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JVAP Completed Projects to June 2003 and Research in Progress as at June 2003 RIRDC Sub-Program 2.2
AGROFORESTRY and FARM FORESTRY A report for the RIRDC/ LWA/ FWPRDC/ MDBC Joint Venture Agroforestry Program With support from the Natural Heritage Trust March 2004 RIRDC Publication No 03/061
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© 2004 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0642 58628 4 ISSN 1440-6845 JVAP Completed Projects to June 2003 and Research in Progress as at June 2003 - RIRDC Sub-Program 2.2 Agroforestry and Farm Forestry Publication No 03/061 The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. Agroforestry Research Manager RIRDC Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 6531 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] RIRDC Publications Manager Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 3186 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au
Published in March 2004
Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint
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Foreword This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June 2003, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2002- 2003 for all of the Corporation’s 20 program areas. The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au The following report is a hardcopy extract covering Sub-program 2.2. It contains all entries from continuing and recently completed Agroforestry and Farm Forestry Program research projects, which are funded by the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP). The JVAP is funded by three Research and Development Corporations- Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), Land & Water Australia (LWA) and Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation (FWPRDC), together with the Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC). These agencies are principally funded by the Australian Government. This program aims to integrate sustainable and productive agroforestry within Australian farming systems. This report is a new addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1000 research publications. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.htm
purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop
Dr Simon Hearn Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
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Contents
COMPLETED PROJECTS 2002-2003
Project No Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page No Sustainable use of natural resources OIL-4A Silviculture and water use of
short-rotation coppicing tree crops
Mr Dan Wildy1, Mr John Pate1, Mr John Bartle2
1 08 9380 2206 & 2 08 9334 0321
1 University of Western Australia 2 Dept. of Conservation and Land Management
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UJC-6A Optimising nutrition for productivity and sustainability of farm forestry systems
Dr Bob Congdon 07 4781 4731 James Cook University
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Optimised direct returns from tree products ANU-35A Inorganic-bonded wood
composites manufactured from mallee eucalypt and melaleuca species
Ms K.E. Semple1 & Dr P.D. Evans2
02 6125 3519 1The Australian National University & 2Center for Advance Wood Processing, University of British Columbia
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CAL-5A Eucalypt hybrids in south-west Western Australia
Dr Liz. Barbour 08 9404 5491 Forest Products Commission
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CAL-7A Acacia Search Mr. Bruce Maslin 08 93340510 Department of Conservation and Land Management, WA
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CPF-1A Predicting tree growth in farm forestry and following thinning
Dr Michael Battaglia 03 6226 7912 Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry
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CSC-1A Development of a microbial library that utilizes Eucalyptus oil constituents as carbon source
Mr Geoff Dumsday, Mr Norman Pilkington, Ms Melissa Straffon & Prof Michael Zachariou
03 9545 2321 CSIRO Molecular Science
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CSE-72A Impact of insects on eucalypt plantations in the Murray Valley
Dr Rob Floyd & Dr Grant Farrell
02 6246 4098 CSIRO Entomology 16
CSE-90A International workshop in biotransformation
Dr John Oakshott 02 6246 4157 CSIRO Entomology 17
DNT-27A Species testing and genetic improvement of forest trees for the Northern Territory
Dr Don Reilly 08 89992316 Dept of Business Industry and Resource Development
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Project No Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page No PN99.2001 Using portable sawmills to
produce high value timber from farm trees in the semi-arid zone
Mr. Mark Stewart 03 5321 4155 University of Melbourne
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PN99.2004 Utilisation of Western Hardwoods as specialty timbers
Mr. Bill Leggate 07 3896 9750 Queensland Forestry Research Institute
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Cost effective multi-purpose systems for commercial and environmental purposes DAQ-297A Review of agroforestry
systems in tropical savannah systems in northern Australia
Ms Mila Bristow 07 4092 9902 Department of Primary Industries
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UWA-63A Profitability of medium to low rainfall agroforestry in the southern Australian cropping zone
Mr Amir Abadi & Dr Ted Lefroy
08 9368 3143 & 08 9333 6442
Department of Agriculture Western Australia & CSIRO
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UWA-68A Farm forestry and landscape architecture
Mr John Winchcombe & Mr Grant Revell
08 97567344 & 08 93801566
University of Western Australia
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Effective communications ANU-61A The farm forestry and
agroforestry research library
Ms Jacki Schirmer 02 6125 3569 Australian National University
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REC-1A Development of communication/ knowledge brokering strategy for the JVAP
Ms Lisa Robins 02 6230 6779 Robins Environmental Consulting
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RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2002-2003
Project No. Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page No. Targeted strategies for implementation ANU-45A ANU Farm forestry market report
Dr Ryde James 02 6125 4330 Australian National
University 34
CRF-1A Assessment of agroforestry projects in northern Australia using the Australian Farm Forestry Financial Model (AFFFM)
Dr John Herbohn 07 5460 1646 CRC for Tropical Rainforest Ecology and Management
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CSW-35A Building regional Australia’s capacity to initiate markets for ecosytem services
Mr Stuart Whitten 02 6242 1683 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
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SSC-4A Participation in IEA Bioenergy ‘Short rotation crops for bioenergy systems’ task
Dr Stephen Schuck
02 9416 9246 Stephen Schuck and Associates Pty. Ltd.
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Sustainable use of natural resources ANU-56A The potential of bioactive
constituents of Eucalyptus foliage as non- wood products from plantations
William J. Foley and Erich V. Lassak
(02) 6125 2535 Australian National University and Phytochemical Services
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CSF-63A Nutrient management of intensively harvested oil mallee tree crops
Dr Tim Grove 08 9333 6664 CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
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CSL-18A Banded agricultural systems for reduced recharge, reduced runoff and greater productivity- a scoping study
Dr Peter Hairsine 02 6246 5924 CSIRO Land and Water
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CSW-36A Sustainability of bioenergy development in Australia
Dr Brian Keating & Dr Deborah O'Connell
07 3214 2373 & 02 6242 1573
CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
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DAV-204A (NHT) Developing appropriate designs to increase biodiversity in commercial eucalypt plantations
Mr Richard Loyn 03 9450 8703 Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
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DAW-101A Hydrological impacts of integrated oil-mallee farming systems
Dr Peter Taylor 08 9777 0146 Department of Agriculture (WA)
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SFN-3A Biodiversity in eucalypt plantations established to reduce salinity
Dr Rod Kavanagh 02 9872 0160 State Forests of New South Wales
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Project No. Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page No.SGO-1A Modelling for sustainable
production of salt-tolerant eucalypt hybrids in saline discharge sites
Dr Glenn Dale 07 3311 1410 Saltgrow
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UMU-31A Trees and Biodiversity: An Australian guide to increasing the benefits of farm trees to native biota
Prof. Richard Hobbs
08 9360 2191 Murdoch University School of Environmental Science
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US-117A Farm trees: enhancing biodiversity, nature conservation and natural pest control
Associate Professor Geoff Gurr
02 6360 5551 University of Sydney 48
UWA-64A Integrate, segregate or rotate trees with crops?
Dr Ted Lefroy 08 9333 6442 University of Western Australia
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Optimised productivity of crops and pastures ANU-39A Assessment of gain from
breeding blue mallee
Dr Michael Slee 02 6125 2579 Australian National University
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DAW-104A Phase farming with trees- field validation of the cropping phase
Mr Robert Sudmeyer
08 9083 1111 Department of Agriculture (WA)
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MLA-1A Assessing the value of trees in sustainable grazing systems
Mr Chris Chilcott 07 3896 9709 Natural Resources and Mines
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Optimised direct returns from tree products ANU-55A Identification of pest-resistant
Eucalyptus globulus
Dr William Foley 02 6125 2866 Australian National University
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CSF-61A Natural durability of Eucalyptus trees from farm forestry in low rainfall areas
Dr Laurie Cookson
03 9545 2402 CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
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CSF-62A Tree improvement for low rainfall farm forestry
Dr Chris Harwood 02 6281 8218 CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
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CSI-9A Characterisation of woody biomass for energy purposes
Mr Wesley Stein 02 9710 6886 CSIRO Energy Technology
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DAQ-308A Mixed species plantations: extending the science
Ms Mila Bristow 07 4092 9900 Queensland Forestry Research Institute
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OIM-1A WA Oil mallee industry code of practice
Mr Ben Roberts 08 9319 8100 Oil Mallee Association of WA
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PN99.2005 Maximising the productivity and value of Cypress pine on private land
Mr. D. W. Taylor 07 5482 0875 Queensland Forestry Research Institute
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PN99.2008 Silviculture research to facilitate large scale commercial farm forestry on farms
Dr. Mark Lewty 07 5482 0862 Queensland Forestry Research Institute
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Project No. Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page No.SAR-38A FloraSearch- Selection and
development of multipurpose species for large-scale revegetation wheat-sheep belt of southern Australia
Dr Mark Ellis 08 8372 0181 Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
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SFN-1A Wood fibre properties of dryland conifers
Dr Carolyn Raymond
02 6981 4204 State Forests of New South Wales
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SSC-3A Bioenergy Australia
Dr Stephen Schuck
02 9416 9246 Stephen Schuck and Associates Pty. Ltd.
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USC-7A Wood quality analysis from high value, mixed species, agroforestry systems
Dr J. Doland Nichols
02 6620 3493 Southern Cross University
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Cost effective multi-purpose systems for commercial and environmental purposes ANU-52A Assessing the extent, ecological
condition, wood values and other tangible and intangible forest values of privately owned dry schlerophyll forests
Dr John Field & Dr Brian Turner
02 6125 3566 Australian National University
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CAL-6A Phase farming with trees- field validation and extension
Dr Richard Harper
08 9334 0306 Department of Conservation and Land Management
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CSF-60A 'Best bet' products from agroforestry biomass
Dr. Jamie Hague
03 9545 2222
CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
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Effective communications GAL-4A Communicating the results of
species trials in new farm forestry areas
David Carr 02 6281 8585 Greening Australia Ltd
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KDI-24A THE WORKBOOT SERIES- The story of agroforestry in Australia
Ms Catriona Nicholls
02 6857 1199 Kondinin Group 71
UM-63A Australian Master TreeGrower: Enhancing farmer participation in farm forestry practice, research and development
Mr Rowan Reid 03 8344 5011 University of Melbourne
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COMPLETED PROJECTS 2002-2003
Sustainable use of natural resources
Project Title
Silviculture and water use of short-rotation coppicing tree crops
RIRDC Project No.: OIL-4A Researcher: Mr Dan Wildy1, Mr John Pate1, Mr John Bartle2 Organisation: 1 School of Plant Biology
Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences University of Western Australia Nedlands WA 6009 2 Dept. of Conservation and Land Management Locked Bag 104 Bentley Delivery Centre Bentley WA 6983
Phone: 1 08 9380 2206 2 08 9334 0321 Fax: 1 08 9380 1001 2 08 9334 0297 Email: 1 [email protected]; 2 [email protected]
Objectives To provide a physiological basis for design of harvest regimes for repeatedly cut mallee eucalypts and determine water sources used by trees when incorporated into wheat/sheep farms in low rainfall areas.
Background Dryland salinity has created a need for deep-rooted woody perennial crops capable of being grown in low rainfall areas (300−450 mm/yr) to integrate with traditional grain/sheep areas. None currently exist but oil mallee has been the focus of much government, R&D and farmer expenditure and effort. Oil mallee has been planted in belts through paddocks to be cut to ground level for the production of bio-electricity, activated carbon and eucalyptus oil.
Research Experiments aimed at determining the impact of time of first cut, rotation length and season of cutting on yield and rootstock longevity at a trial site near Kalannie, Western Australia. Water budgets constructed for tree belts and adjacent pasture showed the changing sources used by trees through time, the effect of cutting on water use, the effect of a perched water table on water use, and the extent to which belts reduced net recharge.
Outcomes Yields of 3−7 t harvestable dry matter per hectare of tree belt area per year were obtained, depending on silvicultural practices used. Water use was higher by intact trees than cut trees, and higher where there was a fresh perched aquifer.
Implications From points of view of yield, rootstock longevity and salinity control, cuts should be carried out on at least 2- and preferably 3-year intervals. Between 10 and 30 % of landscape would have needed to be under oil mallee belts to halt recharge depending on situation. The trade off between competition with crops and high water use can be managed by cutting.
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Publications Wildy DT, Pate JS. 2002. Quantifying the above- and below-ground growth responses of the Western Australian oil mallee, Eucalyptus kochii subsp. plenissima, to contrasting decapitation regimes. Annals of Botany 90: 185-197. Wildy DT, Pate JS, Sefcik LT. submitted-a. Factors contributing to water use efficiency at leaf and whole-plant level of a semi-arid mallee eucalypt growing naturally and in short-rotation cultivation. Tree Physiology. Wildy DT, Pate JS, Bartle JR. submitted-b. Water use by short-rotation Eucalyptus kochii tree belts in the semi-arid wheatbelt of Western Australia. Plant and Soil. Numerous conference and symposium presentations.
Project Title
Optimising nutrition for productivity and sustainability of farm forestry systems
RIRDC Project No.: UJC-6A Researcher: Dr Bob Congdon Organisation: School of Tropical Biology
James Cook University Townsville, Qld 4811
Phone: 07 4781 4731 Fax: 07 4725 1570 Email: [email protected]
Objectives The major thrust of the research was to identify pasture legume species which are able to tolerate different levels of shading under tree plantations in the wet tropics - providing improved forage quality and productivity for grazing in agroforestry situations, and improving soil fertility and reducing fertiliser costs through nitrogen fixation. The benefits to tree growers include enhanced tree growth, weed suppression (reduced costs for herbicides), and reduced erosion on steep or degraded sites (due to mixed ground cover).
Background Significant acceptance of tree plantation-pasture systems has been impeded by the belief that productive pasture cannot be maintained under tree canopies. The benefits of raising livestock in conjunction with tree plantations include increased and diversified income, better use of land resources, soil stabilisation, and the potential for higher plantation crop yield through better weed control, nutrient cycling and nitrogen accretion. Our research will identify a suite of pasture legumes that can be used to improve pasture quality in agroforestry systems under differing rainfall regimes. Nitrogen fixed by these legumes is also likely to benefit tree growth.
Research A total of 35 species and cultivars of tropical pasture legumes were tested for shade tolerance beneath four levels of shade under shadehouse conditions. Growth and performance of 15 species/cultivars were examined under Khaya senegalensis and Eucalyptus pellita / mixed rainforest species plantations.
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Outcomes A range of potentially useful, shade tolerant legume species suited to both the wet and the seasonally dry tropics were identified. Some of the most promising species include Desmodium intortum, Calopogonium mucunoides, Arachis pintoi, D. ovalifolium, D. canum, Centrosema acutifolium, Pueraria phaseoloides, D. heterophyllum, C. pubescens, D. uncinatum and C. macrocarpum (wet tropical species). Clitoria ternatea, Arachis stenosperma, Macroptilium lathyroides, M. atropurpureum and Centrosema brasilianum were the most successful of the seasonally dry tropical species.
Implications This study has identified 16 species of pasture legume that show promise for use under trees in farm forestry situations. However many of the species identified as shade tolerant or being relatively productive under shaded conditions (see Outcomes) have a climbing/twining habit that can cause concern in tree plantations, particularly in respect to potential smothering of small trees. When the climbing species are removed the remaining species recommended for the wet tropics are D. intortum, A. pintoi, D. ovalifolium, D. canum, D. heterophyllum and D. uncinatum, while A. stenosperma shows potential for the seasonally dry tropics. However climbing species may still potentially be used beneath older plantations or where a higher level of pasture management is acceptable in order to help prevent smothering of trees through controlling the frequency and intensity of grazing. Further research should examine the possibility of controlling climbing legumes in tree plantations through grazing management in order to broaden the range of legume species available for use. Research is also required in order to examine the longer-term persistence and productivity of the species identified in this study as tree plantations age and shade levels increase. Compatibility with shade tolerant grasses is an important aspect of pasture production beneath tree plantations, which has seen relatively little research and will have an important effect upon the persistence and productivity of both the grass and legume components of the pasture.
Publications Addison, H., Congdon, R., Gardiner, C. & Holtum, J. 2000 Legumes for forestry systems. In Snell A. & Vize S. (Eds) AFG2000 Proceedings of the Biennial Conference of the Australian Forest Growers, Cairns, September 2000, p. 231-234. Australian Forest Growers, Kingston, ACT. Addison, H. and Congdon, R., 2001 Legumes for agroforestry systems Proceedings of the 10th Australian Agronomy Conference, Hobart, 28th January – 1st February
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Optimised direct returns from tree products
Project Title
Inorganic-bonded wood composites manufactured from mallee eucalypt and melaleuca species
RIRDC Project No.: ANU-35A Researcher: Ms K.E. Semple1 and Dr P.D. Evans2 Organisation: 1School of Resources, Environment and Society, The Australian National
University, 2Center for Advance Wood Processing, University of British Columbia
Phone: 02 6125 3519 Fax: 02 6125 0746 Email: [email protected]
Objectives To assess and improve the compatibility of mallee eucalypt and melaleuca wood with Portland cement and develop suitable processing techniques to facilitate the development of an inorganic-bonded wood composite industry in Western Australia.
Background An ambitious program of tree crop establishment is underway in the wheat growing zone of Western Australia, comprising principally of short-rotation mallee eucalypts and melaleucas for leaf oil production. Investment in oil mallee requires markets not only for leaf oils but also the waste stem wood. This could form a raw material base for the manufacture of cement-bonded wood composite boards, as investigated by this project.
Research An assessment of the compatibility of mallee eucalypt and melaleuca species with Portland cement was first undertaken. This was followed by a series of experiments designed to assess and improve the mechanical properties of various types of cement-bonded boards made from mallee eucalypt wood and bark residues. These were compared with similar boards made from plantation blue gum and pine species grown in Western Australia.
Outcomes Mallee eucalypt wood was of moderate to good compatibility with cement. Melaleuca wood was low in compatibility, but this was easily overcome by pre-soaking the wood in cold water. Simple chipping of mallee stems proved unsuitable for the manufacture of wood-cement boards. Conversion to large, thin flakes produced boards of much better quality. For mallee, board strength was compromised by the production of flakes that were too thick. Flake production from small diameter mallee stems needs to be addressed further. Low-density blue gum wood performed very well in cement-bonded boards.
Implications With simple but appropriate wood conversion and manufacturing techniques cement-bonded composite boards of acceptable quality can be produced from short-rotation mallee eucalypt waste resides and from plantation blue gum. Further publicity of wood-cement composites in Australia would be recommended.
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Publications Semple, K.E., Cunningham, R.B. and Evans, P.D., 2002. 'The Suitability of Five Western Australian Mallee Eucalypt Species for Wood-Cement Composites," Industrial Crops and Products, Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 89-100. Semple, K.E. and Evans, P.D. 2002. The manufacture of cement-bonded flakeboards from Western Australian mallee, blue gum and commercial pine species, Proc. 6th Pacific Rim Bio-Based Composites Symposium, 11-14 November 2002, Portland, Oregon, pp 298-307.
Project Title:
Eucalypt hybrids in south-west Western Australia
RIRDC Project No.: CAL-5A Researcher: Dr. Liz Barbour Organisation: Forest Products Commission Phone: (08) 9404 5491 Fax: (08) 94045492 Email: [email protected] Objectives
To identify eucalypt hybrids that have a greater productivity than E.globulus on low rainfall, high evaporation sites in the south-west Western Australia by assessing ten field trials.
Background
The project assessed the wood production performance of a range of Eucalypt hybrids in the south-west of Western Australia to determine if an advantage can be gained using a Eucalypt hybrid in the low Eucalyptus globulus productivity areas. Since 1996, the Forest Products Commission (FPC) has established a range of trials across the tree planting areas in the south-west. The main focus was on E.globulus hybrids with E.grandis and E.camaldulensis and E.grandis with E.camaldulensis although other eucalypt hybrid material has been included. Five of the trials were measured in 1999 and this measurement showed that E.globulus out-performed all the hybrids tested except for the low rainfall (534 mm) and high evaporation (1175 mm) site at Darkan where the E.globulus x E.grandis hybrid showed potential. Additionally, clones of E.grandis x E.camaldulensis at the Gingin site (rainfall 676 mm with evaporation rate of 1850 mm) had potential.
Research This project completed a further two assessments of these trials which, by the final measurement, had grown in number to ten. The assessments were made in the summer of 200/2001 and 2002/2003, drought years in this region. Assessment of the trials showed that the sites considered typical for E.globulus, E.globulus seedling growth was superior to the hybrid cuttings in a pulpwood rotation. However, the sites that were not atypical E.globulus pulpwood production sites, other hybrid material showed potential to be able to produce a more productive tree crop. This material needs to be further tested in clonal blocks to monitor inter-tree relationships.
Outcomes
establish and assess E.globulus hybrid material in the 600-700 mm rainfall zone with controls of the pure species test the vegetative propagation ability of selected hybrids clones further test the hybrid clones for their deployment strategy
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Implications This project has not been able to show a hybrid family that has better growth performance than E.globulus on a typical E.globulus site. A small number of clones have shown potential but these have to be further tested in bulk plantings so that inter-tree interactions are tested. Where E.globulus is included in trials that are not typical E.globulus sites, the deep sands of Gingin or low rainfall sites or saline sites, the hybrids appear to show more promise at the family level. The project further indicates that for lower rainfall areas, to maintain high growth rates, hybrids may not be able to meet growth expectations at high pulp market stockings (1250 stems per hectare). A level of water use control through silviculture may have to be accepted in the project and thus the greater value of the primary product being solid wood perhaps should be considered. The question of the propagation technique and the effects of ageing are of a concern as more experience is gained in this field. Mother plant ageing prior to the setting of the cuttings can have major growth retardation effects. This ageing concern was not quantified in this project.
Publications Barbour EL Ralph A and Spencer N. Early growth assessment of a range of Eucalypt hybrids in the southwest Western Australia. Hybrid breeding and genetics of forest trees. QFRI/CRC symposium. April 2000.
Project Title:
Acacia Search
RIRDC Project No.:
CAL-7A
Researcher: B.R. Maslin Organisation: Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, W.A. Phone: 08-93340510 Fax: 08-93340515 Email: [email protected]
Objectives To identify, evaluate and provide detailed information for Acacia
species considered prospective as new woody crop plants in the agricultural region of southern Australia (within the 250–650 mm rainfall zone).
Background The impetus for the study is the need to undertake large-scale commercial plantings with perennial plants as a treatment for salinity control in the southern Australian agricultural regions. Emphasis was given to fast growing species with potential for producing large amounts of wood biomass that may find uses as solid and reconstituted wood products and for bioenergy, and which may possess commercially attractive by-products such as extractives (especially tannin and gum) and fodder.
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Research All Acacia species occurring within the target area were evaluated against a set of plant characteristics that indicate their potential suitability as feedstocks for the selected products. These selection criteria were developed in consultation with appropriate specialists. Species judged as potentially prospective were examined in the field and their biological, ecological and morphological characteristics further assessed. A short list of the most prospective species was subsequently developed. For each of these species relevant information (from both published and unpublished sources) was assembled; the species were ranked as to their perceived ability to meet end product requirements.
Outcomes Of the 462 Acacia Acacia species occurring naturally within the target area 35 were identified as having some crop potential for the southern Australian agricultural zone. These species were subjectively ranked to indicate how well each might be expected to perform as crop plants capable of delivering anticipated end products. The ranking categories used were 1 (most prospective) through 4 (least prospective). The most prospective species can be expected to display fast or moderately fast growth rates and produce high or moderately high volumes of wood biomass. They should have the potential to be cultivated over a reasonably wide geographic area, although in a number of cases this area is restricted to the temperate outer peripheral regions of the target zone. The more important of these most prospective species are the following. Category 1: A. saligna (W.A.); Category 1-2: A. leucoclada subsp. leucoclada (N.S.W.), A. linearifolia (N.S.W.), A. retinodes 'typical' variant (S.A.), A. salicina (N.S.W., N.T., Qld, S.A., Vic., ?W.A.); Category 2: A. decurrens (A.C.T., N.S.W.), A. lasiocalyx (W.A.), A. mearnsii (A.C.T., N.S.W., S.A., Tas., Vic.), A. microbotrya (W.A.), A. pycnantha (A.C.T., N.S.W., S.A. Vic.), A. retinodes 'swamp' variant (S.A., Vic.); Category 2-3: , A. bartleana (W.A.), A. dealbata subsp. dealbata (N.S.W., Tas, Vic.), A. murrayana (N.S.W., N.T., Qld, S.A., W.A.), A. neriifolia (N.S.W., Qld), A. rivalis (S.A., ?N.S.W.). 31 of the 35 prospective species were assessed as having some potential for development as phase crop plants. Phase crops are defined as short-lived woody species used as a de-watering phase within the crop rotation, these plants are usually planted in large blocks, harvested at 3 to 6 years after which the land reverts to annual crops or pasture. 13 species may possibly have prospects as long cycle crops while only 8 species appear to have any prospects as coppice crops. Plant establishment by direct seeding is essential for the commercial viability of phase crops, and also confers a cost advantage in the establishment of coppice crops and long cycle crops. Therefore, one of the attractive attributes Acacias as potential crop plants (apart from their rapid growth rate, nitrogen fixation capability, etc.) is their large seeds that are amenable to direct-seeding technology (possibly using conventional large-scale cereal seeding equipment).
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Implications The results of this study provide the necessary basis for further exploring the crop potential of Acacia as a new woody crop for the southern Australian agricultural zone. It is not, however, expected that all of the 35 prospective species that have been identified will become new crop plants. Some will undoubtedly be eliminated after testing their growth rates, wood attributes, performance under cultivation, or by their inability to meet end-product requirements. Also, in some cases their potential weed risk may constrain use to their native range.
Publications B.R. Maslin and M.W. McDonald (in press). AcaciaSearch: evaluation of Acacia as a woody crop option for southern Australia. Report to RIRDC Publication No. 03/017.
Project Title:
Predicting tree growth in farm forestry and following thinning
RIRDC Project No.: CPF-1A Researcher: Dr Michael Battaglia Organisation: Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry
Private Bag 12 HOBART TASMANIA 7001.
Phone: 03 6226 7912 Fax: 03 6226 7901 Email: [email protected] Objective
1. To develop a silvicultural decision support system for farm forestry by
incorporating, into an existing process based model (PROMOD) of plantation growth, the effects of tree growth and form of wide spacing, planting in strips and silvicultural practices such as pruning and thinning.
2. A user-friendly PC package will be available for use by landholders, tree
growing cooperatives and industry groups by June 2001. It will predict wood product yield from only a few simple site variables and layout of plantations and plantation silviculture applied.
Background Trees are deployed into the agricultural landscape as part of revegetation
activity to create sustainable landscapes. Included in these activities are treebelts on sloping land to use lateral water movement, tree belts in alley designs to access soil water from land occupied by crops or pastures and widely spaced tree plantings to maintain hydrological balance while allowing the benefits of shelter and animal husbandry. These later applications with heterogeneous canopy-cover provide substantial challenges for the existing tools (the Farm Forestry Toolbox contains PROMOD and CAMFor and utilises the production side of 3PG) and they typically fail to predict growth realistically.
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Research This project entailed field work and analysis to better define the physiological and growth response of plantation grown Eucalyptus globulus trees to wide-spacing and then used this to underpin a simple, easy to use predictive model called AGGRO. This model was subsequently verified for growth predictons of E. globulus and E. nitens.
Outcomes The growth of trees was maximised by wide spacing but stand production was reduced. This was largely because wide-spaced trees individually intercepted more radiation but on a stand basis more radiation fell between trees. Wide-spacing however had a clear impact on the incidence of thick branches, on branch diameter and on branch angle. As well as impacting on wood quality of wide-spaced trees it meant that wide-spaced trees allocated a higher proportion of net primary production to branches and less to stem wood. Surprisingly, a fortuitously for modelling, the efficiency of photosynthetic production was unchanged by spacing simplifying modelling of spacing effects. Considerable horizontal and vertical variation in light penetration into tree crowns was observed in trees at all spacing because of leaf clumping and canopy gaps. A result of this is that light levels, and hence potential carbon fixation are somewhat higher than might be predicted with the big-leaf model. Nevertheless we were able to show that at the whole canopy level a one-dimensional big-leaf approach to modelling carbon fixation in E. globulus crowns provides workable estimates of total stand growth. The distribution of leaf nitrogen concentration in the canopies of E. globulus was neither random nor uniform and varied with spacing resulting in gradients of concentration both horizontally and vertically in crowns. Using these observations a simple radiation interception model based on assumptions of stand structure and geometry was built and verified by comparison with light interception estimates by MAESTRA. The model assumed that light interception initially could be calculated by treating trees as non-interaction ellipsoids, subsequently as non-interacting hedgerows and finally by application of the big-leaf model. Where trees are planted in blocks the Jackson-Palmer method of calculating interception is applied. This radiation sub-model was integrated within a user-friendly stand growth model that predicted well observed growth relationships.
Implications As a result of this project it is now possible to use simple site factors to predict the growth implications of tree spacing and thinning in plantations of eucalypts. This will provide the basis for evaluating the financial implications of non-conventional forestry activity as part of on-farm enterprises and at the same time will enable conventional industrial forestry companies to assess the growth implications of thinning stands.
Publications Henskens, F., Battaglia, M., Cherry, M., and Beadle, C. L. (2001). Physiological basis of spacing effects on tree growth and form in Eucalyptus globulus. Trees Structure and Function 15, 365-377. Medhurst, J. L., Battaglia, M., and Beadle, C. L. (2002). Measured and predicted changes in water use of Eucalyptus nitens plantations following high-intensity thinning. Tree Physiology 22, 775-784. Pinkard, E. A., and Battaglia, M. (2001). Using hybrid models to develop silvicultural prescriptions for Eucalyptus nitens. Forest Ecology and Management 154, 337-345.
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Project Title
Development of a microbial library that utilizes Eucalyptus oil constituents as carbon source
RIRDC Project No.: CSC-1A Researcher: Mr Geoff Dumsday, Mr Norman Pilkington, Ms Melissa Straffon and
Professor Michael Zachariou Organisation: CSIRO Molecular Science
Bag 10 Clayton South, Victoria, 3169
Phone: 03 9545 2321 Fax: 03 9545 2446 Email: [email protected]
Objectives To establish a microbial library that can utilise 1,8-cineole obtained from E. polybractea eucalyptus oil, as sole carbon source and to identify chemical products derived from microbial metabolism of 1,8-cineole.
Background Land damage by salinity is a serious issue for Australian landowners and agricultural producers. To address this, governments such as the Western Australian government, have established a scheme to help farmers financially by planting Eucalytpus, which will gradually resolve the increasing salinity in the area. Such large plantations of Eucalyptus will result in an abundance of leaf oil. This represents an opportunity for Australia to discover and improve on eucalyptus oil applications.
Research Using a proprietary device invented at CSIRO, microbes were enriched for those that are able to consume 1,8-cineole as the sole carbon source. These microbes were then isolated, scaled up and the by-products of 1,8-cineole consumption were checked for identification.
Outcomes Fourteen microbial isolates were discovered and deposited in the 1,8-cineole degrading library. Nine of these are likely to be new strains. Two of the strains can grow up on four times the highest 1,8-cineole concentration previously reported. Five 1,8-cineole derivative by-products were detected, mostly hydroxylated forms. One of these may well be a new chemical entity since a match has not been found in any database searched so far. Industry interest in the project is high with many requests to screen these byproducts against several different types of commercially rewarding activity screens.
Implications The discovery of microbes that can consume 1,8-cineole as the sole carbon
source now allows for a variety of novel derivatives to be discovered from eucalyptus oil being used as the feedstock. Microbes that can tolerate concentrations of 1,8-cineole necessary for commercial viability have been discovered. One potentially new chemical entity has already been discovered within the short time frame of this project. The other derivatives already discovered in this work show potential in their current form or for further modification for application in activity based screens or as surfactants.
Publications There were no publications written for this work because of the commercially sensitive nature of the findings and the procedures used. A summary of the results will be prepared as a RIRDC report.
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Project Title
Impact of insects on eucalypt plantations in the Murray Valley
RIRDC Project No.: CSE-72A Researcher: Dr Rob Floyd and Dr Grant Farrell Organisation: CSIRO Entomology
GPO Box 1700 Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6246 4098 Fax: 02 6246 4155 Email: [email protected] : [email protected]
Objectives 1. To assess provenances and families of several species of eucalypts
for resistance to pests of young trees in order to incorporate insect resistance into breeding programs in seed orchards.
2. To measure the impact of insect feeding on the growth and form of young eucalypts grown in existing plantations (Murray Valley and ACT) and new plantations established under irrigation or in high water table sites in the Murray Valley and to incorporate this information into growth and economic models.
3. To develop a set of recommendations for the environmentally sensitive management of insect pests involving insect resistance in young trees for use in farm forestry
Background Major tree establishment programs are being pursued in the Murray Darling
Basin and elsewhere, aimed at eucalypt plantations for landcare and commercial wood production. One of the regions being developed is the Murray Valley around Shepparton and Deniliquin. Many young plantations in the Murray Valley have incurred heavy defoliation from a range of insects and the two most commonly planted species, Eucalyptus grandis and E. globulus, are quite susceptible to insect feeding.
Research Plantations of various commercially important species of Eucalyptus were established at a number of locations in the Murray Valley. Species studied included E. globulus, E. grandis, E. dunnii, E. benthamii and Corymbia spp. A number of provenances and families, chosen to represent a wide range of resistance and susceptible genotypes, were included at each site. At a subset of locations, insects were experimentally excluded from part of the site by the use of insecticides. Tree growth, species of insect causing damage, and levels of insect damage were regularly assessed at each site. Studies on the phenology and biology of the major insect pest species were also undertaken. Using data from the study and the literature the economic impact of insect damage to plantations was investigated.
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Outcomes Insect exclusion studies showed losses 11% in E. grandis volume after six years of low to moderate defoliation by autumn gum moth and brown lace lerp while Eucalyptus globulus had losses of 18% in volume after five years of similar damage levels by autumn gum moth and Christmas beetle. Provenances of E. grandis had volume losses ranging from 7% to 41% and E. globulus provenances had losses from 0.5% to 56%. Based on these figures and on current control costs, productivity losses from moderate to heavy defoliation easily justify the costs of insect pest management intervention. Results from the study also indicated that possible non-chemical options for pest management in the Murray Valley include the use of more resistant species such as C. maculata or where plantations are irrigated in resource-rich environments, the use of tolerant species that can out grow insect damage.
Implications Plantation managers will need a range of management options to utilise in different circumstances, depending on surrounding land-uses, magnitude of risk and community attitudes. Freedom to operate and successful management of eucalypt plantations is likely to require a diversity of management options including effective and efficient non-chemical methods of which deployment of resistant genotypes is one. Currently, these options do not exist and need to be developed urgently.
Publications Floyd, R.F., Arnold, R.J., Farrell, G.S and Farrow, R.A (in prep) Genetic variation in growth of Eucalyptus grandis under irrigation in south eastern Australia. submitted to Australian Forestry. Floyd, R.F, Farrow, R.A. and Matsuki, M (2002) Variation in insect damage and growth in Eucalyptus globulus Agricultural and Forest Entomology 4: 109-115. Floyd, R.F, Farrow, R.A. and Matsuki, M (in prep) Effects of acute damage and chronic damage by insects on growth in Eucalyptus globulus
Project Title
International workshop in biotransformation
RIRDC Project No.: CSE-90A Researcher: Dr John Oakshott Organisation: CSIRO Entomology Phone: 02 6246 4157 Fax: 02 6246 4173 Email: [email protected]
Objective
The first objective of this project was to conduct a Biotransformation Workshop to identify and examine new opportunities for agricultural industries in general and agro forestry in particular for Australia. The Workshop brought together international experts in the field, Australian industry leaders who could capture new technologies or feedstocks and incorporate them into their future operations, and Australian research providers who could carry out the underpinning R&D. The second objective was to capture the main outcomes of the workshop, such as forward plans for development of new biotransformation industries, in a succinct document that can be used as a guide to future investment.
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Background During June 2002 CSIRO along with the GRDC and RIRDC conducted a national survey of interest and expertise available in Australia to build a biotransformation industry. The survey was led by John Oakeshott and an international expert in the field, Alan Gould of Verdant Partners (USA). The team consulted widely with representatives from key industries, State and Commonwealth governments and research providers. It found widespread agreement about the potential value of biotransformation for Australian industry, but relatively little insight as to our competitive niches in the area. To redress the latter a smaller group of key industry, R&D and government representatives were then invited to take part in a workshop with an international panel composed of leaders from various segments of the industry overseas.
Outcomes One area subject to intense scrutiny at the meeting concerned the opportunities from woody biomass. Many participants also pointed to the possible synergies of some of these areas with the emerging Australian bioethanol industry. Other areas of opportunity supported by the meeting were development of enabling enzyme and other biotechnologies and downstream processing know-how to underpin a)-c) below. Three areas of particular promise were thought to be:
a) high value oils expressed in annual crop biofactories b) biomaterials and precursors for them, produced in annual crop and/or
fermentation biofactories c) novel organic, non-metallic pigments, produced in annual crop and/or
fermentation biofactories.
Implications Several participants and groups of participants are now progressing specific R&D and commercial plans in the recommended areas.
Publications There will be no publications other than this report.
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Project Title
Species testing and genetic improvement of forest trees for the Northern Territory
RIRDC Project No.: DNT-27A Researcher: Dr Don Reilly Organisation: Dept of Business Industry and Resource Development (formerly DPIF) Phone: 08 89992316 Fax: 08 89992043 Email: [email protected]
Objectives
• More productive genotypes of high value native timber species suitable
for planting in northern Australia. • Genetic development facilities for seed and vegetative production of key
high value species. • Improved knowledge of potential yields and site suitability for different
native species • Enhanced capacity for genetic development research and operational
activity in the Northern Territory.
Background The Dept of Primary Industry and Fisheries (now Business Industry and Resource Development) in association with QFRI entered into a collaborative research project funded by RIRDC in 1999. The project evolved as a result of work the proponents were doing previously. This included; a) work QFRI (in collaboration with the Australian Tree Seed Centre of CSIRO and the NT Conservation commission) had been undertaking on genetic conservation and improvement of a range of Acacia and a few Eucalyptus species, by establishing joint project facilities in north Queensland and Melville Island in the NT. These facilities have been based on seed collections from difficult to collect places in northern Australia, PNG, Irian Jaya and other islands in the Indonesian archipelago. Many of those genotypes have out performed local north Queensland provenances in trial plantings in north Queensland and overseas. It was assumed that these genotypes are therefore likely to perform well on suitable sites in the NT and they are likely to be the most genetically superior material currently available for trial. This project has provided for the testing of these improved genotypes of a number of key species and other potentially useful hardwood species on a range of sites in the region. b) The on-going promise of Khaya senegalensis in the NT, the unique collection of germ plasm of this species at Gunn Point and elsewhere in the NT that was at risk and the potential for genetic improvement of the species. This project has also allowed staff working on farm forestry in the region to take advantage of the fruits of the work of the cooperative relationship between QFRI and CSIRO.
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Research The research has been based on the establishment of two taxa evaluation sites at Berry Springs in 1999/00 and one at Howard Springs in 2002/03. A genetic improvement facility for E. pellita (SSO) was established at Howard Springs in 1999/00 and the genetic improvement facilities for Khaya senegalensis were established in 2001/02 wet season at Howard Springs and Berrimah Farm. All trials were measured soon after establishment and annually subsequent to the initial measure. The results of all trial work has been recorded and analysed up to April 2003. The findings and results have been written up for the final report and is currently in the review process awaiting publication.
Outcomes The final report has been drafted and all chapters on the research aspects, the introduction and executive summary have been forwarded to RIRDC subject to the review process. Upon finalisation of the document, it will be published.
This project was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust.
Project Title
Using portable sawmills to produce high value timber from farm trees in the semi-arid zone
RIRDC Project No.: PN99.2001 Researcher: Mr. Mark Stewart Organisation: University of Melbourne Phone: 03 5321 4150 Fax: 03 5321 4135 Email: [email protected]
Objectives
• To investigate the development of high value wood products from
dense timber species occurring in the semi-arid zone. • To develop and investigate the efficiency of different farm-based
sawing techniques to maximise recovery of high value wood. • To benchmark small-scale and farm-based timber production against
a large, fixed installation.
Background There is a perception by some within the sawmilling industry that portable sawmills cannot produce the sawing quality in hard high-density timbers that is required to be merchantable in the manufacturing industry – especially the higher value sectors such as furniture.
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Research This study investigated the on-site processing of farm timbers from the semi arid regions of Australia using two different portable sawmills. They were at the low end of automation available on portable sawmills. Both mills required an operator to push and pull the power head along the log to produce sawn boards. The mills used in the sawing trials were a single circular blade type sawmill, which were represented by a ‘LucasMill Model 8’ and a horizontal bandsaw, which was represented by a ‘Laidlaw Farmill’. There were a limited number of plantations with sufficient quantity of suitable sawlogs within the low rainfall regions of south-eastern Australia for sawing trials. The only plantations that had sufficient sawlogs were of high-density eucalypt species. The four species selected were brown mallett E. astringens,sugar gum E. cladocalyx, yellow gum E. leucoxylon and swampl yate E. occidentalis. Initial results showed the selected species produced dimensionally consistent 150 mm wide boards that could be used in the manufacture of furniture or other products. The key criterion for investigation of sawing with both types of portable mill was the straightness of cut as the measure of sawing accuracy. This was measured with a modified straightedge and digital calipers. A total deviation or waviness in the cut of less than 1.5 mm was considered acceptable. An investigation using the single circular blade sawmill sawing with four different width blade-tips revealed the 5 and 5.7 mm wide carbide tipped blades produced straighter cuts than the 4.5 and 5.4 mm wide carbide tipped blades in each of the trial species. The 5.0 mm wide blade also produced straight cuts with the fastest feed-speed in the majority of species while the 5.7 mm blade was the slowest sawing blade. The use of a 5.0 mm tip-width blade on a single circular blade sawmill could be considered as the most versatile blade that is capable of producing more straight cuts and at the fastest feed-speed when sawing high-density hardwood species than other tip-width blades. Investigation using the horizontal bandsaw sawmill and varying the blade parameters of hook angle, toothset and blade tension showed the consistency in obtaining the blade tension was a major factor in accurate sawing. At low blade tension, the straightness of cut was adversely affected. The other variables revealed that at the widest tooth set the deviation along the cut increased with the faster feed-speed. The range of book angles tested had no effect on straightness. It is possible that at higher hook angles problems might occur, as experience within the sawmilling sector suggests, but the range selected in this study, inadvertently, did not extend that far. Investigation of three blade types with different tip construction and different widths revealed the 32 mm wide bi-metal blade was the best blade over the range of species. Although this blade did not produce the straightest cuts in all the species, the cuts were within the accepted tolerance of 1.5 mm. The carbon steel and carbide tipped blade did not produce the straightest cuts in some species but were outside the acceptable range in other species. A final trial to assess controlled feed-speed required the horizontal bandsaw to be modified with the attachment of a variable power feed unit to the sawing carriage. This modification allowed the feed-speeds to be doubled in most species without any reducing in the straightness of cut.
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Outcomes The production of quality timber is technically feasible using portable sawmills if the conditions and parameter of the blade, timber and mill are matched to meet the problems each log will demonstrate during the milling process.
Publications Blackwell, P. and Stewart, M. (2003) Using portable sawmills to produce high value timber from farm trees in the semi-arid zone. RIRDC Publication No 03/046.
This project was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust.
Project Title
Utilisation of Western Hardwoods as specialty timbers
RIRDC Project No.: PN99.2004 Researcher: Mr Bill Leggate Organisation: Queensland Forestry Research Institute DPI Phone: 07 3896 9750 Fax: 07 3896 9628 Email: [email protected]
Objectives
• To establish basic resource and marketing information on selected native
(desert) hardwoods of western Queensland. • To assist with the development of a viable new wood processing industry
by researching and developing technology allowing efficient and sustainable harvesting, processing and marketing of these remote area timbers, which are currently poorly utilised.
Background There is a substantial timber resource in western Queensland that has been
traditionally viewed as an impediment to agricultural and pastoral development. These timbers have been used for on-farm purposes such as fencing and firewood, with small volumes for specialty application (e.g. musical instrument manufacture) where high prices have been paid. It has become evident that many hardwood species of western Queensland possess unique timber properties, such as high density, and attractive colours, grain and figure. Nevertheless the scarcity of straight-boled trees, their typically small stem diameters, the prevalence of timber defects, remoteness from major markets and lack of information about the resource and potential markets, have impeded the establishment of a more substantial industry based on western Queensland hardwoods. If these timbers could be marketed effectively and sold to customers who demand timber with these unique properties, then market prices could be achieved that would make the management of remnant stands attractive and provide opportunities for landholders to diversify their incomes.
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Research
To make the findings of this study accessible and adoptable by landholders, all research has focussed on processing opportunities appropriate for small-scale operations. For example, harvesting and portable sawmilling trials have been undertaken with a farm truck, tractor and a portable sawmill. Seasoning trials assessed the merits of air drying versus solar kiln and dehumidifier kiln drying, the latter two being low-cost kiln drying technologies. Finally, financial assessments of potential enterprises have been made assuming two-person operations and the types of equipment utilised in QFRI’s research trials. Information on wood properties and market opportunites has been collected for the following 11 species: mulga Acacia aneura, gidgee A. cambagei, desert oak A. coriacea, ironwood wattle A. excelsa, prickly acacia A. nilotica, lancewood A. shirleyi, red lancewood Archidendropsis basaltica, Queensland yellowjacket Corymbia similis, sandalbox Eremophila mitchellii, bimble box Eucalyptus populnea and beefwood Grevillea striata. The timber processing trials and financial analyses have been limited to mulga and gidgee, because of their wide distribution, potentially large sustainably harvestable volumes and promising timber properties. Potential markets for western Queensland hardwoods are examined, and financial analyses are conducted based on several western Queensland hardwood production scenarios. Comparisons of estimated returns are made with grazing. Factors to consider when purchasing a portable sawmill are outlined, and the final section of the project suggests some ares for future research to encourage growth of the western Queensland hardwood industry.
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Outcomes The uniqueness of western Queensland hardwoods, compared to other Australian and overseas timbers, has been highlighted in this research by the determination of wood properties, particularly air dry densities (ranging from 1,000 kg/m3 to 1,300 kg/m3) and hardness (14 kN to 18 kN). Portable sawmilling trials with mulga and gidgee achieved green off saw (GOS) recoveries of 34.6% and 27.6% respectively. The variable costs of production in these trials were estimated at between $730/m3 GOS and $980/m3 GOS, and shown to be highly sensitive to imputed labour cost and GOS recovery. Knowledge and experience gained throughout the project has indicated that, from the range of portable chainsaw mills, bandsaw mills and circular mills, the latter type are likely to be the most appropriate for small-scale production of western Queensland hardwoods. A small-scale veneering trial conducted with mulga proved that this species was unsuitable for the commercial production of veneer. Seasoning trials were conducted with mulga and gidgee to determine drying times and the suitability of unprotected air drying, protected air drying, solar kiln, dehumidifier kiln and conventional kiln drying. Seasoned mulga and gidgee boards were graded in accordance with AS2796 – 1999 – Timber – Hardwood - Sawn and Milled Products, which indicated that high feature recovery was in the order of 10% of log volume. Wane, insect damage and decay were primarily responsible for this low recovery. A financial analysis (including the time value of money and the graded quality of seasoned boards) identified air drying as the most economically efficient seasoning technique for mulga and gidgee in western Queensland. When kiln drying is required, a solar kiln is shown to be the best investment option for a landholder in western Queensland. A postal survey sent to 225 Australian and international wood product manufacturers and discussions with several current and potential consumers of western Queensland hardwoods, indicated that these timbers have highly marketable qualities. It was suggested that parquetry flooring, small-scale furniture and musical instrument manufacturers, and timber merchants would likely be the major purchasers of western hardwoods. It was asserted that prices would initially be in the vicinity of $1,500/m3 to $3,000/m3 dried roughsawn. There is also potential for small volumes of the highest quality western hardwood boards to be sold to domestic and international musical instrument and knife handle manufacturers at $20,000/m3 to $30,000/m3. Comparisons of estimated financial returns from several small-scale western Queensland hardwood production scenarios with grazing in western Queensland, indicated that the former could generate competitive to superior returns. Clear wood production for high value niche markets and a landholder co-operative producing parquetry flooring were found to be the most profitable hardwood production scenarios. It is concluded that substantial financial and environmental benefits could be generated in western Queensland from the expansion of the western Queensland timber industry.
Publications Venn, T.J., McGavin, R. L. and Leggate, W. W. (in press) Utilisation of western Queensland hardwoods as specialty timbers. RIRDC Publication.
This project was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust.
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Cost effective multi-purpose systems for commercial and environmental purposes
Project Title
Review of agroforestry systems in tropical savannah systems in northern Australia
RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-297A Researcher: Ms Mila Bristow Organisation: Department of Primary Industries
Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences Forestry Research Phone: 07 4092 9902 Fax: 07 4093 3903 Email: [email protected]
Objective
This project aims to complete a desktop study reviewing the tree component of agroforestry systems in tropical savanna regions of northern Australia incorporating a review of research results and other activities. The specific objectives are:
1. To review suitable, sustainable and commercial agroforestry for the tropical savanna regions of northern Australia.
2. To identify a list of high priority alternative sustainable land use options based on regional soils, climate and industries that can be integrated into existing agricultural enterprises.
3. To recommend areas of further research in tropical savanna regions of northern Australia.
Background There is a need for new industries to supplement existing primary industry
and natural resource based activities in the tropical savannas of northern Australia. Other regions of Australia have shown that new industries based on timber plantations, tree crops, grazing systems and sustainable management of native forest could provide ecological sustainable development, long-term employment and wider benefits to those regional economies. This report collates and reviews information on the tree component of past and current agroforestry, farm forestry and/or plantation forestry activities in Australia’s tropical savannas. Developing from the RIRDC-JVAP report on ‘Agroforestry R&D Priorities for Northern Australia’ (Turvey and Larsen 2001), this study focuses on the climatically unique tropical savanna region. Poor soils, high evapotranspiration and medium to low rainfall distributed in a distinct wet season, followed by a variable but often extended dry season, characterise the region. Eco-environmentally sustainable land use options in the savanna region are limited. Despite these biophysical challenges, plantation forestry shows promising early growth rates of potentially high-value timber and non-timber species.
Research Results and location for a number of older (1970-1998) and more recent (1998 onwards) tree establishment projects funded by a range of agencies across northern Queensland, Northern Territory and northern Western Australia are presented. Thirteen (13) research/demonstration projects, consisting of 74 plantings were considered in all. Each of these projects was short-term (1-4 years), and focused on identifying suitable species to grow on sites in northern Australia. Locations of sites and species growth rates are presented, and recommendations from these projects discussed.
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Outcomes Key outcomes from existing agroforestry activities: Suitable species and provenances in northern Australia can be the immediate starting point for genetic improvement. For example, selections can be made in appropriate plantings and clonal seed orchards established; alternatively, local material may be supplemented by appropriate introductions to broaden and enrich local germplasm; other strategies are also available. In addition, it is important to enlarge the suite of species/hybrids investigated. Furthermore, new hybrid combinations are continually emerging and need to be assessed on a range of sites. It is vital to create an integrated approach to research into exotic species including species-site matching, silviculture, pest and diseases and wood properties across the region. Work of this nature should be confined initially to high priority species already emerging as promising for certain parts of the region. There is an urgent need for research to determine optimal silvicultural regimes for agroforestry plantings in northern Australia, including:
• responses to ripping, mounding on various soils; • irrigation (amount, timing type, water balance, economics,
environmental impacts); • weed control; • nutrition (fertiliser rates, timing, response); • espacement and design (mixtures vs. monocultures); • stand management (pruning and thinning: age, timing and
products from these activities); • monitoring of, and protection from pests & diseases.
Sawing studies and wood quality testing should be undertaken on samples from trees of adequate age or size and number grown in appropriate, stand conditions. This information is essential to evaluating the economics of a plantation resource. Improved market information should be collected for non-timber agroforestry products and services, both those that are unique to tropical savannas, and those that are common to other areas of Australia. Stakeholders in northern Australia should be invited to collaborate in an integrated and focussed, research and development projects designed to underpin the development of a sustainable agroforestry industry in the region. This could be facilitated through the revised 2020 vision, perhaps in a Regional Plantation Committee, or similar structure. A result should be that agroforestry research and development in Australia’s tropical savannas be integrated. More than 30 years of research on woodland management in grazing lands in Queensland can benefit the implementation, success and integration of native forest agroforestry systems across Australia’s tropical savannas. It is important address policy solutions to attract investment and participation in all systems of agroforestry. For example, there is a need to resolve forest property rights on leasehold land, to remove any impediment to further development.
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Implications For the potential of this region to be fully evaluated, the need for long-term, strategic approaches to R&D including land suitability investigations; economic feasibility; species-site matching; targeted genetic improvement; establishment silviculture; utilisation and value-adding of forest products from both plantations and native forest resources are recommended.
Publications Final RIRDC report: Review of Agroforestry in Tropical Savanna Regions of Northern Australia
Project Title
Profitability of medium to low rainfall agroforestry in the southern Australian cropping zone
RIRDC Project No.: UWA-63A Researcher: Mr Amir Abadi and Dr Ted Lefroy Organisation: Department of Agriculture Western Australia and CSIRO Phone: 08 9368 3143; 08 9333 6442 Fax: 08 9367 4265; 08 9333 6444 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Objective
• To compare the relative profitability of existing, emerging and prospective
agroforestry systems with profitability of conventional agricultural land uses in the cropping zones of Western Australia and New South Wales.
• To map out the economic boundary conditions under which several
promising agroforestry systems may be viable in the lower rainfall zones.
Background Economic analyses identifying key drivers of profitability of alternative agroforestry systems can help focus R&D effort in generating the information required by growers, investors and governments to make sound investment decisions.
Research This project proceeded in two stages. In Stage 1, a database was established containing the bio-physical and economic data for existing and emerging agroforestry systems. The dataset for WA included oil mallees (Eucalyptus kochii subsp. plenissima and E. polybractea), tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus), maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and wattle (Acacia spp.). The NSW dataset included blue mallee (E. polybractea), narrow-leaved peppermint (E. radiata), jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) and river red gum (E. camaldulensis). In the second stage, partial budgeting and discounted cash flow techniques were used to conduct a comparative analysis of alternative land use scenarios. The cash flow pattern, Net Present Value, Annual Equivalent Return, Break-Even Time, Payback Period and Peak Debt of each scenario were reported. Estimates of temporal and spatial interaction effects of trees on agricultural crops and pastures were included to obtain indirect economic value of trees.
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Outcomes Some tree species such as oil mallees and tagasaste were nearly as profitable as conventional land uses. Others such as jojoba were highly profitable, creating doubt in the assumptions about its production and the long term market outlook for its products. For several species, this project offered the first opportunity for an assessment of their profitability. Results of ‘what-if?’ analyses of key variables identified their economic importance. Recommendations were made for future studies of agroforestry.
Implications The analytical technique, the database templates and the development of the spreadsheet application have proven to be highly useful in the Search Project based at CALM in WA. The CRC for Plant-Based Management of Dryland Salinity is also actively using the methodology and the economic analysis tool developed in this project.
Project Title
Farm forestry and landscape architecture
RIRDC Project No.: UWA-68A Researcher: Mr John Winchcombe Mr Grant Revell Organisation: University of Western Australia. Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and
Visual Arts. Phone: 08 97567344 08 93801566 Fax: 08 97567355 08 3801082 Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of integrating the principles of landscape architectural planning and design, including visual landscape management with existing and developing farm forestry decision support tools and research, and to provide recommendations for that integration.
Background Landscape Architecture is a little known and inadequately represented discipline in the area of sustainable, integrated land management and farm forestry planning. Its multi-faceted approach to looking at alternative planning and design approaches for rural land managers has had lasting implications for a number of national farming groups, their farming enterprises and families. Experience has shown that farmers are in a continual research state with significant effort being applied to achieve more with less. This research is often extremely focussed and, at a pertinent personal level, often based on insufficient decision support and leveraged at inappropriate points in the management process. Consequently, there is an established need to investigate the creative planning and design opportunities and constraints to develop Tools where resource conflict management can be exercised, and more holistic planning outcomes derived. Moreover, existing visualisation tools that display alternative farm forestry design schemes need to interface with other existing tools used to manage environmental and economic management alternatives.
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Research A range of farm forestry decision support tools and research projects were assessed to investigate the feasibility of integrating principles of Landscape Architecture and Visual Landscape Management. The sophistication of this assimilation was assessed against the reviewed application’s sympathy with “best practise” models of landscape architecture planning and design, while an analysis of the opportunities and constraints for integration suggested possibilities for allowing the reviewed applications to accept visual landscape management. Quantifying scenic quality values and visual landscape management criteria for inclusion into these models can either be based on existing techniques of assessment or specifically created at a national level to increase the range of benefits able to be captured in farm forestry designs. This argument is strengthened by the fact that several of the survey respondents suggested that ‘The Agroforestry Design Principles’ manual series would benefit from a Visual Landscape Management and Design Manual. This manual would complement the production of an Integrated Australian Farm Forestry Design Manual. Such a manual would need to be based on holistic and integrated landscape planning and design procedures.
Outcomes The research concluded that, through systematic and rigorous analysis of landscape values, most reviewed models and tools could assimilate visual landscape management. Integrating visual landscape management becomes a matter of determining the benefits and costs of that integration. Without a thorough analysis of what constitutes visual landscape and its intrinsic character and values, it is difficult to assess what the implications of overlooking visual landscape management might be. However, quantifying scenic quality values and visual landscape management criteria for inclusion into the range of reviewed models and decision support tools can either be based on existing techniques of assessment or specifically created at a national level to increase the range of benefits able to be captured in farm forestry designs. This argument is strengthened by the fact that several of the people surveyed as part of the project investigation, suggested that the “Agroforestry Design Principles’ manual series would benefit from a Visual Landscape Management and Design Manual. This manual would complement the production of an Integrated Australian Farm Forestry Design Manual. Such a proposed manual would need to be based on holistic and integrated landscape planning and design procedures.
Implications The potential for integrated visual landscape management, scenic quality and landscape architecture to add greater depth to the modeling and analysis of farm forestry benefits can only increase the understanding, acceptance and adoption of re-forestation and farm forestry management systems in rural landscapes. Given that further development of these capabilities is warranted, it is recommended that a National forum be convened to discuss and standardize an approach to the integration and assimilation of visual landscape management with farm forestry design and decision support tools across Australia.
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Publications Revell, G. (1994). Guidelines for Managing Plantation Landscapes. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia. Revell, G. (2000). Farm Land Planning and Design Project. School of Architecture and Fine Arts, University of Western Australia Revell, G. McAuliffe, T. Winchcombe, J. (eds.) (1999). A Boree Storee. School of Architecture and Fine Arts, University of Western Australia. ISBN 0 86422 8988. Winchcombe, J. (1997). (ed.) The West Coast Pine Timber belt Project. NHT Farm Forestry Project. CALM Report to DAFFA Winchcombe, J. (1999). (ed.) South West Farm Forestry Project. Sub-project 3. Farm Forestry Integration Packaging. NHT Farm Forestry Project. CALM Report to DAFFA Winchcombe, J. (2000). Toby Inlet Catchment; Landscape Audit. Sussex Land Conservation District Committee. Winchcombe. J. (2000). Investigation of the Economic and Social Opportunities for Farm Forestry in the Dandaragan Shire. NHT Project# 983017. Dandaragan Shire Land Conservation District Committee.
Effective communications
Project Title
The farm forestry and agroforestry research library
RIRDC Project No.: ANU-61A Researcher: Ms Jacki Schirmer Organisation: ANU Forestry, Bldg 48
Australian National University, ACT 0200 Phone: 02 6247 4757 or 02 6125 3569 Fax: 02 6125 0746 Email: [email protected]
Objective
The primary objective of the project was to produce a database giving access to citations for a wide range of research on agroforestry and farm forestry in Australia. The secondary objective was to produce a report reviewing the current state of research into agroforestry and farm forestry in Australia.
Background Considerable research has been undertaken on agroforestry and farm forestry in Australia for many years. However, it can be difficult to access this research, and difficulty of access can make it hard to identify the extent of existing research and what new research is needed to fill gaps in current knowledge. There is a need for citation databases of previous research and for a review of the directions in agroforestry and farm forestry research in Australia.
Research A database containing over 5,000 citations on agroforestry and farm forestry publications and projects in Australia was developed. As citations were included in the database notes on the nature and accessibility of existing research were made. A small survey of agroforestry and farm forestry professionals in Australia was undertaken to identify information needs for the future in agroforestry and farm forestry.
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Outcomes The database produced, the Farm Forestry and Agroforestry Research Library, contains many citations and will be a useful resource for researchers, extension officers and practitioners of agroforestry and farm forestry. It has the potential to be expanded and upgraded in future. The investigation of accessibility of and directions in research found that current research is not always easily accessible and identified methods of improving accessibility. One of these was development of the database produced by this project. Others include funding reviews of existing research and research outcomes in key research areas. In terms of new directions in research, two key areas were identified: continuing and expanding research on the suitability and potential of a wide range of tree species, particularly for low rainfall regions and for cabinet timber species; and continuing and expanding research on market, financial and economic aspects of agroforestry and farm forestry. Other key research directions were also identified.
Implications This project has shown that accessibility to existing research can be poor and needs to be improved, and has developed methods of improving accessibility. The results of the project also indicate that there is a continuing need for research to focus on expanding the range of opportunities for commercial agroforestry and farm forestry, particularly through expanding the range and quality of potential species and products, and ensuring adequate and comprehensive market and economic analysis is available.
Project Title
Development of communication/ knowledge brokering strategy for the JVAP
RIRDC Project No.: REC-1A Researcher: Ms Lisa Robins Organisation: Robins Environmental Consulting Phone: 02 6230 6779 Fax: 02 6230 6771 Email: [email protected]
Objective
To develop a JVAP knowledge brokering strategy
Background JVAP has the guiding objective: ‘to integrate sustainable and productive agroforestry within Australian farming systems’. The current R&D Plan for the JVAP spans 5-years from 1999-2004. It sets the strategic directions for R&D in agroforestry and farm forestry, and places high priority on the need for effective communication. Two key strategies are outlined with respect to communication: (a) developing mechanisms for forging stronger linkages with researchers and the farm forestry community, disseminating research to farm forestry stakeholders and strengthening human capacity within farm forestry, and (b) ensuring that communication of research outcomes is integral to the planning of R&D strategies and projects.
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Research 1. Write and submit extension and marketing articles to agreed target publications
2. Research and write a strategic plan on the potential for national knowledge brokers to communicate JVAP information and publications to key target audiences, including: • Identify key target audiences and priority regions for information
transfer; • Review relevant R&D for communication to key target
audiences; • Identify potential knowledge brokers to service identified
knowledge needs • Consider integration opportunities with existing knowledge
brokering activities by related R&D providers; • Ascertain commitment of potential knowledge brokers to deliver
JVAP outputs in the future, including contact details; • Define opportunities and priorities for communicating JVAP
R&D outputs through knowledge brokers; • Consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of using other
organisations to promote JVAP R&D outputs; and • Inception meeting with JVAP, particularly to elicit preliminary
advice on the key target audiences and priority regions for information transfer, and relevant R&D outputs for communication.
Outcomes • Improved quality and availability of information to existing
agroforestry participants and stakeholders through the publication of extension and marketing articles in target publications
• Identification of strategies for knowledge brokering to promote JVAP R&D outputs to a wider audience (particularly farmers and natural resources and agricultural businesses, decision and policy-makers) for improved understanding and adoption of agroforestry as a land use practice
Implications A list of recommended actions is provided in the knowledge brokering
strategy, ranked in order of priority.
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Publications Robins, L. (2003) ‘Strategies for knowledge brokering – Joint Venture Agroforestry Program’. RIRDC Draft Final Report. Canberra. Articles 1-3 Publication: Ground Cover – GRDC Research Newspaper JVAP Publication: Design principles; Trees for shelter; Making farm
forestry pay/Emerging markets Articles 4-5 Publication: Australian Farm Journal JVAP Publication: June Edition - Making farm forestry pay/Emerging
markets September Edition – Bioenergy atlas; Oil mallee
project Articles 6-7 Publication: Focus JVAP Publication: Ecosystem services; Manual series Articles 8-10 Publication: Salt Magazine JVAP Publication: Manual series; Design principles for farm forestry;
Riparian guideline Article 11 Publication: RipRap JVAP Publication: Farm forestry in Australian rural communities
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RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2002-2003
Targeted strategies for implementation
Project Title
ANU Farm forestry market report
RIRDC Project No.: ANU-45A Start Date: 8-Jan-00 Finish Date: 31-Jul-03 Researcher: Dr Ryde James Organisation: Australian National University
School of Resource, Environment & Society AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY ACT 0200
Phone: 02 6125 4330 Fax: 02 6125 0746 Email: [email protected] Objectives
To prepare and disseminate nationally a quarterly market report on forest products and inputs for Australian forest growers, with a primary focus on small scale growers.
Current Progress Since September 1997, the quarterly ANU Forestry Market report has contained reliable information about prices of wood from farm forests and articles of relevance to forest growers. Report 24 (June 2003) reviews the contentious subject of producing cabinet timbers. No studies of the comparative economics of growing cabinet timbers in Australia could be found. Future prices for Australian grown cabinet timbers will be set by the cost of comparable imports. International prices may be very high. One private study suggested a price of $60/ cu.m. for Tasmanian Blackwood. Report 23 (March 2003) summarises recent changes in the balance between import and export payments for forest products. Although Australia is still a substantial net importer of forest products, the import/export ratio has fallen from 5:1 in 1975 to2:1 today. Biggest growth of exports has been in export logs and wood based panels. Report 22 (December 2002) gave details of trends in log prices over 20 years in Tasmania. Overall prices of both native forest eucalypt logs and softwood plantation logs increased. However in real terms, native pulp logs decreased slightly and pine saw logs stayed almost the same. Copies of the ANU Forestry Market Report are available at the website http://sres.anu.edu.au/associated/marketreport/index.html
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Project Title
Assessment of agroforestry projects in northern Australia using the Australian Farm Forestry Financial Model (AFFFM)
RIRDC Project No.: CRF-1A Start Date: 9-Jan-02 Finish Date: 31-Aug-03 Researcher: Dr John Herbohn Organisation: CRC for Tropical Rainforest Ecology and Management
School of Natural and Rural Systems Management GATTON QLD 4343
Phone: 07 5460 1646 Fax: 07 5469 1324 Email: [email protected] Objectives
There will be three main deliverables produced from this project.
1. First, an extended version of the AFFFM will be produced and made available to stakeholders. The extended version of the model will be a significant tool to be used in financial analysis.
2. Second, a report will be provided detailing the results of a series of case studies demonstrating situations where agroforestry/ farm forestry is financially viable. These case studies will be based on farms where there have been existing transactions in relation to forestry development. The AFFFM will also be used in assessing the preferred forestry options by various types of landholders. This report will be a major source of financial information for those considering fam or agroforestry options.
3. Third, training provided prior and as part of conducting the case studies, will result in capacity building of forestry extension staff, regional plantation committee members and landholders to undertake financial analysis of forestry options on farms.
In addition, outputs of the model will assist in regional land- use and landscape planning.
Current Progress
The AFFM model has been modified to include a taxation module. In addition, modules for joint ventures and annuity payments are being developed and validated. The AFFM is designed as an extension tool which can be used to examine the impacts of hypothetical forestry investment on the farm cash flows (including NPV and LEV). To date, 24 case studies have been conducted which is six more than the 18 originally specified. A semi-structured interview approach has been used for each case study to collect information about the motivating factors that led to the landholder becoming involved in forestry, the financial impact of including forestry as part of the farm activities, the factors affecting the type and extent of forestry activity undertaken, the factors limiting greater levels of forestry activity and the attitudes and experiences of the landholder towards joint ventures and annuity payments. Two AFFFM training workshops will be run in late 2003, for forestry extension staff, regional plantation committee members and landholders in SE Queensland and North Queensland.
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Project Title
Building regional Australia’s capacity to initiate markets for ecosytem services
RIRDC Project No.: CSW-35A Start Date: 30-May-02 Finish Date: 30-May-05 Researcher: Mr Stuart Whitten Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
GPO Box 284 Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6242 1683 Fax: 02 6242 1705 Email: [email protected] Objectives
To build the capacity of regional communities in Australia to initiate markets for ecosystem services including biodiversity, carbon, salinity mitigation and water quality.
Current Progress
The potential theoretical impediments to practical application of markets for ecosystem services have been identified. These can be grouped into the following broad areas:
• defining goods that have sufficiently marketable characteristics; • designing suitable mechanisms and overcoming costs to trade in
these goods; and, • application of these concepts at the regional level within a broader
natural resource management agenda and toolbox. These theoretical concepts have been applied in the context of a robust pilot selection methodology and identification of key facilitative mechanisms and institutions in each of three case study areas. The resultant potential MBIs are the ‘best bet’ or ‘low hanging fruit’ opportunities that are potential target pilot markets. ‘Best bet’ ecosystem services market opportunities
Case study Potential pilot market Goulburn Broken Catchment
• Development offsets for water quality and biodiversity impacts.
• Salinity and water property rights for dryland salinity management.
Murrumbidgee Catchment
• Cap and trade applying to net recharge of groundwater aquifers from irrigation.
• In-stream salinity management. Blackwood Basin • Planting trees to protect road infrastructure.
• Beyond fencing –landscape reconstruction in the WA wheat-belt.
Other collaborative pilots
• Corridor retention in the Desert Uplands of Queensland.
• Identifying regulation / MBI tradeoffs in nutrient management
• Leveraging private investment in environmentally positive landuse management (with Greening Australia).
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Project Title
Participation in IEA Bioenergy ‘Short rotation crops for bioenergy systems’ task
RIRDC Project No.: SSC-4A Start Date: 7-Jan-01 Finish Date: 30-Apr-04 Researcher: Dr Stephen Schuck Organisation: Stephen Schuck and Associates Pty.Ltd.
7 Grassmere Road KILLARA NSW 2071
Phone: 02 9416 9246 Fax: 02 9416 9246 Email: [email protected] Objective
To participate in the International Energy Agency's Bioenergy program in Task 30 'Short Rotation Crops for Bioenergy Systems' . This will provide interaction with, and access to the latest information on biomass energy crop production systems and methods, improved awareness of bioenergy production potential and strengthened contact and co-operation with researchers and developers of short rotation bioenergy systems at an international level. The expected outcome will be the creation of new markets for agroforestry and energy crops in Australia and providing biomass resources on a sustainable basisi as a feedstock for energy and other value added products.
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Current Progress
A consortium of Bioenergy Australia members, consisting of Forestry SA, Department of Sustainability and Environment (Victoria), Conservation and Land Management WA, Tarong Energy, Southern Pacific Petroleum, Queensland Forestry Research Institute, BioEnergy Australia Limited, and Enecon Pty Ltd have been participating in the International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 30, Short Rotation Crops for Bioenergy Systems Task. Besides Australia, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, New Zealand, the UK, the USA and Sweden are participants in this Task. An International Workshop ‘Sustainable Bioenergy Production Systems: Environmental, Operational and Social Implications’ was held in Brazil in late October, attended by Don McGuire of Forestry SA, the National Team Leader for this Task for Bioenergy Australia. This meeting focused on Eucalyptus Short Rotation Forestry and also paid attention to the actual and possible role of the sugar industry for energy provision. The Proceedings of Task 30’s September 2001 meeting held in Denmark has now been printed and distributed. This Task has also now produced its second electronic newsletter, downloadable from web site http://www.shortrotationcrops.com . Various reports from the Task are also on this web site. Current high priority work areas of this Task are:
• Sustainable SRC-systems: biomass production and technical aspects • Sustainable SRC-systems: environmental and economic externalities • Full-scale implementation of SRC-systems: assessment of technical
and non-technical barriers • The use of policy instruments- incentives, regulations, legislation to
boost bioenergy. • Systematic SRC-knowledge transfer (including web-based systems).
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Sustainable use of natural resources
Project Title:
The potential of bioactive constituents of Eucalyptus foliage as non- wood products from plantations
RIRDC Project No.:
ANU-56A
Researcher: William J. Foley and Erich V. Lassak Organisation: Australian National University and Phytochemical Services Phone: (02) 6125 2535 Fax: (02) 6125 5573 Email: [email protected] Objectives
* To evaluate the potential of Eucalyptus plantations as a source of bioactive natural chemicals called macrocarpals, euglobals and sideroxylonals (collectively called formylated phloroglucinol compounds (FPCs)). * To survey the available resource (concentrating on dryland species), establish the relationship between terpenes and FPCs and test improved methods for extracting and isolating the compounds.
Background Eucalyptus contains a wide range of potentially valuable natural chemicals, the best known of which are the essential oils or terpenes that give eucalypts their distinctive smell. Recently a new group of natural chemical compounds have been discovered in eucalypts that have a range of useful effects. These compounds include three broad classes known as euglobals, macrocarpals and sideroxylonals collectively known as formylated phloroglucinol compounds or FPCs. The compounds can be antibacterial, can prevent marine life growing on the bottoms of ships and can be adjuncts in the treatment of diabetes and other diseases. They are also responsible for limiting the amount of eucalypt leaf eaten by browsing possums and some insects. To date, only very small amounts of the compounds have been isolated and we wanted to know if they occur widely throughout eucalypts and at concentrations that might be commercially valuable. If this was so it may be possible to develop an industry based on extracting these compounds in the same way that Eucalyptus oils are extracted and this in turn would increase the incentive for large scale trees planting in Australia.
Current progress We surveyed the occurrence and concentration of formylated phloroglucinol compounds in a range of eucalypts that are being considered for planting in low rainfall areas. We concentrated on low rainfall species because it is in dryland areas that tree planting is needed most urgently. Each sample consisted of a mixture of foliage from between 4 and 8 individual trees of the particular species. We used several advanced chemical techniques to survey extracts of 40 low rainfall eucalypts and 6 Melaleucas. Each plant was ground and extracted in a mixture of petroleum spirit and acetone with the concentration of individual compounds being calculated from authentic standards extracted from a variety of eucalypts. The oils of selected samples were extracted by steam distillation to measure whether there was a positive relationship between the concentrations of FPCs and the essential oils. A second series of experiments sought to identify better ways of extracting large amounts of the compounds for market testing.
The target compounds were widely distributed in eucalypts but particularly in the sub genus Symphyomyrtus (boxes, gums, ironbarks, mallees). The compounds were absent from the other major subgenus Monocalyptus (=Eucalyptus) (stringybarks, peppermints and ashes). Concentrations of the compounds varied widely ranging from a barely detectable trace to about 9% of the dry weight of the leaf in Eucalyptus loxophleba. There was generally a strong positive correlation with the amount of oil and in particular the amount of cineole in the samples. This suggests that existing plantings that are being genetically selected for high cineole concentrations are also being inadvertently selected to yield high concentrations of sideroxylonals and so no further genetic improvement work is required. Only jensenone from Eucalyptus jensenii could be easily prepared in large quantities and sideroxylonals have proved very difficult to purify to any appreciable degree. Alternative methods of extraction must be sought to provide quantities of sideroxylonals for market development. The final report and publications are in preparation
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Project Title
Nutrient management of intensively harvested oil mallee tree crops
RIRDC Project No.: CSF-63A Start Date: 1-Jan-03 Finish Date: 31-Mar-05 Researcher: Dr Tim Grove Organisation: CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
PO Box 5 WEMBLEY WA 6913
Phone: 08 9333 6664 Fax: 08 9387 8991 Email: [email protected] Objectives
The research will provide:
• procedures to readily estimate the nutrient composition of oil mallee trees
• estimates of nutrient depletion rates from oil mallee sites under different biomass harvest scenarios, and their relationship to site nutrient capital, and
• guidelines for nutrient replacement strategies to maintain soil nutrient supply and sustain production.
Current Progress
The initial phase of this project involves tree sampling across a range of sites to establish and test allometric and nutrient content functions. The aim is to sample trees within a framework of sites that allows for measurement of key oil mallee species and testing for effects of site factors (climate, soils) on predictive functions. These functions will be used to estimate tree biomass and nutrient composition from non-destructive tree-belt measurements.
More than 50 potential sampling sites have now been selected within 2 regional centres in SW Australia (Narrogin and Kalannie) where planting of oil mallee was originally concentrated. These locations provide a contrast in growing conditions (rainfall, temperature and evaporation). Sites were selected on representative soils that provide a contrast in fertility status in each region. One oil mallee species (E. loxophleba) is common to both soil types in each location. Within this stratification of sites, the development of predictive functions for broad-scale application also requires sampling of trees across different age categories. Site characteristics have been documented and soils sampled and analysed. This information is being used to select a final set of up to 24 sites for tree sampling.
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Project Title
Banded agricultural systems for reduced recharge, reduced runoff and greater productivity- a scoping study
RIRDC Project No.: CSL-18A Start Date: 01-Dec-2001 Finish Date: 30-Apr-2003 Researcher: Dr Peter Hairsine Organisation: CSIRO Land and Water Phone: 02 6246 5924 Fax: 02 6246 5800 Email: [email protected] Objective
1. Investigate the potential for designing new farming systems that: can
capture and use more episodic runoff events than conventional systems; can be designed to meet specified catchment targets for recharge and runoff.
2. To investigate the potential for the use of electrical methods to detect the spatial distribution of plant roots.
Current Progress
1. We have expanded on conventional agroforestry design philosophy to anticipate a future need for farm planners to design agricultural hillslopes to meet a desired water yield (excess water). The pivotal question is, therefore, “how much water should leave the hillslope?”. The answer could vary between nil, for mitigation of salinity/water logging, and a specified amount for environmental flows or water supplies. Preliminary field data has been gathered to show that farm tree belts ale likely to be able to intercept excess water (as overland flow) moving from upslope. A water redistribution model has been written to represent the cascade of excess water and to allow the simulation of the arrangement of bands of trees and agricultural crops on hillslopes to meet specified excess water targets. Initial evaluation of the model has been undertaken on semiarid, naturally banded mulga vegetation system.
2. Groundbreaking laboratory and field experiments have yielded evidence that a routine technique could be developed that would allow the in situ detection of plant roots. It is likely that this could provide measurements of the horizontal and vertical extension of root zones, as well as the relative density of roots within that zone.
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Project Title
Sustainability of bioenergy development in Australia
RIRDC Project No.: CSW-36A Start Date: 09-Jan-02 Finish Date: 10-Dec-03 Researcher: Dr Brian Keating & Dr Deborah O'Connell Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
Long Pocket Laboratories GPO Box 284 120 Meiers Road CANBERRA INDOOROOPILLY ACT 2601 QLD 4068
Phone: 07 3214 2373 02 6242 1573 Fax: 07 3214 2308 Email: [email protected] Deborah.O'[email protected] Objective
Through a combination of review and analysis of the national and international literature, consultations with industry and research stakeholders and case studies, this project seeks to: • Develop a conceptual framework for consideration of the sustainability
outcomes of bioenergy development in Australia • Demonstrate how sustainability issues in bioenergy projects can be
addressed using this framework and associated analyses in three contrasting case studies
• Communicate the benefits and potential dis-benefits of bioenergy development to science, industry and general communities.
Current Progress
A review of frameworks for sustainability assessment has been undertaken. A conceptual framework for assessing the sustainability of bioenergy developments in Australia has been proposed, and workshopped with Bioenergy Australia members in March 2003. Further consultation with industry and stakeholders will need to take place to reach consensus on a suitable framework. A short, easy-to- read report will be produced by the end of 2003.
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Project Title
(NHT) Developing appropriate designs to increase biodiversity in commercial eucalypt plantations
RIRDC Project No.: DAV-204A Start Date: 31-Jan-03 Finish Date: 15-May-07 Researcher: Mr Richard Loyn Organisation: Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
Arthur Rylah Institute PO Box 137 HEIDELBERG VIC 3084
Phone: 03 9450 8703 Fax: 03 9450 8799 Email: [email protected] Objective
The project will provide new information about ways to enhance biodiversity values of eucalypt plantations and their contribution to rural biodiversity. Outcomes include new knowledge (disseminated in various ways) and a set of plantations where certain conclusions can be demonstrated on the ground.
Current Progress
Experimental plantations. A study design was prepared, with three different configurations of understorey shrubs planted among eucalypts, and a standard control with just eucalypts. Nearby pasture and remnant forest were used as additional treatments. Two plantations were established according to this design in north-east Victoria in 2002, and baseline data were collected. Unfortunately most of the trees died from drought at one site, and need to be replanted. Further sites will be established in winter 2004, when hopefully there has been more rain. Retrospective study. Information has been collated on over 100 potential sites for the retrospective study. At least 50 of these sites will be selected for further study. Base-line winter data on fauna have been collected at twelve of these sites, using protocols comparable with those used by Rod Kavanagh et al. Winter data will be collected from ~40 additional sites in June 2003. Related research. ARI is collaborating in related studies on fauna of landscapes containing forest, plantation and cleared farmland in south Gippsland (by Sharon Rossi of Monash University) and near Ballarat (by the Bird Observers Club of Australia).
This project is supported by the Natural Heritage Trust.
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Project Title
Hydrological impacts of integrated oil-mallee farming systems
RIRDC Project No.: DAW-101A Start Date: 03-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Nov-04 Researcher: Dr Peter Taylor Organisation: Department of Agriculture (WA)
Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute Locked Bag No 7 MANJIMUP WA 6258
Phone: 08 9777 0146 Fax: 08 9777 0001 Email: [email protected] Objective
This project will result in improved design, management and prediction of landscape- scale impacts of integrated agricultural systems that incoporate short rotation coppicing tree species, in terms of productivity expectations and salinity control in the medium to low rainfall zones.
Current Progress
At the Esperance site 70ha of lucerne alleys are to be planted in the next couple of months between the 8-row oil mallee belts. Monitoring of water tables and local climate data is continuing. Initial tree productivity measurements will be made in August. In the Central Agricultural region a site has been selected in the Toolibin catchment near Tincurrin on the property of local seed merchant and Facey Group member, Neil Ballard. A preliminary hydrogeological survey has been undertaken with the installation of 11 bores and the collection of initial water table levels, piezometric heads and salinities. In the Northern Agricultural Region two sites are being investigated, one on non-acidic sandplain soils near Coorow and the other on highly acidic “Wodjil” sands near Goodlands. Preliminary hydrogeological surveys have been carried out at both these sites with a total of 26 piezometers installed. At all the new sites downhole electro-magnetic and gamma surveys will be carried out later in July with an EM39 meter prior to water level loggers being installed. Ground surveys have been carried out to determine elevations, eastings and northings of all new bores. Soil samples will be analysed later in July. Links have been made with two PhD students from the CRC for Plant-based management of salinity, who will utilise the field sites and value add to our investigations.
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Project Title
(NHT) Biodiversity in eucalypt plantations established to reduce salinity
RIRDC Project No.: SFN-3A Start Date: 10-Jan-02 Finish Date: 31-May-04 Researcher: Dr Rod Kavanagh Organisation: State Forests of New South Wales
Research and Development Division PO Box 100 BEECROFT NSW 2119
Phone: 02 9872 0160 Fax: 02 9871 6941 Email: [email protected] Objective
To document the gains in biodiversity (emphasis on vertebrate fauna) that might accrue from tree planting for salinity control and land restoration in degraded agricultural and low rainfall landscapes. Major outcomes include information about the way plantation design and management practices influence biodiversity and the provision of data needed to underpin the development of a benchmarking scheme for biodiversity. Market- based solutions for environmental services, such as biodiversity, require a means for collaborating the potential short and longer term gains that may result from changed management practices. This project will assist in this process.
Current Progress
A total of 120 sites have been chosen for sampling. This represents 10 replicate sites for each of the 12 treatment categories that form the basis of this study. The 12 treatment categories are combinations of size categories (as available in the landscape), and plantation age; these are plantations older than 10 years (4 size categories), plantations younger than 10 years (2 size categories), remnant forest and woodland (5 size categories), and paddocks with and without remnant trees. The size categories are very large remnants (>1000 ha), large remnants (<20-100 ha), medium-sized remnants (5-20 ha), small remnants (<5ha) and narrow remnant strips. Field assessments for all vertebrate fauna groups have begun, that is for birds, arboreal mammals, terrestrial mammals, bats, reptiles and frogs. Assessments are also being made for attributes of animal habitat and vegetation floristics, structure and condition at each sampling site.
This project is supported by the Natural Heritage Trust.
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Project Title
Modelling for sustainable production of salt-tolerant eucalypt hybrids in saline discharge sites
RIRDC Project No.: SGO-1A Start Date: 12-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Sep-04 Researcher: Dr Glenn Dale Organisation: Saltgrow
PO Box 575 ASHGROVE QLD 4060
Phone: 07 3311 1410 Fax: 07 3366 0289 Email: [email protected] Objective
To expand our knowledge of the limits to sustainable commercial forestry over areas with shallow saline water-tables The outcomes will include: • improved understanding of the sensitivity of environmental factors as
they affect tree growth and commercial yield. • improved understanding of the interaction of soil water and salt with
varying degrees of salt tolerance of specific species and genotypes. • modelling will aim to extend our understanding of the range of
hydrological scenarios under which productive tree growth has been sustained, but such observations cannot be adequately explained by current modelling.
Current Progress
The 55 month measure of tree height and diameter at the core trial site (Mt Scobie) was completed in May. This has shown continuing strong growth increment in the top clonal selections. Mean stem volume of the top 10 E. camaldulensis x E. globulus and E. camaldulensis x grandis hybrid clones was 55dm3 and 37dm3 respectively, while the mean stem volume of control E. grandis, E. camaldulensis and the few surviving E. globulus is 6.3, 3.6, 1.5dm3 respectively. This result confirms the continuing superior growth of the hybrids relative to their pure species parents under moderately saline conditions. Considerable effort has been put into refining the site characterisation parameters required to achieve the project objectives at minimum cost. This is a significant issue, since substantial costs can be incurred to collect site data that may only add minimally to hydrological and growth modelling outcomes. This has allowed the scope of the project to be expanded from two to four sites, these being located at Bethungra, Caldwell, Mt Scobie and Coleambally. Indicative soil salinity levels at these sites are approximately 22, 17, 10 and 0 dS/m respectively. This expanded range in salinity from extreme to non-saline is expected to provide more robust results with broader practical application. Soil coring of these sites will commence in June.
47
Project Title
Trees and Biodiversity: An Australian guide to increasing the benefits of farm trees to native biota
RIRDC Project No.:
UMU-31A
Start Date: 01/01/2002 Finish Date: 28/02/2003 Researcher: Prof. Richard Hobbs Organisation: Murdoch University
School of Environmental Science MURDOCH WA 6150
Phone: 08 9360 2191 Fax: 08 9360 7412 Email: [email protected] Objectives
1. To produce a book which provides guidance for actions aimed at
increasing the biodiversity benefits from farm forestry and other revegetation on farms. Design guidelines will provide different options for revegetation dependent on the physical and socio-economic constraints and commercial versus biodiversity aims of the individual or group concerned.
2. To produce a summary booklet which abstracts the essential messages from the book
Current Progress
1. The final book manuscript was completed in April 2003,
following a slight delay in receiving review comments back from RIRDC. Following copy editing, the book is now in production and should be released in early 2004.
2. A RIRDC fact-sheet has been produced which summarises the main messages from the book. This has been submitted to RIRDC and awaits production.
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Project Title
Farm trees: enhancing biodiversity, nature conservation and natural pest control
RIRDC Project No.: US-117A Start Date: 30-Jul-02 Finish Date: 30-Nov-05 Researcher: Associate Professor Geoff Gurr Organisation: The University of Sydney
Pest Management Group Faculty of Rural Management PO Box 883 ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone: 02 6360 5551 Fax: 02 6360 5590 Email: [email protected] Objective
To deliver an understanding of how biodiversity of small- medium scale tree plantations may be enhanced, thus increasing nature conservation value and minimising pest problems. Guidelines will be produced on reducing the requirement for use of insecticide applications in the establishment of plantations. Benefits to adjacent crop and pastures will also be quantified, so providing an additional incentive for landholders to adopt agroforestry.
Current Progress
A randomised, replicated experiment has been established on the University of Sydney’s Orange Campus farm. Consisting of 1,980 native trees planted in a 20 m-wide shelterbelt extending over 1.5 km, this large-scale experiment includes three levels of floral diversity. Soil ripping and fencing has been completed at a second location, the Australian National Field Days site at Borenore (NSW), where a slightly smaller experimental shelterbelt of the same design as used on the University site will be planted in June 2003. That experiment, funded by the Australian National Field Days Committee, will constitute a valuable complement to the University site as well as a high-profile extension initiative. Sites on private farms with established shelterbelts have also been identified for later survey work that will examine the effects of shelterbelt diversity on a variety of different adjacent land uses (eg pasture, orchards). One experiment has been conducted to determine optimal trapping methods for a range of arthropod taxa.
49
Project Title
Integrate, segregate or rotate trees with crops?
RIRDC Project No.: UWA-64A Start Date: 15-Jul-00 Finish Date: 30-Sep-03 Researcher: Dr Ted Lefroy Organisation: University of Western Australia
Private Bag 5 PO WEMBLEY WA 6913
Phone: 08 9333 6442 Fax: 08 9333 6444 Email: [email protected] Objective
To measure the trade off between recharge control and agricultural productivity for the five main agroforesty species in the medium to low rainfall zone of WA as a guide to the optimal design of agroforestry systems for water management.
Current Progress
Twenty four sites in 2001 and ten sites in 2002 in south west WA and NSW were assessed for peak biomass and grain yields along three replicate transects out to ~20 tree heights at each site. The sites consisted of seven tree species and four crop types over a range of different soils, landscape positions and aspects. The average yield decline across all sites was 9.2% and ranged from 37% yield decline to 37% yield enhancement. The width of the competition yield zone extended between 1 and 5 tree heights (1 to 32 m). A third of the sites had yield enhancement at 3 to 5 tree heights (16 to 50 m) but this did not always correspond to a yield enhancement at paddock scale. The area of no recharge, calculated from the leaf area index measured at these sites, ranged from 0.1 to 4 tree heights (1 to 28 m) out from the tree belts. Analysis and modelling of the relative yield and drainage impacts of tree belts is currently underway. At this stage it appears that prediction of optimal combinations of tree species, crop types, soils, landscape position and aspect will not be possible due to the high degree of variability in the interactions between these variables. Instead we are looking for rapid assessment techniques that could be used to identify favourable yield and drainage responses in the field.
50
Optimised productivity of crops and pastures Project Title
Assessment of gain from breeding blue mallee
RIRDC Project No.: ANU-39A Start Date: 13-Jan-00 Finish Date: 19 March 04 Researcher: Dr Michael Slee Organisation: Australian National University
School of Resource, Environment & Society CANBERRA ACT 0200
Phone: 02 6125 2579 or 02 6239 5451 Fax: 02 6125 0746 or 02 6239 5451 Email: [email protected] Objective
To provide accurate information on the gains achieved using 3 simple breeding strategies in the oil producing blue mallee using cost/benefit analysis techniques.
Current Progress
The trial compares the production of oil from blue mallee trees representing four levels of genetic quality. The levels are –
• a clonal seed orchard containing selected trees, • a provenance trial converted to seed production by selection and
retention only of its best trees, • a selected seed tree and • unselected local material (control).
The trial was planted in late 2001 at GR Davis property at West Wyalong and growth to date has been satisfactory but slower than expected, presumably due to the drought conditions. Harvesting has had to be delayed until the trees are of suitable size. A supplementary study of flowering behaviour in the orchards has yielded useful information eg - the degree of overlap of flowering times. However flowering in both 2002 and 2003 was extremely sparse. Very few trees produced flowers and those that did only produced very few. The results will be summarised from the observations over the three previous years when flowering was excellent. The studies are being run in conjunction with the ALRTIG trials as part of the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program and have been very strongly supported by GR Davis Pty Ltd.
51
Project Title
Phase farming with trees- field validation of the cropping phase
RIRDC Project No.: DAW-104A Start Date: 7-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-Apr-07 Researcher: Mr Robert Sudmeyer Organisation: Department of Agriculture (WA)
RMB 50 ESPERANCE WA 6450
Phone: 08 9083 1111 Fax: 08 9083 1100 Email: [email protected] Objective
Will continue the development of a new agroforestry system for the medium and low rainfall agricultural areas of southern Australia. If it can be shown to be viable, phase- farming with trees will result in significant revegetation and salinity reduction across southern Australia. The project will deliver evaluations of the economic and agronomic feasibility of pasture and crop prodution after the tree phase of phase farming with trees, and its potential to ameliorate declining soil structure, fertility and biological activity and to decrease excess recharge to groundwater. The two experimental sites will be used as foci to demonstrate the benefits of phase farming to the farming community.
Current Progress
There are two trial sites, one at Tincurrin and the other near Condingup. Eucalyptus polybractea was planted at Tincurrin in 1996. The soil is a “grey clay,” one of a suite covering approximately 1.5 million ha. Trees were removed using an articulated slasher. E. globulus was planted on mounds at Condingup in 1992. The soil is known locally as a Flemming Gravely sand, these soils occupy approximately 20% of the Esperance sandplain, with less gravely variants occupying a further 30%. Trees, stumps, roots and mounds were removed using a bulldozer fitted with a scrub rake. At each site five treatments were established; trees retained, trees removed and planted to crop or pasture and continuous agricultural land planted to crop or pasture. The biomass and nutrient composition of the tree material removed was determined. Neutron moisture meter access tubes and shallow observation wells have been installed in each treatment. Soil samples were collected from areas under trees and under agriculture and submitted for chemical analysis, and the hydraulic conductivity of the surface and subsoil determined. Crop and pasture has been sown at Condingup and will be sown in June at Tincurrin. Regular monitoring has commenced.
52
Project Title
Assessing the value of trees in sustainable grazing systems (NBP.316)
RIRDC Project No.: MLA-1A Start Date: 30-Oct-02 Finish Date: 10-Jan-05 Researcher: Mr Chris Chilcott Organisation: Natural Resources and Mines
QCCA Building, Gate 4 80 Meiers Road INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068
Phone: 07 3896 9709 Fax: 07 3896 9843 Email: [email protected] Objective
To deliver a quantitative capability for assessing different tree management options in native pastures. Delivery will be at two levels:
1. existing grazier groups 2. to policy and GIS -based property assessment supporting the implementation of the new Queensland vegetation management Act.
The expected outcome of this quantitative capability will be better decisions regarding tree management on grazing properties properties and hence better outcomes in terms of environmental, economic and community values.
Current Progress
The project is progressing through the establishment stage with few difficulties. The drought conditions that preceded and continue have slowed the progress of site establishment and initial data collection. Some initial results have emerged from the compilation of data sets for modelling that indicate the clearing of trees has a significant impact on hydrological cycles eg. drainage rates increased by between 14 –24% depending on the soil type in a study conducted in northern NSW.
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Optimised direct returns from tree products Project Title
Identification of pest-resistant Eucalyptus globulus
RIRDC Project No.: ANU-55A Start Date: 01-Nov-01 Finish Date: 01-Sept-03 Researcher: Dr William Foley Organisation: Australian National University
Botany and Zoology CANBERRA ACT 0200
Phone: 02 6125 2866 Fax: 02 6249 5573 Email: [email protected] Objective
To provide tree breeders with tools for identification of natural resistance to herbivory in of Eucalyptus globulus and related species by:
• relating macrocarpal concentration and NIR spectral parameters to herbivore resistance
• relating the macrocarpal profile of leaves from adult trees to that of seedling leaves
• measuring the macrocarpal concentration of E. globulus provenances, families and individuals
• developing a method to temporarily enhance the concentration of defensive chemicals in seedling stock.
Current Progress
A major result from this year’s work has been the demonstration that the application of jasmonates to the foliage of Eucalyptus grandis clones stimulates the production of several formylated phloroglucinol compounds that are known deterrents of mammalian and insect herbivores. The compounds that increased in concentration were grandinal and Sideroxylonal A and C. Insect bioassays are in progress to quantify the effect of jasmonate induction against defoliating insects. The availability of clones was essential to identifying this effect but it demonstrates for the first time, that Eucalyptus possesses two systems of antiherbivore resistance – constitutive resistance and induced resistance. This provides significant opportunities for manipulating the expression of plant defences in Eucalyptus without resorting to transgenics but we do not yet know how long the effects last and whether compounds other than FPCs are induced. We are also making progress in measuring the macrocarpal concentration of E. globulus provenances, families and individuals from a large family trial in Tasmania (collaboration with Dr C. McArthur and Dr B. Potts). These results will indicate the potential benefits of selecting resistant families during plantation establishment.
54
Project Title
Natural durability of Eucalyptus trees from farm forestry in low rainfall areas
RIRDC Project No.: CSF-61A Start Date: 01-Mar-01 Finish Date: 30-Nov-06 Researcher: Dr Laurie Cookson Organisation: CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
Private Bag 10 CLAYTON SOUTH VIC 3169
Phone: 03 9545 2402 Fax: 03 9545 2448 Email: [email protected] Objective
• To determine the natural durability of the five priority timber species
being grown in low rainfall areas of southern Australia. • To determine the influence of tree age and wood density so these factors
can be used to predict the natural durablilty of timber of from future plantations.
The outcome will be to enhance the economic and environmental benefits of commercial farm forestry by expanding the market value of the wood product, and reducing our reliance chemical preservative treatments for which there are developing environmental concerns.
Current Progress
Machining of samples to specimen size for AFS, termite and flat panel testing has been completed and testing of the target species is currently underway. The flat panel test, to determine above-ground natural durability, was installed in February 2003 at Innisfail in far North Queensland. Termite trials, to determine above-ground resistance against Coptotermes acinaciformis and Mastotermes darwiniensis, were installed near Darwin in April 2003. Five baited drums of Coptotermes acinaciformis termites were used at a test site located at Gunn Point, while; two Mastotermes darwiniensis drums were installed at Kwandi and three at Humpty Doo. Termite activity was checked two days after installation in a drum from both termite species and heavy infestation was noticed. Specimens to determine the in-ground resistance were installed in CSIRO’s Accelerated Field Simulator in May 2003. In all tests approximately 170 specimens representing six target species and four yardstick species were installed. Air-dry density evaluation of all samples has commenced and will completed by July 2003.
55
Project Title
Tree improvement for low rainfall farm forestry
RIRDC Project No.: CSF-62A Start Date: 12-Dec-01 Finish Date: 30-Sept-04 Researcher: Dr Chris Harwood Organisation: CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
PO Box E4008 KINGSTON ACT 2604
Phone: 02 6281 8218 Fax: 02 6281 8266 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Objective
This project will build on work done by the Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group (ALRTIG) between 1999 and 2001 on breeding tree species for commercial forestry in low rainfall areas of southern Australia. By increasing the overall productivity and value of key hardwood and softwood species, improved seed sources will boost the profitablility and hence the investment in and uptake of dryland agroforestry.
Current Progress
ALRTIG is a cooperative of State and Commonwealth partners that formed in 1999 (RIRDC project CSF-58A), to produce and promote the use of genetically improved trees for low rainfall forestry in southern Australia. ALRTIG II commenced in December 2001. It is focused on hardwood and softwood ‘key species’ which are adaptable to a wide range of low rainfall sites for production of sawn timber and other products. Under guidance from the National Coordinator, three Eucalyptus sideroxylon seed orchards were established during 2002, complementing seed production facilities established for the range of key species during the first phase of the project. 20 gain trials have been planned, with trials in WA, SA, VIC and NSW to be established by mid-Spring 2003. Industry partners have committed $67,000 (to-date) to establish these trials on sites representative of the target estate. Industry participation in the Group’s activities is an important part of our technology transfer strategy. The hardwood breeding strategies produced in phase one have been updated and will be published by RIRDC. Outcrossing studies of Corymbia maculata and Eucalyptus occidentalis have also been completed for publication. Production of a Pinus radiata low rainfall breeding strategy and accompanying control pollination work plan are in-train, and preliminary tree-breeding activity has commenced.
This project was supported by AFFA.
56
Project Title
Characterisation of woody biomass for energy purposes
RIRDC Project No.: CSI-9A Start Date: 30-May-02 Finish Date: 19-Mar-04 Researcher: Mr Wesley Stein Organisation: CSIRO Energy Technology
Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre PMB 7 BANGOR NSW 2234
Phone: 02 9710 6886 Fax: 02 9710 6800 Email: [email protected] Objective
To develop a sound basis for biomass feedstock selection by private industry and governments in bioenergy projects, particularly those associated with farm forestry.
Current Progress
A web-based database has been designed which will be housed on the CSIRO web site. The database will give technical and analytical data relating to energy characteristics of selected types of biomass including woody biomass types chosen in conjunction with the RIRDC/AGO suite of projects. A range of biomass feedstocks is being analysed using ultimate, proximate and ash elemental laboratory analysis, plus tests for fouling and corrosion and gasification for a selected number of samples. Biomass feedstocks being obtained for analysis include green waste, crop waste, bagasse, higher value wood feedstocks, and thinnings and harvest residue from some low rainfall species.
57
Project Title
Mixed species plantations: extending the science
RIRDC Project No.: DAQ-308A Start Date: 1-Jan-03 Finish Date: 31-Aug-04 Researcher: Ms Mila Bristow Organisation: Queensland Forestry Research Institute
Walkamin Research Station, c/- Post Office WALKAMIN QLD 4872
Phone: 07 4092 9900 Fax: 07 4093 3903 Email: [email protected] Objective
1. To improve understanding of high value tropical timber mixed
species plantations through extension with growers, extension officers and research staff in north eastern Australia.
2. To collate and summarise results of key trials and devealop productivity models of best- bet species and species mix configurations. Specifically, to measure and maintain existing experiments north Qld and establlish and measure growth plots in key mixed species plantings across regions.
3. To collect, collate and analysis data from these trials, and to use current productivity models and financial viability models to match key species- site relationships.
4. To hold a series (12- 16) of one day workshops in target regions ( 5 in N Qld, 1-3 in C Qld, 5-7 in SE Qld and 1 in Nth NSW) to present results and extend management prescriptions for establishment and management, including spacing, thinning and pruning, in single and mixed species plantations of high- value tropical timber species.
5. To develop effective communication and provide extension services to growers of mixed species plantations in north eastern Australia through field based activities on- line and hardcopy publications and extension material.
6. To contribute to a Mixed Species Plantations Workshop with key researchers, extension staff and tree growers to summarise the project. Discussions from this workshop will for part of the final project report.
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Current Progress
Objective 1, 5 & 6: • Held seminar and field days with central Qld growers (in conjunction
with Mackay-Whitsundays AFG) on growing rainforest timbers (April 9-10 Mackay)
• Presented field day on growing and managing rainforest timbers in mixtures (in conjunction with Mossman AFG) (May 17, Mossman).
Objective 2 & 6: • Measured 100 plots in Expt 799 (growth plots in CRRP plantings) adding
7 new plots from the Mackay-Whitsundays region. • Assessed older rainforest timber species trials including: Expts 756 (Euc
x Aca mixtures) and 747 (vegetative propagation trials). • Established 2 designed trials with private growers groups:
o Expt 654a with Private Forestry South Qld and Forest Farmers at Dayboro,
o 654c with Mackay-Whitsundays AFG and Central Qld Forest Association (CQFA) at Finch-Hatton,
o 654b to be established soon with Barung Landcare, Maleny. • Identified 3 “Jack Mitchell” plantings to establish growth monitoring
plots (Expts 656 b, c, d (SEQ) and a (NQ)). • Working with Qld Timber Plantations in SEQ, to establish growth plots
in 3 of their mixed species plantings (Expts 657 a, b, c); sites selected, to be measured soon.
Objective 3, 5 & 6: • Data being added to QFRI database, summaries beginning soon, • Planned involvement in Technical Meeting with University of Qld (UQ)
and RIRDC (June 16-17) reviewing experiences with growing rainforest timbers in plantations (especially the CRRP program).
o Co-organised program, speakers, papers, topics and review format with UQ-CRC Rainforest colleagues,
o Involved northern NSW researchers/ growers groups to provide whole of high rainfall rainforest timbers experience,
o Preliminary summaries of growth data (above) will be presented, o Outcomes will be used as extension tool for forest growers
through growers groups. • Applied to ARC-Linkage project with Prof. Jerry Vanclay, Southern
Cross University, for PhD-scholarship linking to this project. ARC project would focus on productivity and sustainability of tropical eucalypts in monocultures and mixed species plantations.
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Project Title
WA Oil mallee industry code of practice
RIRDC Project No.: OIM-1A Start Date: 01-Jul-2002 Finish Date: 30-Oct-2003 Researcher: Mr Ben Roberts Organisation: Oil Mallee Association of WA Phone: 08 9319 8100 Fax: 08 9319 8100 Email: [email protected] Objective
To develop a working template in booklet and electronic form which can be applied across state boundaries and adapted to suit specific Federal, State and Local government legislative frameworks as well as environmental, social and economic circumstances. It is specifically aimed to achieve 'Best Practices' objectives.
Current Progress
The Code of Practice has reached the final draft stage and has been circulated amongst members of the working group for final editorial and comment. Copies of the draft have been made available to RIRDC and input sought where appropriate. Currrently, the format for final printing of the document is being undertaken and subject to final approval from members of the working group with regards to badging and acknowledgements, will be scheduled for release at the WA State Landcare conference in early October. In addition, am imformation series is being developed to accompany the release of the Code outlining the methods behind achieving ‘Best Practice’. Prior to official release, the Code and associated info series will be made available to the public via the Oil Mallee Association’s website (www.oilmallee.com.au).
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Project Title
Maximising the productivity and value of Cypress pine on private land
RIRDC Project No.: PN99.2005 Researcher: Mr D.W. Taylor Organisation: Queensland Forestry Research Institute Phone: 07 5482 0875 Fax: 07 5482 8755 Email: [email protected]
Objectives
Relate and quantify the effects of silvicultural management on timber quality of White Cypress Pine.
Current progress: The White Cypress (Callitris glaucophylla) is a relatively small but regionally important timber industry centred in the regional areas of southern Queensland and New South Wales. To date, there has been little input by government or the processing industry to support and develop the resource on private land. This project was established to investigate the relationship between timber quality and forest management in order to determine and quantify any relationship between timber quality and forest management. This principally concerned silvicultural management however other factors such as biotic (pest & disease) and abiotic (site factors, fire) were also investigated for influence. As well, the project reviewed current information relating to Cypress Pine distribution, ecology and overall resource potential. Information generated by this study is to encourage private landholders to retain and manage Cypress Pine forest for timber production. This has the dual benefits of providing more resource to a regional industry as well as environmental benefits associated with forest cover retention (habitat, biodiversity and hydrological) in the Murray Darling Basin.
The project was initiated with a review, followed by field sampling, data collation and reporting. Following the review, three ‘areas’ were selected for sampling, viz, two in Queensland, one near Miles and the second near Goondiwindi and a third near Barradine in NSW. At each area, three comparable sites were selected for sampling, ie, ‘well managed’, some past management and nil management. At each site 30 trees were selected for harvest and these were transported to a cypress pine sawmill for processing through both green and dry mills. Recovery from each log was calculated for both green off saw and dry graded recovery. Results indicate that past management has influenced timber quality and recovery across most sites however ‘site quality’ also has a significant influence over the assessed factors, ie, individual tree volume, sawn recovery and final graded timber recovery. Pests and diseases encountered during the study have been described however little correlation was found with site in terms of pest incidence. In terms of management implications, higher site qualities should be sought to obtain maximum benefit from invested management inputs. Incidence of pest and disease should also be considered to ensure management benefits are realised. The draft report is complete. Final report to be received for publication by RIRDC in 2004.
This project is supported by the Natural Heritage Trust.
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Project Title
Silviculture research to facilitate large scale commercial farm forestry on farms
RIRDC Project No.: PN99.2008 Researcher: Dr. Mark Lewty Organisation: Queensland Forestry Research Institute Phone: 07 5482 0862 Fax: 07 5482 8755 Email: [email protected]
Objectives
• Native hardwood species tested and best species selected for operational
plantings • Silviculture regimes developed to maximise yields • Best practices for a viable pulpwood industry confirmed at a semi-
operational level.
Current progress: In conjunction with in-kind contributions from other funding sources within QFRI, a total of 19 taxa evaluation and 24 silviculture experiments were established, managed, measured and summarised as milestones of this project. These experiments were distributed from northern New South Wales to Central Queensland and involved strong collaboration with processors (Canterwood), industrial plantations growers (East Coast Tree Farms (ECTF), Great Southern Plantations (GSP), Integrated Tree Cropping (ITC), DPI-Forestry) and various private landowners. In order to identify the best-bet species for operational plantings, over 70 species, provenances and hybrid combinations were evaluated on a range of sites, soil types and climatic zones within this region. Early results indicated that Eucalyptus grandis, and in particular seedlots from improved sources (eg. Wedding Bells Seed Orchard, SFNSW), was the species with most immediate potential for producing high plantation yields on the greatest range of soil and site types in areas of Queensland south of Gin Gin (latitude 24.5°S). However, susceptibility to attack by the giant wood moth (Endoxylla spp.) and subsequent predation by the Yellow-tailed black cockatoo is a cause for concern is some areas. Other species with good potential include E. dunnii, Acacia glaucocarpa, and various eucalypt hybrids. Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata (CCV or spotted gum) has performed exceptionally well on a wide range of environments and soil types and would be highly suitable for integrated pulpwood and sawlog regimes. Silviculture trails including site preparation, spacing, weed control and fertiliser application were established and generally targeted the species of highest potential including E. grandis, E. dunnii, eucalypt hybrids and CCV. Within these trials, improved silviculture techniques were identified, which can substantially increase early plantation productivity rates, with early recommendations developed for a general range of site and soil types. Through the strong collaborative links developed between the QFRI and the industrial grower organisations, there has been good communication of ideas and early research results over the life of this project. As a result, the larger grower groups have already incorporated many of these research findings for both species selection and silviculture techniques, into their operational plantation management plans.
This project is supported by the Natural Heritage Trust
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Project Title
FloraSearch- Selection and development of multipurpose species for large-scale revegetation wheat-sheep belt of southern Australia
RIRDC Project No.: SAR-38A Start Date: 01-Mar-02 Finish Date: 31-Jul-03 Researcher: Dr Mark Ellis Organisation: Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
Pasadena Natural Resource Centre 5 Fitzgerald Rd, PASADENA, SA 5001
Phone: 08 8372 0181 Fax: 08 8372 0199 Email: [email protected] Objective
A systematic analysis identifying woody perennial plants suitable for large- scale commercial revegetation to both aid in controlling dryland salinity and provide the foundation for viable new industries in the sheep- wheat belt of southern Australia.
Current Progress
Florasearch has made significant progress in its first year in the development of a systematic process for selection, collection, testing and further development of species as large scale perennial crops. This has involved:
• Creation of a database of all woody perennial species indigenous to the study zone with input of data from published, un-published and electronic taxonomic data sources on species occurrence, a range of growth attributes, known uses and physical properties.
• Interrogation of the database to provide priority lists of taxa for sampling and analysis. Two general categories have been created, biomass products which include various wood and energy products, and fodder (including both in situ and ex situ fodder sources).
• Field collection of 44 priority taxa, including collection of growth and production data to assist in further selection steps.
• Initial testing of samples relative to major product variables (eg wood properties, fodder value, oil content etc).
To complement existing product and market information draft reviews have been prepared by expert contributors for the areas of:
• Products and market potential of Tannins • Overseas species worthy of investigation for the wheat-sheep belt. • Reviews are in the process of being commissioned for: • Oils, Gums and bio-polymers.
In year 2 of the project sampling of priority species will continue with the aim of selecting a short list of species for more detailed investigation and development as broadscale crops targeting specific large scale markets.
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Project Title
Wood fibre properties of dryland conifers
RIRDC Project No.: SFN-1A Start Date: 01/09/2001 Finish Date: 01/07/2003 Researcher: Dr Carolyn Raymond Organisation: State Forests of New South Wales
State Forest of NSW, Tablelands Research PO Box 46, TUMUT NSW 2720
Phone: 02 6981 4204 Fax: 02 6947 3427 Email: [email protected] Objective
To increase the uptake of farm forestry in low rainfall areas (450 - 650 mm) by providing wood product quality information that will enable development of markets for wood from dryland conifers.
Current Progress
Processing of all wood samples is completed. P. canariensis had the highest wood basic density at 534 kg.m-3 while the other species were all around 450 kg.m-3. For both kraft and thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) production the dryland conifers were somewhat inferior to the mainland provenance of P. radiata in terms of extractives content, pulp yield, energy consumption and paper quality. P. brutia, P. canariensis and P.radiata Guadalupe and Cedros provenances all exhibited acetone extractives levels approximately double that of the mainland P. radiata provenance and P. pinaster. Kraft pulp yield was highest in the mainland provenance of P. radiata and lowest in P. canariensis. For medium density fibreboard manufacture the dryland pines performed equally as well as the commercial P. radiata resource. Results from the sawing study indicate both P. canariensis and P. brutia are suitable for sawn structural products provided the trees are managed to minimise the impact of knots. The clearwood strength and stiffness properties in particular are good. Shrinkage values for both P. canariensis and P. brutia are generally lower than for P. radiata.
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Project Title
Bioenergy Australia
RIRDC Project No.: SSC-3A Start Date: 7-Jan-00 Finish Date: 30-Jun-03 Researcher: Dr Stephen Schuck Organisation: Stephen Schuck and Associates Pty. Ltd.
7 Grassmere Road KILLARA NSW 2071
Phone: 02 9416 9246 Fax: 02 9416 9246 Email: [email protected] Objective
1. Provide the secretariat function for Bioenergy Australia 2. Develop, implement and refine the Strategic Plan to realise the
opportunities for utilisation of biomass in Australia. 3. Promote the benefits and seek additional funding for, and
membership of Bioenergy Australia 4. Represent Bioenergy Australia at public and national forums. 5. Act as Bioenergy Australia’s representative on IEA Bioenergy and
guide Australia’s participation in this Agreement. 6. Collect and disseminate information to Bioenergy Australia’s
members and the wider community on all aspects of the bioenergy industry.
7. In the role of Bioenergy Australia Manager: • Maintain a sound knowledge of technologies related to, and
awareness of, national and international activities under way for all biomass-related activities;
• Prepare and present regular reports to the Bioenergy Australia membership on the status and future direction of the industry, including issues relating to R&D activities.
• Provide consultancy advice as and when reasonably required; • In accordance with the advice and direction from RIRDC’s
communication’s team, assist in promoting Bioenergy Australia and its activities to the public and private sectors, including making contributions to publications, conferences and workshops (organising the latter when required).
8. Manage and monitor the Bioenergy Australia budget.
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Current Progress
Bioenergy Australia has grown into an alliance of some 49 members from both the government and private sectors. Bioenergy Australia holds quarterly all-day meetings. These provide a forum for industry and government organisations with an interest in fostering bioenergy, to discuss and seek solutions for a wide range of bioenergy related issues. Bioenergy held an annual conference in Manly in December 2002, which attracted 152 delegates from nine countries. Bioenergy Australia is the vehicle for Australia’s participation in the International Energy Agency’s Bioenergy program, an international collaborative agreement on bioenergy. Australia is currently participating in five Tasks: Task 30 Short Rotation Crops for Bioenergy Systems, Task 31 Conventional Forestry for Sustainable Production of Bioenergy, Task 32 Biomass Combustion and Co-firing, Task 36 Energy from Integrated Solid Waste Management Systems, and Task 38 Greenhouse Gas Balances of Biomass and Bioenergy Systems. The Bioenergy Australia Manager has represented Bioenergy Australia at a number of national forums, including giving presentations at conferences. Bioenergy Australia has also provided submissions to various bodies, including to the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target Review Panel, which is conducting a statutory review of the Act underpinning the mandated renewable electricity target. Bioenergy Australia continues to issue an email newsletter to some 2000 recipients.
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Project Title
Wood quality analysis from high value, mixed species, agroforestry systems
RIRDC Project No.: USC-7A Start Date: 12-Jan-02 Finish Date: 30-May-05 Researcher: Dr J. Doland Nichols Organisation: Southern Cross University
Resource Science & Management Box 157 LISMORE NSW 2480
Phone: 02 6620 3493 Fax: 02 6621 2669 Email: [email protected] Objective
An assessment of the mechanical properties of wood grown in mixed specied, agroforestry systems in subtropical and tropical eastern Australia. The mechanical properties of wood from valuable cabinet timber species will be tested to indicate commercial potential and utilization opportunities. The proposed research will determine shrinkage, strength, density, colour and Janka hardness for 140 wood samples collected from 10 sites by May 2005.
Current Progress
Study sites have been selected in NSW, central Queensland and Far North Queensland. Assessment of the stem quality and growth of over 25 species is being completed, with both rainforest and mixed species eucalypt plantations included. Stem form and growth has been measured for 12 sites in NSW, with a further 21 sites visited. Growth data has also been collected for 5 sites in central and 4 sites in far north Queensland, with arrangements made for further wood sampling. Of the 21 sites for which growth data has been collected, 6 have been selected for further wood quality analysis. In NSW, five species will be sampled for wood core analysis: Elaeocarpus grandis, Grevillea robusta, Flindersia schottiana, F. brayleyana and Cedrela odorata. A research paper on growth of rainforest timber trees species across 14 sites in NSW has been written for the workshop “What have we learnt from planting rainforest trees in Australia”, to be held in Brisbane in June 2003.
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Cost effective multi-purpose systems for commercial and environmental purposes
Project Title
Assessing the extent, ecological condition, wood values and other tangible and intangible forest values of privately owned dry schlerophyll forests
RIRDC Project No.: ANU-52A Start Date: 12-Jan-01 Finish Date: 20-Dec-05 Researcher: Dr John Field and Dr Brian Turner Organisation: Australian National University
School of Resource, Environment & Society CANBERRA ACT 0200
Phone: 02 6125 3566 Fax: 02 6249 4807 Email: [email protected] Objective
A methodology (toolbox) for assessing the extent, nature,conditionand health of dry schlerophyll forests using remote sensing and GIS procedures. Conservation, biodiversity and timber values are all integral to the research.
Current Progress
1. Dry schlerophyll forest (dsf) and woodland have been evaluated for conservation values. Habitat complexity scoring systems were examined for their useability and usefulness. Assessment of timber values indicated tree form and species mix were limiting factors.
2. A rigorous study is examining the relationship between biodiversity and forest/woodland structure. Collection of structural attributes data from 180 plots in the Murrumbidgee and Lachlan Catchments is nearing completion. From these data an index of structural complexity to assist managers of forests is being constructed.
3. The effectiveness of mapping the distribution of tablelands dsf using remotely sensed imagery is being tested. One study is using multi-date Landsat data as well as a large number of landscape variables to determine those which are related to remnant forest characteristics, such as patch size, edge to area ratios, heterogeneity/homogeneity of stands, and habitat complexities scores. A variety of remote sensing data are being evaluated to determine the most suitable for mapping the extent and condition of dsf over large areas. Research has begun to establish the relationships between the spatial patterning, structure and biodiversity of dsf using remote sensing to link the current condition of these forests to past management practices.
4. Preliminary work has commenced on designing the decision support toolbox.
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Project Title
Phase farming with trees- field validation and extension
RIRDC Project No.: CAL-6A Start Date: 10-Jan-00 Finish Date: 30-May-05 Researcher: Dr Richard Harper Organisation: Department of Conservation and Land Management
Locked bag 104 Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983
Phone: 08 9334 0306 Fax: 08 9334 0327 Email: [email protected] Objective
This research will field test the feasibility of the Phase- Farming with Trees (PFT) system in a low rainfall area and demonstrate this to land- holders and other stake-holders. A single cycle of this system (planting- harvest) will be assessed. Undergraduate students in Natural Resource Management in hydrology and soil ecology will be trained. If successful the PFT system will result in significant revegetation and salinity reduction across southern Australia.
Current Progress
Ongoing measurements of tree growth and soil water contents were made at the two experimental sites at Wickepin and Corrigin (WA). The three replicates at Corrigin are in different landscape positions, with those in upper slope positions exhibiting markedly poorer survival and growth than those lower in the landscape. Soil water has been depleted to depths of 4.0 m under the E. occidentalis treatment with the highest planting density (4,000 tree ha-
1) after 20 months. This species also has an average height of 2 m. E. occidentalis naturally occurs adjacent to salt lakes and appears to have the capacity to tolerate saline sub-soil conditions, and may therefore be suitable for planting over broad areas. As the greatest soil water depletion occurred under the highest planting density it is possible that even greater densities will provide a quicker result. Consequently, 3 trial plantings with Acacia saligna and E. occidentalis at densities of up to 8,000 tree ha-1 are being established in the WA wheatbelt this winter. Elements of this research were presented at several national and international conferences (World Soils Congress (Bangkok, Aug. 2002), the Australian Forest Growers Conference (Albany, Oct 2002), the International Eucalypt Productivity Conference (Hobart Nov 2002) and the National Soils Conference (Perth, Dec 2002)).
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Project Title
'Best bet' products from agroforestry biomass
RIRDC Project No.:
CSF-60A
Start Date: 29-Dec-2000 Finish Date: 30-Sep-2002 Researcher: Dr. Jamie Hague Organisation: CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products Phone: 03 9545 2222 Fax: Email: [email protected]
Objectives • The overall outcome of the project will be a rational method for
selecting target products for biomass systems integrated with agriculture in medium to low rainfall areas.
Current Progress
The six ‘best bet’ products selected for investigation were: appearance grade sawn products; MDF; electricity from biomass; wood plastic composites; fuel alcohols (ethanol & methanol); pyrolytic bio-oils. The literature pertinent to these products has been reviewed, encompassing markets for products, production processes (including data on production costs), the technical and economic status of the industries and future prospects. The document has been reviewed by external assessors and amended and updated in accordance with their recommendations. It was originally anticipated that the data collated in the literature review would be used for modelling purposes to determine the likely competitiveness of low rainfall based industries against high rainfall based alternatives or other competing industries and products. However, it became clear that there was insufficient robust data to facilitate such an exercise. Accordingly, the work is now focused on:
• Developing an economic framework for assessing the impact of technical advances on potential returns to low rainfall agroforestry systems.
• Using the framework to identify the market circumstances and / or product characteristics that would give low rainfall agroforestry systems advantages over higher rainfall alternatives.
• Reviewing the 6 ‘best bet’ products using the framework, and thereby identifying priorities for future research.
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Effective communications Project Title
Communicating the results of species trials in new farm forestry areas.
RIRDC Project No.: GAL-4A Start Date: October 2002 Finish Date: April 2005 Researcher: David Carr Organisation: Greening Australia Ltd Phone: 02 6281 8585 Fax: 02 6281 8590 Email: [email protected] Objective
To increase the uptake of commercial revegetation in low rainfall, monsoonal and cold-temperate climatic zones throughout Australia by providing information to support the selection of appropriate species for multiple-benefit farm forestry.
Current Progress
This project has monitored and analysed three eucalypt species trials and an Acacia melanoxylon trial on the Dorrigo Plateau, and four species trials, three ground-preparation trials and two weed control trials on the North West Slopes of NSW. The results for the Dorrigo Plateau show that Eucalyptus nitens, E. viminalis, E. saligna and E. dunnii have the best overall performance after eight years growth. Blackwood provenances from Queenstown and Otways Ranges have had superior growth and form to local provenances after five years growth. Results from the North West Slopes trials show that E. sideroxylon, E. camaldulensis, E. bicostata, E. melliodora and E. albens have had the best performance after six years, while on heavy alluvial clay soils, E. argophloia, E. camaldulensis, E. microcarpa, E. sideroxylon and E. pilligaensis have performed well. The best non-eucalypt species with potential for specialty timber production have been Casuarina cunninghamiana, Acacia pendula and A. implexa. The ground preparation trials have shown that mounding, in combination with deep ripping gives an advantage in growth and survival. Mulching and the combination of knock-down and residual herbicides have been found to give effective weed control, but the effect is lost if weed control is not continued. In the next phase of the project we will monitor tropical hardwood trials around Darwin and Katherine in the Northern Territory, and eucalypt, C. cunninghamiana and site-by-genotype trials on the Northern Tablelands of NSW. In the third year of the project we will be monitoring low rainfall species and provenance trials in Western Australia, NSW, Victoria, SA and Tasmania.
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Project Title
THE WORKBOOT SERIES- The story of agroforestry in Australia
RIRDC Project No.: KDI-24A Start Date: 01-Oct-2000 Finish Date: 16-Apr-2003 Researcher: Ms Catriona Nicholls Organisation: Kondinin Group
Hot Tin Roof Communications Malahide FINGAL TAS 7214
Phone: 02 6857 1199 Fax: 02 6857 1142 Email: [email protected] Objective
The development of a high quality educational WORKBOOT SERIES book on farm forestry aimed at broadening/ changing children's perceptions about the role and diversity of trees in the Australian landscape. The product will be available to the general public with a focus on schools and promoted and marketed by the Kondinin Group.
Current Progress
The Workboot Series Agroforestry – the Story of Farm Forestry in Australia is in the final stages of production. All text has been completed and checked by industry and educational specialists and the final selection of photographs and development of illustrations is well underway. It is envisaged the project will be completed and ready for release as a hardcover, full-colour book aimed at the middle to upper primary school audience in the next couple of months.
Project Title
Australian Master TreeGrower: Enhancing farmer participation in farm forestry practice, research and development
RIRDC Project No.: UM-63A Start Date: 1 Dec 02 Finish Date: 30 May 05 Researcher: Mr Rowan Reid Organisation: University of Melbourne Phone: 03 8344 5011 Fax: 03 8344 4665 Email: [email protected]
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Objective
This project builds on a very solid base of 5 years operation of MTG, to ensure the MTG remains an innovative, exciting and flexible program for landholder education in farm forestry. Outcomes from this next phase of the MTG program include: * At least 8 regional MTG programs run per financial year between 2002/03 and 2004/05. * Extension of JVAP research and development through the distribution of JVAP publications and inclusion of JVAP project researchers as MTG presenters. * The expansion of the monitoring and evaluation process to include more participatory techniques for measuring the outcomes of the MTG program. These outcomes will be reported immediately after each regional program and synthesised yearly culminating in a major review of the MTG approach and farm forestry extension in 2005. * The design and delivery of MTG 'refresher' courses. It is anticipated that 4 refresher 'events' are to be run per year, however this will depend on regional requirements and demand. * The integration and expansion of farm forestry information sources between the MTG program, the MTG www site, the National Farm Forestry Information Service and the Multimedia Agroforestry Design Program. The direct result will be an increase in the confidence of participants to actively pursue relevant, appropriate and sustainable farm forestry designs for their circumstances. This will have the cumulative effect of developing a stronger, better skilled and higher knowledge based of land managers throughout Australia committed to farm forestry at their regional level with direct influence at the state and national level.
Current Progress
14 programs have been completed since June 2002: Bacchus Marsh (Vic), Wimmera (Vic), Port Macquarie (NSW), Esperance (WA), Moora (WA), Southern Tablelands (ACT/NSW), Rockhampton (Qld), Mackay (Qld), Holbrook (NSW), Bollanola (Indigenous program) (NSW), Bendigo (Vic), Avon (WA), Bridgetown (WA). The program is adapting to delivery in more non-conventional forestry areas and the involvement of landowners with less exposure to timber production. Whilst land protection may be becoming a more important motivation for farmer participation, their interest in commercial production from multipurpose plantings remains high. Monitoring and evaluation of the program continues and a review reporting on social learning process and the first MTG program has been submitted to RIRDC for publication. Internal evaluation continues with regional evaluation reports in preparation for each regional MTG program to provide feedback to regional coordinators. The Farm Forest Line web site is being maintained, and the NFFIS web site is being developed with links to numerous JVAP publications. The MTG steering committee has been formed with membership drawn from regional partners of the program, experienced participants, sponsors and industry members. The Committee met in Canberra and consulted on issues including skills-based accreditation of the components of the course., and ways that the MTG program can be extended in the future, for example as a platform for natural resource management tool in the regional catchment plans.
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