land use history and industry infrastructure, and that this will have consequences for the development of a private hardwood plantation industry. Different regions in Queensland may require different solutions to successful, hardwood plantation development. Field trials testing the performance of many hardwood taxa, silvicultural methods and tolerance to pests and disease have been established in 10 Hardwood Regions across the state. The Regions have characteristic rainfall regimes and their borders are formed by recognisable catchment boundaries.

Hardwoods Regions in Queensland (map) Hardwood Region Region boundary Rainfall zones: mean

annual rainfall (mm) 1 North Qld – Wet Tropics North Qld – Wet Tropics >1200 mm 2 North Qld – Dry tropics North Qld – Dry tropics 700-1200 mm 3 Mackay coast and hinterland Mackay coast and hinterland >1200 mm 4 Central Queensland - Coastal Rockhampton to Gympie >900 mm 5 Central Queensland - Inland Fitzroy/Dawson Valley 600-900 mm 6 Burnett Burnett South, North and

Central 600-900 mm

7 Sunshine Coast Gympie to Brisbane >1100 mm 8 Moreton Lockyer/Brisbane/Logan

Valleys 800 -1100 mm

9 Downs Eastern/Darling Downs (inc. Warwick and Dalby)

600-800 mm

10 Northern NSW Northern/Central coast & New England Tableland

> 600 mm

This series of Regional Profiles brings summaries of current knowledge gleaned from recent Hardwoods Queensland research to plantation growers. Each profile describes the climatic characteristics, soil types and industry status for that region. Hardwood taxa with the best potential for solid wood products, pulp or difficult sites generally across the region are predicted. Species with the best growth potential on specific soil types are also suggested, using summaries of research showing the impact of soil type and site conditions on the early growth of a range of taxa. These conclusions are supported by a series Research Updates, succinct summaries of the latest measurements made in individual field trials. Any special management considerations for the region are also given and the information is updated as new results become available.

Queensland Forestry Research Institute Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences

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Regional Profile series - status Region Published 1 North Qld – Wet Tropics 2 North Qld – Dry tropics 3 Mackay coast and hinterland 4 Central Queensland - Coastal * 5 Central Queensland - Inland 6 Burnett * 7 Sunshine Coast 8 Moreton 9 Downs 10 Northern NSW Research Update series – status

Research update

Region Topic Published

Species 586/1 6 Performance of 18 hardwood species/ provenances on a black soil type

*

Silviculture 587/1

6 The effectiveness of cultivation, weed control and fertiliser on the early growth of two hardwood tree species.

*

Species 589/1 6 Performance of 15 hardwood species/ provenances on a red soil type

*

Species 590/1 6 Performance of 18 hardwood species/ provenances on a brown soil type

*

Silviculture 591/1

6 The effectiveness of cultivation, weed control and fertiliser on the early growth of two hardwood tree species.

*

Species 592/1 6 Performance of 19 hardwood species/ provenances on a brown soil type

*

Species 593/1 6 Performance of 19 hardwood species/ provenances on a black red type

*

*also available at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/hardwoodsqld/


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http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/hardwoodsqld/



Hardwood Regions in Queensland - map


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Region 6: north, south and central Burnett. Region 6 Burnett (north, south, central) Rainfall 600–900 mm Boundaries: Burnett river catchment <900 mm

Geology and land forms

The region is a complex mixture of metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks. Large areas of granite outcrops occur throughout the region as steep scarps and rolling hills. Basalts are prominent in the south, with smaller occurrences in the north. Alluvial and consolidated sediments occur in well-defined basins associated with the major creeks and rivers.

Major soil types

Ferrosols (Krasnozems), Vertosols (Black Earths), Dermosols (Prairie soils), Kandosols (Earths), Sodosols/Chromosols (Duplex soils).

Research in this region is focussed on developing hardwood plantation technologies appropriate for areas with low rainfall and high elevation. QFRI’s research is testing the adaptability and plantation potential of many species and hybrids, silvicultural trials including site preparation, weed control, spacing, nutrition and stand management. Best potential hardwood species Solid wood

products Pulp Difficult sites

Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata – CCV (spotted gum) *

*

*

Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora – CCC (spotted gum) *

*

*

E. argophloia (western white gum) *

* E. cloeziana (Gympie messmate)

*

E. dunnii (Dunn’s white gum) *

*

E. longirostrata (grey gum) *

*

*

E. globulus subsp. maidenii – EGM (southern blue gum) *

E. moluccana (grey box) *

eucalypt hybrids *

*

*

E. drepanophylla (grey ironbark) *

* Regional characteristics with an impact on plantation establishment.

Climate

• Mean annual rainfall varies between 650 and 900 mm, which is well below the considered optimum (>1000 mm per year) for high plantation yields. Rainfall events are highly seasonal, with 70% of the yearly total falling between November and April. Annual rainfall variability is also high, with a number of severe droughts experienced throughout this region over the past 25 years. The average annual RH% (3 pm) at Monto is 45%.

• Pan evaporation at both the Kingaroy and Monto meteorological stations averages

1600 mm/year (4.4 mm/day), which is far greater than the average annual rainfall.


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• Elevation varies between 100 and 500 m, which will influence minimum and maximum

temperatures with consequences for tree evapo-transpiration rates on individual sites.

• Frosts are common throughout this region particularly in elevated areas, with average frosts per year varying between sites (e.g. Kingaroy: 30, Monto: 21 and Gayndah: 12).

Soils

• Good ex-agricultural soils are available for plantation establishment in this region. These include Ferrosols (e.g. Krasnozems), Kandosols (e.g. Red Earths) and Vertosols (e.g. Black Earths). Poorer soil types such as highly weathered duplex soils (e.g. Chromosols and Sodosols) are found in pastoral areas.

• Shallow, non-saline aquifers are common on the red soils (Ferrosols) in the southern

Burnett, and may potentially supply up to the equivalent of 200 mm additional rainfall per year, if at a depth which can be accessed by tree roots.

• Soil salinity is an emerging problem, particularly in the southern Burnett, with increasing

degradation occurring in the low lying areas of susceptible heavily-cleared stream catchments.

Industry

• Timber processing infrastructure is well established and distributed throughout the region as

a result of a long history of commercial native forest harvesting. Many of the species traditionally harvested from native forests are also those with the highest potential for establishment as hardwood plantations.

• As a result of declining traditional primary industries (e.g. dairying, agricultural crops), the

region is characterised by a high availability of good quality plantation lands, at costs considerably lower than adjacent coastal areas.

Impact of soil type variation on hardwood species performance This table gives an indication of the impact of variation in soil type on species with plantation potential in HQ Region 6 (north, south, central Burnett). The information is compiled from early research results, which compared the productivity of different hardwood species and provenances across a range of sites. Species not included have undefined potential.


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CCC: Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora, CCV: Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata, and EGM: Eucalyptus globulus subsp. maidenii 1. Uniform / gradational texture soils

Vertosols (e.g. Black Earths, Grey Clays)

Characteristics Well structured, clay soils with surface cracking and self-mulching properties. Derived from alluvial and colluvial deposits.

E. argophloia

Best long-term prospect. Good survival (very high drought and frost tolerance), but slow growth to age two years. Height growth in three trials at age two years near Monto, ranges from 3.5 to 3.9 m. See Research Updates: 586, 587, 591. Species with

good potential

E. moluccana

Good survival (very high drought and frost tolerance), but prone to multi-stemming and poor straightness to age two years. Height growth in a trial at age two years near Monto, ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 m. See Research Update: 586.

CCC, CCV

Minimal frost tolerance resulting in low survival (<80%) and poor form in a trial at age two years near Monto. Also appears poorly suited to a surface–cracking, poorer drained soil type. See Research Update: 586.

Species with poor potential

E. cloeziana Very poor survival due to frost and poor adaptation to this soil type.

Dermosols (e.g. Prairie soils)

Characteristics Well-structured soils, without cracking or self-mulching properties. Occur on mid to lower slopes adjacent to plateau remnants and occasionally on alluvial plains.

CCC, CCV

Where frost is minimal, growth is good. Height growth in a trial at age two years near Monto ranges from 3.0 to 3.8 m for CCC and from 3.5 to 4.9 m for CCV. See Research Update: 590. Species with

good potential

E. longirostrata

Where frost is minimal, growth is good. Height growth in one trial at age two years near Monto, ranges from 3.6 to 3.8 m. See Research Update: 590.

Species with poor potential E. cloeziana

This species is intolerant of mild frosts, droughts and occasional waterlogging, which often occur on these soils, as they are primarily located in the mid- to lower slopes.


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Ferrosols (e.g. Krasnozems)

Characteristics Well structured, red soils, with >5% free oxide content. Well drained and often deep and highly fertile. Occur on the crests, upper, mid- and lower slopes of plateau remnants.

CCC, CCV

Best long-term prospect on this soil type throughout the Burnett. Good early height growth (7 m) and drought tolerance with high survival (>80%) to age three years in a trial near Mundubbera. See Research Update: 590.

E. longirostrata

Good early growth and survival on sites near Mundubbera and Kingaroy.

E. cloeziana

Moderate height growth (5.5 m) and survival (80%) on sites at Mundubbera at age three years. Maybe susceptible to drought in the longer term. See Research Update: 590.

EGM, E. dunnii

Moderate early survival and growth rate, although may be susceptible to drought in the longer term. Seem to perform best in the southern Burnett areas. See Research Update: 589.

Species with good potential

Eucalypt hybrids

High variability within survival and insect/disease susceptibility of different hybrid combinations. Some combinations have however shown excellent growth at an early age. Future trial performance needs to be carefully monitored.

Species with poor potential E. moluccana

Does not seem well suited to this soil type and relative growth as compared to other species is very poor.

Kandosols (e.g. Red and Yellow Earths)

Characteristics Poorly structured or massive soils with a clay composition >15 % (i.e. not sandy). Well drained and often fertile. Occur on upper slopes and crests of plateau remnants.

CCC, CCV

Best long-term prospect on this soil type throughout the Burnett. Good early height growth (4.8–5.8 m) and drought tolerance with high survival (>85%) to age two years in a trial near Monto. See Research Update: 593.

E. longirostrata Good early height growth (5.3–5.8 m) and survival (>88%) to age two years on a site near Monto. See Research Update: 593

E. dunnii

Moderate early height growth (7.0 m) and survival (>90%) to age two years on a site near Monto, however maybe be susceptible to drought in the longer term. See Research Update: 593


Eucalypt hybrids

High variability within survival and insect/disease susceptibility of different hybrid combinations. Some combinations have however shown excellent growth (5.0–6.1 m) to age two years on a site near Monto. See Research Update: 593

Species with poor potential E. moluccana

Does not seem well suited to this soil type and relative growth as compared to other species is very poor.


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2. Duplex soil types

Chromosols and Kurosols (e.g. Red, Yellow and Grey Podzolics)

Characteristics

Soils with a clear or abrupt textural change between the A horizon (sandy) and B horizons (clay), and are not sodic (ie low percent exchangeable sodium). Chromosols (pH >5.5), Kurosols (pH <5.5). Occur on slopes and crests of undulating plains, hills and mountains. Often shallow and/or stony. CCC, CCV

Moderate growth (2.5–3.1 m) and drought tolerance (58–75% survival) to age two years on a difficult site near Monto.

E. moluccana Moderate growth (2.0–2.8 m) and drought tolerance (57–75% survival) to age two years on a difficult site near Monto.

E. drepanophylla Low to moderate growth and good drought tolerance to age eight years on a difficult site near Mundubbera.


E. argophloia Low to moderate growth and good drought tolerance to age eight years on a difficult site near Mundubbera.


E. cloeziana, E. dunnii, EGM.

Poorly adapted to these often shallow, infertile, high percentage of clay and occasionally frost-prone soil types.

Sodosols (e.g. Soloths and Solodized Solonetzs)

Characteristics

Soils with a clear or abrupt textural change between the A horizon (sandy) and B horizons (clay), are sodic (ie high percent exchangeable sodium) and hence highly erodible. Mainly occur on slopes of rolling low hills and flats of near level plains. Often hard setting and poorly drained.

CCV Good growth (5.6 m) and drought tolerance (93% survival) to age two years on a difficult site near Monto See Research Update 592/2. Species with

good potential E. moluccana

Moderate growth (3.7–4.6 m) and drought tolerance (>87% survival) to age two years on a difficult site near Monto. See Research Update 592/1.


E. cloeziana, E. dunnii, EGM.

Poorly adapted to these often shallow, infertile, high percentage of clay, poorly drained and occasionally frost-prone soil types.

Management considerations specific to this region Seed. If available, use seed from inland seed orchards as recommended. However, if improved seed is not available, locally collected seed may be suitable. Planting. The ‘planting window’ is shorter than at the coast due to the lower, seasonal rainfall and an extended frost season. Generally plant between February and March. Frost. Where frosts occur, plant early and use frost resistant species in the lower part of the landscape. Use frost resistant silviculture techniques (i.e. bare soil heats up!) Site preparation. Ferrosols with a history of cultivation are susceptible to plough pans so deep ripping is recommended.


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Soil nutrition. On upper slopes, some Ferrosols are highly acidic and may require liming to increase soil pH. Boron deficiencies are also common on Ferrosols and may require amelioration with the application of boron fertilisers. Watering in. Due to low and variable rainfall, watering at planting is often necessary. Weed control. Due to limited site resources (particularly soil moisture) weed competition effects are often greater in these lower rainfall areas, requiring greater attention to the duration of weed control operations. The weed spectrum on ex-agricultural soils in this region often includes climbing and broadleaved weeds, which have specific control requirements. Tree stocking rates. Inter-tree competition will be greater in these marginal regions and it will be necessary to reduce tree stocking rates at an early age (2–4 years) to maximise the growth of the final crop trees. Management. There are no specific management directions for this region. Pests and diseases. Outbreaks of erinose mite, which damages leaves and shoots, have been observed in young spotted gum plantations (usually less than 18 months old). Defoliating beetles found in plantations in this region are Christmas beetles, leaf beetles and swarming scarab beetles. Ramularia Shoot Blight may affect some provenances of spotted gum planted in this region. More information about these potential pests can be found in references listed below.


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Hardwoods Queensland – Research UpdateSPECIES/586/2

Hardwoods Queensland Research Update Series QFRI (2002). Assessing the performance of 18 hardwood species / provenances on a brown soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 590/1. Queensland Forestry Research Institute, AFFS, DPI, Brisbane. * QFRI (2002). Testing the effectiveness of cultivation, weed control and fertiliser on the early growth of two hardwood tree species. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Silviculture 591/1. Queensland Forestry Research Institute, AFFS, DPI, Brisbane. * QFRI (2002). Assessing the performance of 19 hardwood species / provenances on a brown soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 592/1. Queensland Forestry Research Institute, AFFS, DPI, Brisbane. * QFRI (2002). Assessing the performance of 19 hardwood species / provenances on a red soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 593/1. Queensland Forestry Research Institute, AFFS, DPI, Brisbane. * QFRI (2002). Assessing the performance of 15 hardwood species / provenances on a red soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 589/1. Queensland Forestry Research Institute, AFFS, DPI, Brisbane. * QFRI (2002). Testing the effectiveness of cultivation, weed control and fertilser on early growth of two hardwood tree species. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Silviculture 587/1. Queensland Forestry Research Institute, AFFS, DPI, Brisbane. * QFRI (2002). Assessing the performance of 18 hardwood species / provenances on a black soil type in this region. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Species 586/1. Queensland Forestry Research Institute, AFFS, DPI, Brisbane. * QFRI (in prep). Determining the susceptibility of three spotted gum provenances to erinose mite defoliation. Hardwoods Queensland Research Update series: Protection 504/2A. Queensland Forestry Research Institute, AFFS, DPI, Brisbane. * Hardwoods Queensland Species Profile series. QFRI (2002). Spotted gums. Hardwoods Queensland Species Profile 1. Queensland Forestry Research Institute, AFFS, DPI, Brisbane. * * Published at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/hardwoodsqld/htm This Research Update is based on early findings from the Hardwoods Queensland Project and may be replaced by future research results.


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http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/hardwoodsqld/htm


Matching species to site The performance of 18 hardwood species /

provenances on a black soil type in this region

Region 6 Burnett Burnett River catchment Rainfall <900 mm / year

Hardwoods Queensland Research Update SPECIES/586/2 Information current at August 2002

This information is based on early results from the Hardwoods Queensland research program and is accurate at the time of publication. The research project is still in progress and new information will ultimately replace current knowledge.

Experimental summary

Objective To identify species and provenances with the greatest potential for commercial plantation establishment on this site.

Species tested

• Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora (CCC) – two provenances

• C. citridora subsp. variegata (CCV) – two provenances

• Eucalyptus argophloia

• E. camaldulensis – two provenances

• E. globulus subsp. maidenii (EGM)

• E.dunnii

• E. longirostrata

• E. moluccana – four provenances

• E. tereticornis – three provenances

• E. grandis × E.tereticornis

Location 25 km south of Monto – Langley Flats

Site details

Soil type – Black Vertosol (Black Earth) Slope – 1% Aspect – east Altitude – 200 m a.s.l. Local rainfall – 733 mm (Monto)

Trial details

Spacing – 4.0 m × 2.5 m = 1000 trees/ha. Site preparation – Deep ripped to 40–50 cm. and disc cultivated. Planting – 21 April 1999 by hand using planting grubbers. Watering –Three waterings (5 L/ tree) within first two months. Fertilising – Complete fertiliser (N, P, K, S, Cu, Zn, B). Weed control – Row zone (2 m) weed free until age 20 months.

Growing history

Climatic conditions have been relatively harsh with below average rainfall in 1999 (621 mm), 2000 (720 mm) and 2001 (516 mm). This site is highly exposed to winter frosts and has experienced numerous severe frosts throughout winter in 1999, 2000 and 2001. On this site the disease Ramularia shoot blight has caused only minimal damage to the range of Corymbia species and provenances tested.


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Hardwoods Queensland – Research Update SPECIES/586/2

Latest results (age three years)

Survival At age three years, survival has been very variable between species. Eucalyptus argophloia, E. camaldulensis, E, moluccana and E. tereticornis had relatively high (>80%) survival rates. Severe frost and / or drought contributed to the lower survival rates of EGM (6%), E. dunnii (9%), E. longirostrata (40%), the Corymbia species. and the E. grandis × E. tereticornis hybrid (52–74%). Although the Corymbia species were severely frosted each year, they re-shot vigorously in the following spring, resulting in relatively poor tree form Corymbia at this site.

Per cent survival at age three years

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

CCC (C)

CCC (K)

CCV (C)

CCV (W)

E. argophloia

E. cam

aldulen

sis (B

)

E. cam

aldulen

sis (W

P)EGM

E. dunnii

E. longiro

strata

E. molucc

ana (

C)

E. molucc

ana (

M)

E. molucc

ana (

R)

E. molucc

ana (

Y)

E. teret

icornis

(I)

E. teret

icornis

(P)

E. teret

icornis

(Zim)

E.G x

E.T

Surv

ival

(%)


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Growth Species with the best height development at age three years were E. argophloia,

E. camaldulensis (Biloela), and E. moluccana (Monto and Ravenshoe). Within E. moluccana, the height of the best performing provenance (Monto) was 30% taller than that of the worst performing provenance (Cooyar). Of the remaining taxa, EGM, E. dunnii, E, longirostrata, and E. grandis x E. tereticornis hybrid had the poorest height.

Mean height (m) at age three years– tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

CCC (C)

CCC (K)

CCV (C)

CCV (W)

E. argophloia

E. cam

aldulen

sis (B

)

E. cam

aldulen

sis (W

P)EGM

E. dunnii

E. longiro

strata

E. molucc

ana (

C)

E. molucc

ana (

M)

E. molucc

ana (

R)

E. molucc

ana (

Y)

E. teret

icornis

(I)

E. teret

icornis

(P)

E. teret

icornis

(Zim)

E.G x

E.T

Mea

n he

ight

(m)


15


Species with the best diameter development at age three years were E. argophloia, E. camaldulensis (Biloela), E. moluccana (Monto, Ravenshoe and Yeppoon) and E. tereticornis (Inglewood and Princhester). The poorest diameter development was measured in CCC, CCV, EGM, E. dunnii, E, longirostrata, and the E. grandis x E. tereticornis hybrid.

Mean DBH (cm) at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

CCC (C)

CCC (K)

CCV (C)

CCV (W)

E. argophloia

E. cam

aldulen

sis (B

)

E. cam

aldulen

sis (W

P)EGM

E. dunnii

E. longiro

strata

E. molucc

ana (

C)

E. molucc

ana (

M)

E. molucc

ana (

R)

E. molucc

ana (

Y)

E. teret

icornis

(I)

E. teret

icorn

is (P)

E. teret

icornis

(Zim)

E.G x

E.T

Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)

Early conclusions

As a result of harsh growing seasons (droughts and very cold winters) the early productivity of the majority of species has been quite poor on this low rainfall site. This field trial occupies a position on the lower slopes and is exposed to strong winds and frosts. The best performing species to age three years are: • E. argophloia • E moluccana (Monto and Ravenshoe) • E. camaldulensis (Biloela). Acknowledgements

Funding was provided by the Queensland Government, the Natural Heritage Trust and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The assistance of the landowner for providing the site and assisting in the establishment and maintenance of this trial is appreciated. This Research Update is based on early findings from the Hardwoods Queensland Project and may be replaced by future research results.


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Hardwoods Queensland – Research Update SIL/587/2

Establishment silviculture The effect of cultivation, weed control and fertiliser on early

tree growth of two hardwood species


Hardwoods Queensland Research Update SIL/587/2 Information current at August 2002

This information is based on early results from the Hardwoods Queensland research program and is accurate at the time of publication. The research project is still in progress and new information will ultimately replace current knowledge. Experimental summary

Objective To quantify tree growth responses to different levels of site preparation, weed control and fertilizer on this site type in this region.

Species tested

• E. argophloia – Ballon provenance

• E. tereticornis – Princhester provenance

Silvicultural treatments

Cultivation

1. Single tyne rip to a depth of 60 cm followed by disc cultivation. 2. Triple tyne rip (80 cm apart) to a depth of 60 cm followed by disc

cultivation. Weed control 1. Complete weed control in the row zone for five months.

2. Complete weed control in the row zone for 20 months. Fertiliser 1. Minimum fertiliser – 28 kg N/ha, 60 kg P/ha and 6 kg S/ha at planting.

2. Maximum fertiliser – 200 kg N/ha, 60 kg P/ha, 5.2 kg Cu/ha, 5 kg Zn/ha, 2.9 kg B/ha, 8.4 kg S/ha applied in four applications during the first 20 months.

Location 36 km south of Monto – Langley Flats

Site details Soil type – Black Vertosol (Black Earth) Slope – 1° Aspect – east Altitude – 200 m a.s.l. Local rainfall – 733 mm (Monto)

Trial details

Spacing – 4.0 m × 2.5 m = 1000 trees/ha. Planting – 20 April 1999 by hand using planting grubbers. Watering – Three waterings (5 L/tree) within the first two months

Growing history

Climatic conditions have been relatively harsh with below average rainfall in 1999 (621 mm), 2000 (720 mm) and 2001 (516 mm). This site is highly exposed to winter frosts and has experienced numerous severe frosts throughout winter in 1999, 2000 and 2001.


17



Survival Despite severe climatic conditions (below annual rainfall and cold winters) overall survival for E. argophloia was 90% and 84% for E. tereticornis at three years.

Growth Species productivity has been low, overall on this site. Eucalyptus argophloia achieved markedly greater height and diameter than E. tereticornis at age three years. Responses to silvicultural treatments were also greater for E. argophloia.

There has not been a substantial growth response to intensive ripping in either species on this Black Vertosol soil type. Similar results were obtained in a duplicate experiment in the Lockyer Valley near Gatton.

Eucalyptus argophloia

The average diameter of trees given maximum weed control was 22% greater than trees given minimum weed control and the average height was 17% greater.

Trees in the maximum fertiliser treatment had 41% greater diameter and 30% greater height than those in the minimum fertiliser treatment.

The maximum cultivation, weed control and fertiliser trial resulted in a 91% increase in diameter and a 67% increase in height for this species.

Eucalyptus tereticornis

This species did not respond significantly to increased cultivation or weed control. The high fertiliser application, however, did result in a 9% increase in diameter and a 23% increase in height.

The maximum cultivation, weed control and fertiliser trial resulted in a 35% increase in diameter and a 16% increase in height for this species.


18


Mean DBH (cm) E.argophloia at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

min C + min W +

min F

max C + min W +

min F

min C + max W +

min F

max C + max W +

min F

min C + min W +

max F

max C + min W +

max F

min C + max W +

max F

max C + max W +

max FIncreasing silviculture inputs

Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)

Mean height (m) of E. argophloia at age three years – tallest 400 s/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

min C + min W +

min F

max C + min W +

min F

min C + max W +

min F

max C + max W +

min F

min C + min W +

max F

max C + min W +

max F

min C + max W +

max F

max C + max W +

max F

Increasing silvicultural inputs

Mea

n he

ight

(m)


19


Mean DBH (cm) E. tereticornis at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

min C + min W +

min F

max C + min W +

min F

min C + max W +

min F

max C + max W +

min F

min C + min W +

max F

max C + min W +

max F

min C + max W +

max F

max C + max W +

max F

Increasing silviculture inputs

Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)

Mean height (m) E. tereticornis at age three years – tallest 400 s/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

min C + min W +

min F

max C + min W +

min F

min C + max W +

min F

max C + max W +

min F

min C + min W +

max F

max C + min W +

max F

min C + max W +

max F

max C + max W +

max F

Increasing silviculture inputs

Mea

n he

ight

(m)


20


Early conclusions Species • On this site E. argophloia has much better growth than E. tereticornis although site

productivity is low for both species. Establishment techniques • On this soil type (Black Vertosol) these species do not respond to the use of intensive

ripping. • Eucalyptus argophloia responded significantly to intensive weed control measures whereas

E. tereticornis did not. • Both Eucalyptus argophloia and E. tereticornis responded significantly to the application

of maximum rates of fertiliser.

Acknowledgements

Funding for this trial was provided by the Queensland Government, the Natural Heritage Trust and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The assistance of the landowner for providing the site and assisting in the establishment and maintenance of this trial is appreciated.

This Research Update is based on early findings from the Hardwoods Queensland Project and may be replaced by future research results.


21


Matching species to site The performance of 15 hardwood species / provenances on

a red soil type in this region




Objective To identify species and provenances with the greatest potential for commercial plantation establishment on this site type in this region.

Species tested

• Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora (CCC) – two provenances

• C. henryi (CH) – two provenances

• C. citriodora subsp. variegata (CCV) – four provenances


• E. cloeziana

• E. dunnii – two provenances

• E. globulus subsp. maidenii (EGM)

• E. thozetiana – two provenances

Location 25 km south of Monto – southern slopes of the Mulgildie plateau

Site details

Soil type – Red Ferrosol (Krasnozem)

Slope – 1–3%

Aspect – south

Altitude – 250 m a.s.l.

Local rainfall – 733 mm (Monto)

Trial details

Spacing – 4.0 m × 2.5 m = 1000 trees/ha.

Site preparation – Deep ripped to 50 cm and disc cultivated.

Planting – 30 April 1999 by hand using planting grubbers.

Watering – Three waterings (5 L/ tree) within the first two months.

Fertilising – Complete fertiliser (N, P, K, S, Cu, Zn, B).

Weed control – Row zone (2 m) weed free until age 20 months.

Growing history

Climatic conditions have been relatively harsh with below average rainfall in 1999 (621 mm), 2000 (720 mm) and 2001 (516 mm). Insect attack has been sporadic, but particularly severe on E. dunnii. The disease Ramularia Shoot Blight has caused only minimal damage to the range of Corymbia species and provenances tested.


22



Survival For most species, survival was >80% at three years. The survival rate was lowest in E. cloeziana (75%), E. globulus subsp. maidenii (76%) and E. dunnii (34–47%). Low rates of survival are attributed to the low drought tolerance of these species.


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

CCC (B)

CCC (K)

CCV (C)

CCV (D)

CCV (L)

CCV (W)

C. hen

ryi (L

)

C. hen

ryi (N

)

E. argophloia

E. cloez

iana

E. dunnii (

QLD)

E. dunnii (

NSW)EGM

E. thoze

tiana

E. thoze

tiana

Surv

ival

(%)

Growth Of the spotted gums (Corymbia spp.), Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora and

Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata attained the greatest height and diameter growth with slight variation between provenances. Growth in C. henryi (Lockyer) has been affected by Ramularia Shoot Blight (RSB). Of the remaining taxa, E. globulus subsp. maidenii has also grown well. Repeated insect attack and poor tolerance to prolonged drought contributed to a relatively poor performance of E. dunnii.


23


Mean height (m) at age three years– tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

CCC (B)

CCC (K)

CCV (C)

CCV (D)

CCV (L)

CCV (W)

C. hen

ryi (L

)

C. hen

ryi (N

)

E. argophloia

E. cloez

iana

E. dunnii (

QLD)

E. dunnii (

NSW)EGM

E. thoze

tiana

E. thoze

tiana

Mea

n he

ight

(m)


0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

CCC (B)

CCC (K)

CCV (C)

CCV (D)

CCV (L)

CCV (W)

C. hen

ryi (L

)

C. hen

ryi (N

)

E. argophloia

E. cloez

iana

E. dunnii (

QLD)

E. dunnii (

NSW)EGM

E. thoze

tiana

E. thoze

tiana

Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)


24


Early conclusions

The Ferrosol (Krasnozem) soil type is characterised by high fertility and good soil depth, contributing to the moderate to good productivity of most species on this site. The site is positioned on the upper slopes of the catchment and has not experienced any frosts during the trial. The soil is free draining, however, increasing the effects of drought (increased mortality and reduced growth) in species and provenances that are not well adapted to low rainfall areas. One such species is E. dunnii. The species that have performed well to age three years are:

• Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora • Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata • Corymbia henryi • E. globulus subsp. maidenii.

Acknowledgements

Funding was provided by the Queensland Government, the Natural Heritage Trust and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The assistance of the past and present landowners for providing the site for this trial is appreciated.



25


Matching species to site The performance of 18 hardwood species / provenances on a brown soil type in this region





Species tested

• Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora (CCC) – four provenances

• C. henryi (CH) – two provenances

• C. citriodora subsp. variegata (CCV) – four provenances


• E. cambageana – two provenances

• E. dunnii – two provenances

• E. longirostrata – two provenances

• E. tereticornis – two provenances

Location 25 km south of Monto – Mulgildie Plateau

Site details

Soil type – Brown Dermosol (Prairie Soil) Slope – 3° Aspect – north-east Altitude – 285 m a.s.l. Local rainfall – 733 mm (Monto)

Trial details

Spacing – 4.0 m × 2.5 m = 1000 trees/ha. Site preparation – Deep ripped to 40–50 cm. and disc cultivated. Planting – 21 April 1999 by hand using planting grubbers. Watering –Three waterings (5 L/ tree) within the first two months. Fertilising – Complete fertiliser (N, P, K, S, Cu, Zn, B). Weed control – Row zone (2 m) weed free until age 20 months.

Growing history

Climatic conditions have been relatively harsh with below average rainfall in 1999 (621 mm), 2000 (720 mm) and 2001 (516 mm). Although positioned on the mid-slope this site is exposed to minor winter frosts. In December 1999 a severe hailstorm caused heavy defoliation of all trees in this trial. Insect attack has been sporadic, but particularly severe on E. dunnii. The disease Ramularia Shoot Blight has caused only minimal damage to the range of Corymbia species and provenances tested.


26



Survival The survival of most species was> 70% at three years. Survival was lowest in the Coominglah and Leyburn provenanvces of CCV (60% and 57% respectively) and in E. dunnii (31–38%). Although Ramularia Shoot Blight (RSB) infection was greatest in CCC (Calliope Range), it did not result in any deaths.


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

CCC (C)

CCC (CH)

CCC (K)

CCC (Y)

CH (L)

CH (M)

CCV (C)

CCV (D)

CCV (L)

CCV (W)

E. argophloia

(B)

E. cam

bagea

na (M)

E. dunnii (

T)

E. dunnii (

U)

E. longiro

strata

(M1)

E. longiro

strata

(M2)

E. teret

icornis

(I)

E. teret

icornis

(P)

Surv

ival

(%)

Growth Of all the spotted gums (Corymbia spp.), CCV has attained good early height

growth with the best growth in the Coominglah provenance. Of the remaining species, CCC (Calliope Range and Cheviot Hills), E. longirostrata E. argophloia, E. cambageana and E. tereticornis (Princhester) also have good height growth.

The species with the best diameter at age three years were CCV (all provenances), CCC (Calliope Range provenance) and E. longirostrata.


27


Mean height (m) at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

CCC (C)

CCC (CH)

CCC (K)

CCC (Y)

CH (L)

CH (M)

CCV (C)

CCV (D)

CCV (L)

CCV (W)

E. argophloia

(B)

E. cam

bagea

na (M)

E. dunnii (

T)

E. dunnii (

U)

E. longiro

strata

(M1)

E. longiro

strata

(M2)

E. teret

icorn

is (I)

E. teret

icorn

is (P)

Mea

n he

ight

(m)


0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

CCC (C)

CCC (CH)

CCC (K)

CCC (Y)

CH (L)

CH (M)

CCV (C)

CCV (D)

CCV (L)

CCV (W)

E. argophloia

(B)

E. cam

bagea

na (M)

E. dunnii (

T)

E. dunnii (

U)

E. longiro

strata

(M1)

E. longiro

strata

(M2)

E. teret

icorn

is (I)

E. teret

icorn

is (P)

Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)


28


Early conclusions

Early productivity was moderately good for the majority of species, attributable in part to the reasonable soil depth and good fertility of this soil type and a low incidence of frost, due to the mid-slope position of the site. Species that have performed best to age three years: • C. citriodora subsp. variegata • E. longirostrata. Species with good survival but moderate growth rates: • C. citriodora subsp citriodora • E. tereticornis • E. argophloia. Although E. dunnii had a good growth rate, it had a poor survival rate (due to extremely dry conditions) and is not a suitable plantation species for this site type.

Acknowledgements

Funding was provided by the Queensland Government, the Natural Heritage Trust and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The assistance of the landowner for providing the site and assisting in the establishment and maintenance of this trial is appreciated.



29


Establishment silviculture The effect of cultivation, weed control and fertiliser on early

tree growth of two hardwood species

Region 6 Burnett Burnett River catchment

Rainfall <900 mm / year

Hardwoods Queensland Research Update SIL/591/2 Information current at August 2002


Objective To quantify tree growth responses to different levels of site preparation, weed control and fertilizer on this site type in this region.

Species tested • E. argophloia – Ballon provenance • E. grandis × E. tereticornis (G × T) – commercially improved seed from

South Africa • E. tereticornis – Princhester provenance

Silvicultural treatments

Cultivation

• Single tyne rip to a depth of 60 cm followed by disc cultivation. • Triple tyne rip (80 cm apart) to a depth of 60 cm followed by disc

cultivation.

Weed control • Complete weed control in the row zone for five months. • Complete weed control in the row zone for 20 months.

Fertiliser • Minimum fertiliser – 28 kg N/ha, 60 kg P/ha and 6 kg S/ha at planting. • Maximum fertiliser – 200 kg N/ha, 60 kg P/ha, 5.2 kg Cu/ha, 5 kg Zn/ha,

2.9 kg B/ha, 8.4 kg S/ha applied in four applications during the first 20 months.

Location 19 km south of Monto – Mulgildie

Site details

Soil type – Brown Vertosol (Brown Clay) Slope – 1° Aspect – north-east Altitude – 260 m a.s.l. Local rainfall – 733 mm (Monto)

Trial details

Spacing – 4.0 m × 2.5 m = 1000 trees/ha. Planting – 21 April 1999 by hand using planting grubbers. Watering –Three waterings (5 L/tree) within first two months.

Growing history

Climatic conditions have been relatively harsh with below average rainfall in 1999 (621 mm), 2000 (720 mm) and 2001 (516 mm). Both the E. tereticornis and G × T suffered high levels of defoliation caused by the leaf blister sawfly (Phylacteophaya froggattii) throughout 2000.


30



Survival Despite severe climatic conditions (below annual rainfall and cold winters), overall survival at age three years for E. argophloia and E. tereticornis ranges from 87% to 100%. The poorer survival (0 to 80%) in the G × T hybrid is most likely attributable to the poorer drought and frost tolerance of the E. grandis component of this hybrid. The G × T hybrid responded positively to maximum weed control. Survival was between 40 and 80% for the maximum control treatment, compared with 0 and 45% survival for the minimum weed control treatment.


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

min W +min F +min C

min W +min F +max C

min W +max F +min C

min W +max F +max C

max W +min F +min C

max W +min F +max C

max W +max F +min C

max W +max F +max C


Surv

ival

(%)

E. argophloia

E. tereticornisG x T hybrid


31


Growth On this site, species productivity has generally been low. Eucalyptus argophloia

achieved markedly greater height and growth than either E. tereticornis or G × T at age three years (49% and 117% taller than E. tereticornis and G × T, respectively). Cultivation There has not been a significant growth response to intensive ripping on this Brown Vertosol soil type. Similar results were observed for E. argophloia and E. tereticornis for similar treatments on this soil type at Gatton and Monto. Weed control There was a positive response in height and diameter to maximum weed control in all taxa. For E. argophloia and E. tereticornis, the maximum weed control treatment resulted in 59% and 62% greater diameters than that achieved with the minimum weed control treatment. The G x T hybrid, E. argophloia and E. tereticornis trees in the maximum weed control treatment were 100%, 27% and 32% taller, respectively, than those in the minimum weed control treatments. Fertiliser The response to the maximum fertiliser treatment has been varied. Eucalyptus argophloia exhibited the only positive response to the maximum fertiliser treatment (22% greater diameter and 12% greater height than those in the minimum fertiliser treatment). Maximum and minimum silviculture The treatment with maximum cultivation, weed control and fertiliser inputs resulted in a 90% and 49% increase in height and diameter respectively for E. argophloia when compared with the minimum silviculture treatment. The treatment with maximum cultivation, weed control and fertiliser inputs resulted in a 70% and 37% increase in height and diameter respectively for E. tereticornis. when compared with the minimum silviculture treatment.

Mean DBH (cm) of E. argophloia at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

min W +min F +min C

min W +min F +max C

min W +max F +min C

min W +max F +max C

max W +min F +min C

max W +min F +max C

max W +max F +min C

max W +max F +max C


Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)


32


Mean height (m) of E. argophloia at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

min W +min F +min C

min W +min F +max C

min W +max F +min C

min W +max F +max C

max W +min F +min C

max W +min F +max C

max W +max F +min C

max W +max F +max C

Increasing silivicultural inputs

Mea

n he

ight

(m)

Mean DBH (cm) G x T hybrid at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

min W +min F +min C

min W +min F +max C

min W +max F +min C

min W +max F +max C

max W +min F +min C

max W +min F +max C

max W +max F +min C

max W +max F +max C


Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)

None surviving


33


Mean height (m) of G x T hybrid at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

min W +min F +min C

min W +min F +max C

min W +max F +min C

min W +max F +max C

max W +min F +min C

max W +min F +max C

max W +max F +min C

max W +max F +max C


Mea

n he

ight

(m)

None surviving

Mean DBH (cm) E. tereticornis hybrid at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

min W +min F +min C

min W +min F +max C

min W +max F +min C

min W +max F +max C

max W +min F +min C

max W +min F +max C

max W +max F +min C

max W +max F +max C


Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)


34


Mean height (m) of E. tereticornis at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

min W +min F +min C

min W +min F +max C

min W +max F +min C

min W +max F +max C

max W +min F +min C

max W +min F +max C

max W +max F +min C

max W +max F +max C


Mea

n he

ight

(m)

Early conclusions Species • On this site E. argophloia has much better growth than E. tereticornis or G × T, although

site productivity is relatively low. Establishment techniques • On this soil type (Brown Vertosol) there was not a growth response to the use of intensive

ripping as a site preparation technique. • There was a positive growth response to the adoption of intensive weed control measures

in all taxa. • The response to maximum fertiliser at age three years has been varied between taxa.

Eucalyptus argophloia was the only species to respond positively to the maximum fertiliser treatment.

Acknowledgements

Funding for this trial was provided by the Queensland Government, the Natural Heritage Trust and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The assistance of the landowner for providing the site and assisting in the establishment and maintenance of this trial is appreciated.



35


Matching species to site The performance of 19 hardwood species / provenances on

a brown soil type in this region




Objective To identify species and provenances with the greatest potential for commercial plantation establishment on this site type in this region

Species tested

• Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata (CCV) – two provenances • Eucalyptus argophloia • E. camaldulensis – two provenances • E. cambageana – two provenances • E. longirostrata • E. moluccana – four provenances • E. raveretiana – two provenances • E. tereticornis – two provenances • E grandis × E. camaldulensis (G × C) • E. grandis × E. tereticornis (G × T) • E. grandis × E. urophylla (G × U)

Location 5 km south-west of Monto.

Site details

Soil type – Brown Sodosol (Yellow Podzolic) Slope – 2° Aspect – north-east Altitude – 235 m a.s.l. Local rainfall – 733 mm (Monto)

Trial details

Spacing – 4.0 m × 2.5 m = 1000 trees/ha. Site preparation – Deep ripped to 40–50 cm. and disc cultivated. Planting – 27 April 1999 by hand using planting grubbers. Watering – Three waterings (5 L/tree) within the first two months. Fertilising – Complete fertiliser (N, P, K, S, Cu, Zn, B). Weed control – Row zone (2 m) weed free until age 20 months.

Growing history

Climatic conditions have been relatively harsh with below average rainfall in 1999 (621 mm), 2000 (720 mm) and 2001 (516 mm). On this site the disease Ramularia Shoot Blight has caused only minimal damage to the range of Corymbia species and provenances tested.


36



Survival Most species had >80% survival rate. Survival was lowest in E. cambageana (60–66%) and G ×C (66%). The incidence of Ramularia Shoot Blight (RSB) infection in the Corymbia species has been quite low and has not affected height development or caused any tree deaths.


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

CCV (C)

CCV (W)

E. arg

opholia (B

)

E. cam

aldulen

sis (B

)

E. cam

aldulen

sis (W

P)

E. cam

bagea

na (MK)

E. cam

begea

na(MO)

E. longiro

strata

(M)

E. molucc

ana (

C)

E. molucc

ana (

M)

E. moluca

nna (R)

E. molucc

ana (

Y)

E. rave

retian

a (R)

E. rave

retian

a (Y)

E. teret

icorn

is (P)

E. teret

icornis

(Z)G x

CG x

TG x

U

Surv

ival

(%)

Growth Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata (CCV) had the best height development at

age three years. The good early height growth of E. camaldulensis, E. longirostrata, E. molucanna (Mono and Ravenshoe) and the two hybrid taxa (G x T and G x U) is also promising. However, it remains to be seen how the hybrids perform in the long term. The species with the best diameter growth were CCV, E. camaldulensis, E. longirostrata and G × T and G × U. The growth of E. tereticornis on this site has been generally good, compared with it’s performance on other site types in the Monto area. There is, however, marked variation in the performance of different provenances of E. tereticornis. The tree form of stock from the Zimbabwe seed orchard considerably better than that of the local source (Rockhampton). Eucalyptus argophloia and E. cambageana had the poorest height and diameter growth rates.


37


Mean height (m) at age three years – tallest 400 stems/ha

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

CCV (C)

CCV (W)

E. arg

opholia (B

)

E. cam

aldulen

sis (B

)

E. cam

aldulen

sis (W

P)

E. cam

bagea

na (MK)

E. cam

begea

na(MO)

E. longiro

strata

(M)

E. molucc

ana (

C)

E. molucc

ana (

M)

E. moluca

nna (R)

E. molucc

ana (

Y)

E. rave

retian

a (R)

E. rave

retian

a (Y)

E. teret

icornis

(P)

E. teret

icornis

(Z)G x

CG x

TG x

U

Mea

n he

ight

(m)


38



0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

CCV (C)

CCV (W)

E. argopholia

(B)

E. cam

aldulen

sis (B

)

E. cam

aldulen

sis (W

P)

E. cam

bagea

na (MK)

E. cam

begea

na(MO)

E. longiro

strata

(M)

E. molucc

ana (

C)

E. molucc

ana (

M)

E. moluca

nna (R)

E. molucc

ana (

Y)

E. rave

retian

a (R)

E. rave

retian

a (Y)

E. teret

icorn

is (P)

E. teret

icornis

(Z)G x

CG x

TG x

U

Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)

Early conclusions

Productivity on this site has been good, in general. The low rainfall, duplex soils and potential for frost have not affected the growth of the best taxa. The species that has performed best to age three years is C. citriodora subsp. variegata. Species that had good survival but only a moderate growth rate: • E. camaldulensis • E. longirostrata • E. molucanna (Monto and Ravenshoe) • E. tereticornis • E. grandis x E. tereticornis.

Acknowledgements




39


Matching species to site The performance of 19 hardwood species / provenances on a

red soil type in this region

Region 6 Burnett Burnett River

catchment Rainfall <900 mm / year




Species tested

• Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora (CCC) – three provenances • C. henryi (CH) – two provenances • C. citriodora subsp. variegata (CCV) – four provenances • Eucalyptus argophloia • E. cloeziana • E. dunnii • E. longirostrata • E. grandis × E. camaldulensis (G × C) • E. grandis × E. urophylla (G × U) – two seedlots • E. tereticornis × E. urophylla (T × U) • E. urophylla × E. camaldulensis (U × C) • E. urophylla × (E. camaldulensis × E. grandis) (U × C × G)

Location 18 km north-east of Monto – Moonford

Site details

Soil type – Red Kandosol (Red Earth). Slope – 3° Aspect – east Altitude – 330 m a.s.l. Local rainfall – 733 mm (Monto)

Trial details

Spacing – 4.0 m × 2.5 m = 1000 trees/ha. Site preparation – Deep ripped to 40–50 cm. Planting – 28 April 1999 by hand using planting grubbers. Watering –Three waterings (5 L/tree) within the first two months. Fertilising – Complete fertiliser (N, P, K, S, Cu, Zn, B). Weed control – Row zone (2 m) weed free until age 20 months. Thinning – At age two years the trail was thinned to 400 stems/ha.

Growing history

Climatic conditions have been relatively harsh with below average rainfall in 1999 (621 mm), 2000 (720 mm) and 2001 (516 mm). On this site the disease Ramularia Shoot Blight has caused only minimal damage to the range of Corymbia species and provenances tested.


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Survival Most species had a survival rate of >80%. The exception was E. dunnii; in this species 65% of the stems alive at age two years had died by age three years. Overall survival was poorer in all of the hybrid taxa that contained E. grandis. Although Ramularia Shoot Blight (RSB) infection was greatest in C. citriodora subsp. variegata (Diamondy State Forest), it did not result in any deaths.

Per cent survival of select stems (400/ha) at three years

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

CCC (B)

CCC (C)

CCC (K)

CH (L)

CH (N)

CCV (C)

CCV (D)

CCV (L)

CCV (W)

E. argophloia

(B)

E. cloez

iana (

P)

E. dunnii (

U)

E. longiro

strata

(B)

E. longiro

strata

(M)

G x C

G x U (1

)

G x U (2

)T x

UU x

C

U x C x

G


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Growth Eucalyptus dunnii, Corymbia henryi, C. citriodora subsp. variegata, and E. longirostrata had the best height development at age three years. Eucalyptus argophloia and E. cloeziana had the poorest height growth rate. Diameter development was greatest in E. dunnii, E. longirostrata, G × C and one provenance of G × U. While the early growth of the hybrid taxa is promising, it remains to be seen how these species perform in the long term.

Mean height (m) to age three years

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

CCC (B)

CCC (C)

CCC (K)

CH (L)

CH (N)

CCV (C)

CCV (D)

CCV (L)

CCV (W)

E. argophloia

(B)

E. cloez

iana (

P)

E. dunnii (

U)

E. longiro

strata

(B)

E. longiro

strata

(M)

G x C

G x U (1

)

G x U (2

)T x

UU x

C

U x C x

G

Mea

n he

ight

(m)

3 years

I year

T = standard error

2 years


42


DBH (cm) at ages two and three years

0123456789

10

CCC (B)

CCC (C)

CCC (K)

CH (L)

CH (N)

CCV (C)

CCV (D)

CCV (L)

CCV (W)

E. argophloia

(B)

E. cloez

iana (

P)

E. dunnii (

U)

E. longiro

strata

(B)

E. longiro

strata

(M)

G x C

G x U (1

)

G x U (2

)T x

UU x

C

U x C x

G

Mea

n D

BH

(cm

)

3 years2 years

T = standard error

Early conclusions

The promising, early productivity of the majority of species on this low rainfall site can be attributed to the high fertility and good soil depth of the Red Kandosol (Red Earth) soil type. This trial is also positioned on the upper slopes of a large hill and has not experienced any frosts to date. Species that have performed well to age three years: • C. citriodora subsp. citriodora • C. citriodora subsp. variegata • C. henryi • E. longirostrata. Although E. dunnii has had good growth, its poor survival (due to extremely dry conditions) means that it is not a suitable plantation species for this site type. Although the growth of the hybrids to age three years is generally encouraging, survival has been poor, especially in the hybrids with E. grandis.

Acknowledgements




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regional profile series region 6: north, south and central ...20qld... · silviculture 591/1. 30...

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