Agroforestry and Farm Forestry

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2005–2006 and Research in Progress as at June 2006

RIRDC program 3.1

A report for the RIRDC/L&WA/FWPRDC Joint Venture Agroforestry Program

May 2007

RIRDC Publication No 06/077

ISBN 1 74151 340 5 ISSN 1440-6845

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2005–2006 and Research in Progress as at June 2006 RIRDC program 3.1 Agroforestry and Farm Forestry Publication No. 06/077

The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication.

The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors.

The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.

This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.

Agroforestry and Farm Forestry Research Managers Dr Rosemary Lott Dr Caroline Lemerle Research Manager General Manager and chair Bioenergy Australia Joint Venture Agroforestry Program, committee, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Rural Industries Research and Development Level 2 Corporation, 15 National Circuit Level 2 BARTON ACT 2600 15 National Circuit PO Box 4776 BARTON ACT 2600 KINGSTON ACT 2604 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: (02) 6271 6671 Fax: (02) 6272 5877 Phone: (02) 6272 4033 Email: [email protected] Fax: (02) 6272 5877 Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

RIRDC Publications Manager Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600

Phone: (02) 6272 3186 Fax: (02) 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in May 2007 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

Foreword

This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June '06, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2005–06 for all of the Corporation’s program areas.

The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au

This publication is a hardcopy extract covering the RIRDC Program 3.1 – Agroforestry and Farm Forestry. This program comprises two ventures managed by RIRDC – The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP) and Bioenergy Australia. This report contains all entries from continuing and recently completed research projects funded by the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP), as well as a report from the Bioenergy Australia manager Dr Stephen Schuck.

JVAP is supported by three R&D Corporations—Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), Land & Water Australia (L&WA), and Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation (FWPRDC). The R&D Corporations are funded principally by the Australian Government. Bioenergy Australia has a membership of 51, largely from industry and government.

This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1600 research publications. It forms part of our Agroforestry and Farm Forestry R&D program, which aims to integrate sustainable and productive agroforestry within Australian farming systems

Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website:

• downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.html • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop

Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Contents

COMPLETED PROJECTS 2005–2006

Page Project No. Project title Researcher Organisation Phone No. No.

Goal 1 Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders

CVF-1A (NHT) Communicating David Fisken Central Victorian 03 5341 7759 11 sustainable forest Farm Plantations management for the private forest resource in East Gippsland and Central Victoria DIR-1A (NHT) (NHT) Native Keith Emery Department of 02 9895 6161 13 vegetation data sets on & Ian Geers Infrastructure, freehold lands within NSW Planning and Natural Resources GAL-7A Rural display units for rural Michael Greening Australia Ltd 02 6281 8585 14 supply agents: innovative Rooney solutions for informative dissemination TA045-08 Travel grant for Andrew Andrew Lang SMARTimbers 03 5596 2164 16 Lang to attend IUFRO Cooperative Ltd Small Forestry Conference in Denmark and visit the USA and Canada (May-Jun 05) UM-63A Australian Master Rowan Reid School of Resource 03 8344 5011 18 TreeGrower: enhancing Management, The farmer participant in farm University of forestry practice, research Melbourne and development WS045-08 Acacia utilisation and Chris Beadle University of 03 6226 7911 20 management workshop 27– Tasmania, School of 30 April 2006 in Melbourne Agricultural Sciences WS056-08 (NHT) Sponsorship of Monica AVONGRO 21 Avon Wheatbelt private Durcan Wheatbelt Tree native forestry field day Cropping Incorporated

COMPLETED PROJECTS 2005–2006

Page Project No. Project title Researcher Organisation Phone No. No.

Goal 2 Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives

CSC-2A Development of new Michael CSIRO Molecular and 03 9545 2321 22 chemical products from Zachariou Health Technologies lignin CSF-65A Evaluation of product value Russell ensis-Wood and Fibre 03 9545 2173 24 and sawing and drying Washusen Quality efficiencies for low rainfall hardwood thinnings CSW-35A Building regional Stuart CSIRO Sustainable 02 6242 1683 26 Australia’s capacity to Whitten Ecosystems initiate markets for ecosystem services DNT-32A Evaluation of the wood Don Reilly Department of 08 89992316 27 quality and utilisation Business, Industry and potential of plantation Resource grown Khaya senegalensis Development USC-7A Wood quality analysis from Kevin Southern Cross 02 66203650 29 high value, mixed species, Glencross & J University agroforestry systems Doland Nichols UWA-83A Florasearch (stage 2): Mike Bennell Department of Water, 08 8303 9674 30 Selection and development & John Bartle Land & Biodiversity of multi-purpose perennial Conservation, SA species for large-scale crop development in the wheat- sheep belt of southern Australia WS056-10 JVAP Direct Seeding Bruce Clear Connections 08 8538 7075 31 workshop (December 2005) Munday

Goal 3 Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale

CAL-6A Phase farming with trees— RJ Harper Forest Products 08 9475 8824 33 field validation and Commission, WA extension DAV-221A (NHT) (NHT) Helen Department of Primary 03 96584350 35 Sustainability of private Vaughan & Industries (Victoria) native forestry in Victoria: Cain Trist following implementation of the Native Vegetation Management Framework FAY-3A Developing a framework Fay Lewis Fay Lewis Consulting 08 9298 8699 36 for the role of trees in controlling dryland salinity

COMPLETED PROJECTS 2005–2006

Page Project No. Project title Researcher Organisation Phone No. No. GAQ-1A Assessment of Central and Karen Steele Greening Australia 07 3902 4411 37 South East Queensland 12– Queensland (Inc) 25 year old farm forestry trials SGO-1A Modelling for sustainable Glenn Dale Saltgrow Pty Ltd 07 3311 1410 38 production of salt-tolerant eucalypt hybrids on saline discharge sites UMA-18A (NHT) Vegetation and Ross J Department of 02 9850 8191 39 biodiversity response of Peacock Biological Sciences, eucalypt regrowth forest to Macquarie University thinning and grazing DAW-106A Managing tree/pasture Paul Sanford Department of 08 9892 8475 41 competition with perennial and Rob Agriculture and Food or forage species Sudmeyer Western Australia 08 9083 1129

Goal 4 Facilitate new policy and institutional arrangements that stimulate agroforestry investment

CAR-2A (NHT) Sustainability of David Centre for Agricultural 02 6771 3833 42 private native forestry Thompson & Regional Economics Pty Ltd

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2005–2006

Page Project No. Project title Researcher Organisation Phone No. No

Goal 1 Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders

GAL-4A Communicating the results David Carr Greening Australia 02 6281 8585 43 of species trials in new farm Limited forestry areas (Stages I, II & III) PFT-1A Farm forestry toolbox— Andy Warner Private Forests 03 6434 6319 44 regional benefits through Tasmania research and technology transfer UM-72A Australian Master Rowan Reid School of Resource 03 8344 5011 45 TreeGrower: building Management, The capacity for integrated University of vegetation management on Melbourne private land

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2005–2006

Page Project No. Project title Researcher Organisation Phone No. No

Goal 2 Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives

ANU-52A Assessing the extent, John Field School of Resource, 02 6125 3566 46 ecological condition, wood Environment and values and other tangible Society, Australian and intangible forest values National University of privately owned dry schlerophyll forests ANU-67A Sideroxylonal: a valuable William Botany and Zoology, 02 6125 2535 47 extract from oil-mallee Foley Australian National crops in Western Australia University CGA-2A Realising the revenue Annette CRC for Greenhouse 02 9872 0138 48 potential of environmental Cowie Accounting plantings under the NSW’s carbon market CSC-4A Evaluation of 1,8-cineole Michael CSIRO Molecular and 03 9545 2321 49 bioderivatives for Zachariou Health Technologies pharmaceutical and chemical applications III CSF-61A Natural durability of Laurie ensis/CSIRO Forestry 03 9545 2402 50 Eucalyptus trees from farm Cookson and Forest Products forestry and low rainfall areas CSF-67A Genetic improvement for David Bush CSIRO Forestry and 02 6281 8323 51 naturally durable hardwood Forest Products posts STM-1A Viability of single-desk Gib SMARTimbers 03 5334 4643 52 marketing of farm forestry Wettenhall Cooperative Ltd timber UNT-7A Green ants as biological Keith Charles Darwin 08 89 466706 53 control agents in Christian & University and agroforestry Renkang Department of Primary Peng Industries, Fisheries & Mines of NT USQ-3A Further development and Richard National Centre for 07 4631 1873 54 field testing of the efficient Sulman Engineering in lightweight biomass chipper Agriculture UWA-98A FloraSearch (stage 3)— Mike Bennell Department of Water, 08 8303 9674 55 Selection and development Land and Biodiversity of multi-purpose perennial Conservation (SA), species for large-scale Waite Road, Urrbrae, development in the wheat- SA sheep belt of southern Australia

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RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2005–2006

Page Project No. Project title Researcher Organisation Phone No. No

Goal 3 Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale

ANU-70A Large-scale research David Centre for Resource 02 6125 0654 57 investments for best practice Lindenmayer and Environmental plantation management, Studies, The farm forestry and vegetation Australian National management University CAL-8A Catchment scale evaluation Richard Forest Products 08 9475 8824 58 of trees, water and salt Harper Commission CAL-9A Productivity of mallee Dan Huxtable Department of 08 9334 0186 59 agroforestry systems under Conservation and various competition Land Management management regimes CSF-66A Four-year genetic analysis David Bush ensis/CSIRO Forestry 02 6281 8323 60 of low rainfall tree breeding and Forest Products genetic trials (ALRTIG III) CSL-22A Electrical root mapping Tim Ellis CSIRO Land and 02 6246 5743 61 Water DAW-101A Hydrological impacts and Peter Taylor Manjimup 08 9777 0146 62 productivity interactions of Horticultural Research integrated oil-mallee Institute farming systems DAW-104A Phase farming with trees— Robert Department of 08 9083 1129 63 field validation of the Sudmeyer Agriculture (WA) cropping phase DAW-110A Competitiveness of Acacia Robert Department of 08 9083 1129 64 saligna in alleys; root Sudmeyer Agriculture (WA) morphology and physiology DSE-1A (NHT) Developing Richard Loyn Arthur Rylah Institute, 03 9450 8703 65 appropriate designs to Department of increase biodiversity in Sustainability and commercial eucalypt Environment plantations GAL-6A Field trials to test the effect David Carr Greening Australia 02 6281 8585 66 of timing and climate Limited variability on the effectiveness of direct seeding MLA-1A Assessing the value of trees Chris Chilcott Department of Primary 07 3362 9628 67 in sustainable grazing and Greg Industries and systems (NBP.316) McKeon Fisheries, Yeerongpilly Animal Research Institute

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RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2005–2006

Page Project No. Project title Researcher Organisation Phone No. No US-117A Farm trees: enhancing Geoff Gurr Pest Management 02 63657551 68 biodiversity, nature Group, Faculty of

conservation and natural Rural Management, pest control The University of Sydney USC-8A (NHT) Improving timber Alex Jay, Southern Cross 02 6620 3650 69 and habitat management of Jerry University, Forestry private native forests in Vanclay, Dept, School of north-east NSW Doland Environmental Nichols, Science and David Sharpe Management UWA-97A Multi-purpose ‘healthy’ Dean Revell CSIRO Livestock 08 9333 6492 70 grazing systems using Industries perennial shrubs

Goal 5 Bioenergy Australia

SSC-5A Bioenergy Australia Stephen Stephen Schuck and 02 9416 9246 72 Management Schuck Associates Pty Ltd

COMPLETED PROJECTS 2005–2006

Goal 1 Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders

Project title: (NHT) Communicating sustainable forest management for the private forest resource in East Gippsland and Central Victoria

RIRDC Project No.: CVF-1A Start Date: 31-Jan-06 Finish Date: 30-May-06 Researcher: Mr David Fisken Organisation: Central Victorian Farm Plantations 313 Yendon Egerton Road Lal Lal VIC 3352 Phone: 03 5341 7759 Fax: 03 5341 7759 Email: [email protected] Objectives The overall aim of the project is to provide two well-organised, pro-active and targeted workshops to effectively communicate practical silvicultural and sustainability principles, including the results of recent private native forest (PNF) sustainability projects, to landholders and relevant Natural Resource Management bodies including local government and Catchment Management Authorities. Two-day workshops are planned for both East Gippsland and Central Victoria as these regions have the most active management of the PNF resource in the State. Workshops will utilise regionally specific existing and newly prepared forest management material as a basis for promoting the sustainability of private native forestry and will be delivered by a core team of experts. Workshops will be targeted to audience requirements. Background Victoria has a significant private native forest resource. This resource is important for the maintenance of regional biodiversity and it may provide valuable agricultural benefits and timber production. Interest from the timber industry in the commercial value of PNF is increasing. Many PNF owners have only limited knowledge of appropriate silviculture and sustainable management requirements. At the same time the policy and regulatory framework surrounding PNF management is seen to be complex and discouraging. Research Two regional workshops were held to examine the policy and regulatory framework pertaining to PNF management, to discuss recent research into the sustainability of PNF management, to promote the principles of ecologically sustainable forest management, and to provide some practical guidance on appropriate silviculture. These workshops were attended by private landholders and forest managers, State agency representatives, local government and CMA staff. Outcomes Information about the potential extent of the PNF resource in Gippsland and Central Victoria has been recently developed and was discussed during the workshops. Local government and CMA staff were able to be informed of research findings which demonstrate that PNF management and utilisation can be undertaken in an ecologically sustainable manner. Private landholders and forest managers were given an appreciation of the requirements of the planning process and gained some understanding of the principles of ecologically sustainable forest management.

Project title: (NHT) Communicating sustainable forest management for the private forest resource in East Gippsland and Central Victoria

Implications The workshops provided a very useful opportunity for all stakeholders to better understand the way in which the current native vegetation regulations impact on PNF managers. Recent research has shown that active PNF management can easily meet the threshold requirements under the Victorian Native Vegetation Framework. There was a degree of agreement that based on this understanding, it would be reasonable for local government to attempt to streamline the approvals process and to be prepared to be more supportive of permit applications for PNF management. There are opportunities to develop the skills of PNF managers in order to improve the commercial and environmental values of their private native forest. Publications Report to RIRDC: “David Fisken & Helen Vaughan (in review) Two workshops on sustainable management of the private native forest resource in East Gippsland and Central Victoria. Report prepared for Joint Venture Agroforestry Program.

Project title: (NHT) Native vegetation data sets on freehold lands within NSW

RIRDC Project No.: DIR-1A Researcher: Mr Keith Emery Organisation: Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (NSW) PO Box 3720 Parramatta NSW 2124 Phone: 02 9895 6161 Fax: 02 9895 7742 Email: [email protected] Objectives • Identify and locate spatial data sets that provide relevant information on native vegetation over freehold lands. Sources include federal, state and local government agencies and community groups. • Retrieve spatial data sets and metadata statements and store within a dedicated archive. • Where the data sets are part of a multiple attribute data set, separate the appropriate vegetation layers, store within a dedicated archive and prepare metadata statements. Background Previous reviews of native vegetation data sets of freehold lands have failed to identify a number of relevant data sets. This is because the information, often recording the spatial extent of woody vegetation, tree canopy cover and features of vegetation condition are within multiple-layered or multiple attribute data sets. These multiple attribute data sets are often recorded under a title that does not easily indicate the presence of vegetation information and particularly with older data sets, the metadata statements are minimal. An additional problem has been that whilst the projects have identified many of the data sets, they have not brought them together into a single directory. Thus, whilst these data records may be tabulated, it’s not been easy for potential users to access them. Research Data sets were searched, collated and reviewed. The written report outlines data sets obtained, their descriptive statistics, and recommends improvements to future metadata statements for mapping and inventory data. Outcomes A substantial amount of new native vegetation data sets have been identified through this project. List of native vegetation data sets on private lands created. These data sets and information about them have been stored in a separate area. Majority of these have been made available through the internet at http://www.nratlas.nsw.gov.au Implications This project has shown that meta-data statements (describing content, quality, currency and availability of data etc) often contain insufficient detail. Nevertheless, through this project, mapping data has been collated and is now more available for CMAS. Publications Geers, I. and Emery, K. (in press) Native vegetation data sets on freehold lands within NSW – An Audit. A report to JVAP by NSW DIPNR. RIRDC publication

Project title: Rural display units for rural supply agents: innovative solutions for informative dissemination

RIRDC Project No.: GAL-7A Researcher: Mr Michael Rooney Organisation: Greening Australia Limited PO Box 74 Yarralumla ACT 2600 Phone: 02 6281 8585 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The proposed outcomes of the project were: • Customers of between 6–10 rural suppliers/centre have access to up-to-date relevant information distributed in a coordinated fashion • Rural suppliers have access to display area and an opportunity for community service • Greening Australia and source providers are kept up to date on relevancy of research publications and their popularity • Information providers are given regular feedback on publication distributions Background JVAP, Land and Water Australia and Greening Australia decided to try a new way to address difficulties in getting information to the rural sector, particularly those outside Landcare and environmental networks which are regularly exposed to NRM information. Research The Rural Display Units (RDU) project utilised existing Greening Australia networks in south-east NSW to engage rural suppliers to host display stands or RDU containing environmental publications, and to monitor interest in the publications displayed between April to September 2005. Eight RDU were established and managed in major rural townships within 2 hours drive of Canberra. Each display contained 16 relevant environmental publications selected for each local region. The publications were selected to have some relevance to the southeast NSW agricultural region, and were chosen from pre-existing brochure-sized publications available from RIRDC, JVAP, Land & Water Australia, and Greening Australia. Outcomes More than 2200 publications were distributed through the RDU. The most popular included technical and localised publications relating to birds, paddock trees, weeds and general farm management. The 5 publications most taken by users (in order) were: • Bringing Birds Back – Glovebox guide • Paddock Trees – Brochure • Lyndfield Park – Booklet • Look after your natural assets—Booklet • African Lovegrass fact sheet Implications As a result of this project, Greening Australia has partnered with the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Coordinating Committee (UMCCC) which is made up of local Landcare, environmental and government groups, in an ‘Adopt a Display’ program. Community groups and nominated individuals have been encouraged to adopt a local RDU and continue to organise for publications to be displayed. RDU will continue to play an ongoing role in disseminating environmental information to the community. Longer term displays, using publication material specifically produced and targeted to the local region are recommended for trial in other regions, with ongoing resources to replace publication stocks and monitor usage of the material. It is also a reminder that we need to resource information dissemination as an equal part of the PRODUCTION – PUBLICATION – DISSEMINATION product cycle. Given ongoing resources, there could be potential for proactive hosts of rural supply outlets to play a greater role in directing people to information and possibly setting up and managing RDU independently.

Project title: Rural display units for rural supply agents: innovative solutions for informative dissemination

Publications Streatfield, S. and Morris, J. (2006) Rural display units: innovative solutions for informative dissemination. RIRDC Publication No. 06/031

Project title: Travel grant for Andrew Lang to attend IUFRO Small Forestry Conference in Denmark and visit the USA and Canada (May- Jun 05)

RIRDC Project No.: TA045-08 Researcher: Mr Andrew Lang Organisation: SMARTimbers Cooperative Ltd 141 Skipton Road Lismore VIC 3324 Phone: 03 5596 2164 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program funded this travel to enhance understanding of features of successful cooperatives and models of management, harvest, handling, certification, value adding and promotion that are relevant to non-industrial private forestry Australia wide. This study trip is relevant to SMARTimbers and other existing and prospective non-industrial private forestry operations in Australia, for example, small farm holdings. Background Finding and maintaining markets for product from farm forestry cooperatives, who are often in competition with large industrial companies, is difficult. Effective harvest of small dispersed woodlots, value-adding, quality control and promotion are key to a cooperative’s success, as well as having suitable quantity and continuity of supply to meet buyers’ needs. Outcomes and In Sweden and Denmark, NIPF ‘non-industrial private forestry’ is the norm and Implications supplies the majority of industrial timber (the same applies for Norway and to an even greater degree, Finland). In these countries NIPF owner associations manage establishment, management, planning and harvest for members. They have many of the answers in the process for managing certification, and for the handling of material and membership on a larger scale. They show the scope for the provision of extension services by association officers in a most focused, cost effective and responsive way, in liaison with the government forestry departments, which demonstrates intelligently developed government policy and legislation going back 100 years. In Lithuania, and to varying degrees in other Baltic and eastern European countries, NIPF is just emerging, as forest lands previously nationalised are being returned to former owners. Out of this complex situation, the first entrepreneurial individuals and associations are emerging, who are value-adding timber and improving mismanaged or neglected forest. In the Canadian province of British Columbia, most of the industrial log supply is from state-owned forest, or corporation-controlled land, by very large-scale processes. The USA states of Wisconsin and Minnesota fall between these extremes with close to half of forest products coming from NIPF, although, harvest is infrequently overseen by grower’s associations. Within this USA scene are small operators and co-operatives making a good living by value adding their forest products, and in some cases, taking it right to the point of installation in buildings. However, the spread of this approach, and consequent large-scale new NIPF plantings, is clearly retarded by confused state and federal government policy. Some large US plantings of biofuel species – willow and poplar – are stimulated by state and federal government policy, but the process is highly subsidised in an environment of relatively untaxed fossil fuels.

Project title: Travel grant for Andrew Lang to attend IUFRO Small Forestry Conference in Denmark and visit the USA and Canada (May- Jun 05) The trip sought answers to these questions: • How do we manage Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) group certification as a small and isolated body? I found the answer, at least partially, in Sweden. • How do we harvest thinnings cost effectively? The answer is that on our small disconnected scale no one I found was yet doing it cash neutral or positive. We have to develop our own system, or modify a Scandinavian system. • How do we value-add cost effectively to small diameter straight logs? The Scandinavians do it as the main part of their processed volume, but it requires scale. Several other solutions came out of North America. • How do we negotiate the jump from sub-commercial to commercial scale? The Eco-Lumber example in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) was the closest example to SMARTimbers situation, and about two years further in time. I was also looking for: • ways that governments could stimulate NIPF? – I saw many different options in the USA, Scandinavia, and Canada • what the potential was for biomass fuel energy production? – Södra in Sweden, all of Finland’s regions, and the federal US government are all exploring different options • how the cooperative could diversity and add to our income stream? – the Kickapoo Woods co-operative demonstrated one way. Publications Travel report available from RIRDC on request. See also Plantations 20:20 website, for Lang (2006) Ways to develop Victorian private forestry: Report from a study trip over May & June 2006.

Project title: Australian Master TreeGrower: enhancing farmer participant in farm forestry practice, research and development

RIRDC Project No.: UM-63A Researcher: Rowan Reid Organisation: School of Resource Management Faculty of Land and Food Resources The University of Melbourne VIC 3010 Phone: 03 8344 5011 Fax: 03 8344 4665 Email: [email protected] Objectives Objectives of this phase of the Australian Master TreeGrower Program include: • Deliver at least 24 regional MTG programs • 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. • Design and delivery of MTG refresher courses • 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. • Contribute to the development of a stronger, better skilled and more knowledgeable base amongst land managers throughout Australia. Background The MTG is a comprehensive outreach and extension package that started in 1996 and aims to ensure that the development of agroforestry is driven by the aspirations and opportunities of farmers and supported by the interests of industry, governments and community groups. International experience suggests that increasing farmer (or small private owner) participation in forestry can have quite different social, economic and environmental impacts to that of industrial or government forestry. Research By the end of 2005, seventy regional Master TreeGrower landholder education programs had been conducted involving over 1400 participants and more than 30 partner organisations making it the possibly the largest outreach program of its type in the world. Outcomes The MTG approach is one of facilitating participatory learning. The program includes transfer of technology, problem solving, education and elements that are aimed at facilitating participatory development (See publications). The results of the internal continuous monitoring and evaluation program and two national external reviews confirm that the program has had an impact on the perceptions, enthusiasm and activity of participants. Participants believe they’re making better management decisions and a greater contribution to farm forestry research, development and extension within their regions, particularly through their participation in regional farm forestry networks. Implications The success of the MTG program has redefined farm forestry extension in Australia and provided a comprehensive and targeted mechanism for extending agroforestry research.

Project title: Australian Master TreeGrower: enhancing farmer participant in farm forestry practice, research and development Publications R. Reid (2003) A conceptual framework for farm forestry and agroforestry – helping target extension in Australia. Paper presented at the Extension Forestry – Building capacity through collaboration. IUFRO Forestry Extension Conference Troutdale, Oregon, Sept. 28 – Oct. 2, 2003. http://www.iufro.org/iufro/iufronet/d6/wu60603/troutdale03-proceedings.pdf pages 277-290 R. Reid (2004) Subsidies: The sacred cow of agroforestry extension? Paper Presented at the 1st World Congress of Agroforestry: Working together for sustainable land-use systems. 27th June to 2nd July, Orlando, Florida, USA R. Reid (2004) Facilitating farmer participation in timber production, Presentation to the International Workshop on Small-holder Timber Production, 29 November to 1 December 2004 Nairobi, Kenya Reid R. (2004) Farm forestry extension. In Elevitch, C.R.(ed) 2004. The Overstorey Book: Cultivating Connections with Trees, 2nd Edition. Permanent Agriculture Resources, Holualoa, Hawaii, USA. Pages 249–252 Reid, R. and P. Stephen 2001 The Farmer’s Forest: Multipurpose forestry for Australian Farmers. 168 pp. Australian Master TreeGrowers Inc. Colac. 2000 copies printed Reid R. and P. Stephen 2004 Integrating forestry into farms. In Elevitch, C.R.(ed) 2004. The Overstorey Book: Cultivating Connections with Trees, 2nd Edition. Permanent Agriculture Resources, Holualoa, Hawaii, USA. Pages 231–235 Reid R. and Stephen P. (2007), The Australian Master TreeGrower Program- Development, delivery and impact of a national outreach and education program (1996-2004). RIRDC Publication No. 06/029 Stephen, P. and Reid, R. (2003), The Australian Master TreeGrower Program 1996– 2002. Development, delivery and impact of a national agroforestry education program, Proceedings of the Eight North American Agroforestry Conference, 23–25 June 2003, Oregon State University; http://www.missouri.edu/~afta/8thNAAC/8thNAACprog.htm

Project title: Acacia utilisation and management workshop 27–30 April 2006 in Melbourne

RIRDC Project No.: WS045-08 Researcher: Chris Beadle Organisation: C/- University of Tasmania School of Agricultural Sciences Private Bag 55 Hobart TAS 7001 Phone: 03 6226 7911 or 0409 906 719 Fax: 03 6226 7942 Email: [email protected] Objectives The current workshop had a focus on utilisation, markets and new opportunities for Acacia species. Background The Blackwood Industry Group organises international workshops for the dissemination of the latest research in blackwood and other Australian Acacia species that show promise for wood production and environmental benefits. This is the fourth in the series of workshops. Research The ‘Acacia utilisation and management workshop’ was held 26–29 April 2006 in Melbourne and N-E Victoria. Outcomes The workshop commenced on Wednesday 26 April with a display (The Brilliance of Blackwood) of guitars (Maton Guitars), furniture (Davis) and turned items (Guilio Marcolongo) made from blackwood. This three-hour forum was at the Horticultural College at Burnley and the makers each gave a presentation about the features of their goods and industries. Twenty-four papers were presented at the workshop in four sessions, the first at Lardner Park, the others at the Marylands Conference Facility in Marysville: • Utilisation and wood quality (six papers) • Marketing (seven papers) • Silviculture (four papers) • Acacia species and natural resource management (seven papers) Visits to plantations were also made: • Lardner Park. Twenty-year-old stand used to demonstrate on-site sawing, and thinning strategies. • Bunyip (John Goy) to inspect a provenance trial. • Kilmore (Alan McNab) to inspect blackwood with Acacia mearnsii nurse crop in a broader farm forestry operation. Implications The workshop attracted 55 registrations, including 10 from New Zealand. It provided the first in-depth analysis of the broader issues that challenge the marketing of blackwood. Information over a wide range of topics flowed from a workshop that demonstrated its value as a mechanism for the exchange of accurate information between those involved in the blackwood industry. The key issues are the value of the wood, particularly in Australia, the continuity of supply of top quality logs, particularly from the native forest resource, and the vagaries of the market though the last appears to be fairly stable at the moment. Publications The draft papers were distributed at the workshop. The final version will be published by RIRDC: C.L. Beadle and A.G. Brown (Eds) (in press) Acacia Utilisation and Management: Adding Value. Proceedings of a Blackwood Industry Group (BIG) Workshop Victoria, 26–29 April 2006, RIRDC publication

Project title: (NHT) Sponsorship of Avon Wheatbelt private native forestry field day

RIRDC Project No.: WS056-08 Researcher: Monica Durcan Organisation: Avongro Wheatbelt Tree Inc.

Phone: 08 9291 8249 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives Background A field day on private native forest management in the Avon region was held on and Outcomes 11 November 2005 and attended by almost 30 people. The participants visited Wandoo and Jarrah native forest and issues discussed included on-ground assessment of forest values and preparation of stand-level management plans. Implications Improved understanding of legislation, regulation and sustainable management of private native forests in this region. Publications Nil

Goal 2 Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives

Project title: Development of new chemical products from lignin

RIRDC Project No.: CSC-2A Researcher: Michael Zachariou Organisation: CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies Private Bag 10 Clayton South VIC 3169 Phone: 03 9545 2321 Fax: 03 545 2446 Email: [email protected] Objectives • A literature review that targets large scale uses of lignin (not lignosulphonates) which includes phenol-derived products. The review includes website reviews, patents, published literature and conference proceedings. • Selection of the most readily available, sustainable source(s) of low-cost lignocellulosic biomass in regional Australia suitable for enzymatic and/or microbial processing. • A library of chemical products produced via biotransformation using syringaldehyde, vanillin, guaiacol and catechol as feedstocks • A library of microbes that can degrade lignin derived from low rainfall trees (eucalypts) that are tolerant to acid pH conditions and high temperatures (as demanded by lignin source). Background Lignocellulosic materials such as wood derived from plantations, or agricultural wastes like straw, rice hulls wheat husks and corn stover can be used as feedstocks for production of liquid fuels such as ethanol. The use of these materials is viewed as having the potential to address the environmental issues of dry land salinity and global warming resulting from fossil fuel use. This project aims to develop technology that will enable the use of lignin from Australian native wood species as a feedstock to obtain precursors to plastics, herbicides, and other large volume commodity chemicals. By adding value to lignin and reducing the cost of ethanol, the development of industries that utilise biomass as a resource is expected to occur resulting in rejuvenation of the rural sector and a highly skilled regional workforce. This project aims to add value to lignin by modifying some of the more abundant lignin components using microorganisms. The modified components may then be used in a range of industries such as the manufacture of plastic, pesticides and adhesives. Research Catechol, vanillin, guaiacol and syringaldehyde were chosen as the small molecules (i.e. ‘lignin monomers’) that can be produced in significant quantities from the lignin residue generated after fractionation of hardwood. Over 50 experiments (using the lignin monomers as feedstocks) were completed with CSIRO’s Evolver technology which generated a diverse library of 164 microorganisms. In addition to being capable of metabolising at least one of the lignin monomers, several of the microorganisms in the library have the capacity to grow in acidic, alkaline or salty environments and at low (16°C) and high (55°C) temperatures and therefore may be unique. Several metabolic intermediates derived from the lignin monomers were produced by the microorganisms some of which have been tentatively identified. Over 1500 isolates were screened against the four lignin monomers and 12 compounds were produced by some of the fungal isolates. Any isolate that produced compounds using the lignin monomers has been catalogued in a library for future reference. Some large volume uses for some of the compounds (such as the manufacture of pesticides and plastics) were identified. Lignin from steam explosion of birch wood (chosen as representative of lignin from eucalypt species) was produced specifically for the project and used as a substrate for isolation of microorganisms capable of lignin degradation at low pH and elevated temperatures. No microorganisms capable of lignin degradation at pH 2.0 and 60°C were recovered.

Project title: Development of new chemical products from lignin

Outcomes • Selection of small molecules that can be derived from waste lignin streams • Generation of a large library of microorganism the produce chemicals from small molecules derived from lignin. • Identification of uses for some of the microbial products Implications The outcomes of this project are first steps towards the development of technology that will enable capture of value from lignin waste streams thereby offsetting the cost of ethanol. Ultimately, this technology will aid in developing new rural industries, reduce Australia’s greenhouse emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Publications No publications have been produced at this stage.

Project title: Evaluation of product value and sawing and drying efficiencies for low rainfall hardwood thinnings

RIRDC Project No.: CSF-65A Researcher: Dr Russell Washusen Organisation: enis-Wood and Fibre Quality ensis-the joint forces of CSIRO and Forest Research Private Bag 10 Clayton South VIC 3169 Phone: 03 9545 2173 Fax: 03 9545 2133 Email: [email protected] Objectives This project aims to generate financial information on the recovery of high-value dried clearwood boards and non-conventional green structural products from small diameter (<35 cm diameter) pruned Corymbia spp (spotted gum). The trees aged 10–18 years will be thinned from plantations in the medium to low rainfall areas (500–750 mm) of Australia that are to be grown to full rotation age of 25–40 years. The sawing strategies used will produce high throughput rates and high recoveries of solid wood and rapid low cost drying strategies will be developed for clearwood boards.

The objectives were: • To conduct trials in 18-40 cm SED pruned Corymbia spp. (spotted gum) logs sourced from thinning operations in medium to low rainfall areas of southern Australia to determine product quality, recovery and value for 5 log grades segregated on diameter and visible surface defects. • To develop rapid kiln drying schedules for back-sawn spotted gum. • Using product value, wood drying information and log feed rates, model financial performance of a green field mill with CSIROMILL to determine mill door prices for the 5 log grades using a modernised sawmill capable of replicating the sawing and wood drying methods that were used in the trials. Background There have been a number of projects conducted across Australia that have assessed the technical feasibility of processing young plantation-grown eucalypts for production of high quality solid wood products (FWPRDC Report PN04.3002). While these projects report information on technical feasibility but have produced little information on the cost of production and implications for mill door log values. In some of the most recent trials an existing native forest eucalypt sawmill was identified by Washusen et al.(2004) (FWPRDC Report PN03.1315) as capable of processing small diameter pruned logs. With the application of appropriate drying methods a modernized mill of the type may viably process small diameter pruned spotted gum sourced from commercial thinning operations or clearfall harvests. Research Sawing trials in the mill produced information on wood quality and recovery and the results from drying experiments were used to estimate final product value and commercial drying times. This information together with calculated log feed rates was used to model the sawmill performance with CSIROMILL a deterministic modelling system designed to simultaneously calculate IRR and mill door log values for specific processing systems. On this occasion CSIROMILL modules tested included (i) a modernised sawmill capable of reproducing the sawing methods employed in the trials with kiln capacity to dry wood from green and (ii) the same sawmill coupled with air- drying sheds and kilns. Outcomes The modelling indicated that a mill with 80,000 m3 log input could be established and process all but one of the log grades profitably. At an IRR of 20% the mill door prices for kiln-drying option were $126, $86, $65 and $45 for pruned log grades 1 to 4. Grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 logs have an SED range of 35-40 cm, 30-35 cm, 25-30 cm and 18-25 cm respectively. These grades are largely defect free on the log surface. Grade 5 logs could not be sawn profitably, these logs have no diameter restriction but carry significant visible surface defect. Similar log values were calculated for the air-drying option.

Project title: Evaluation of product value and sawing and drying efficiencies for low rainfall hardwood thinnings Implications This project has shown that with appropriate technology the most modern hardwood sawmills in Australia are capable of processing plantation-grown eucalypts profitably. The particular mill modelled has good capacity to process logs of 15 cm to 80 cm small end diameter. These logs may be sourced solely from pruned plantations or more likely from a combination of native forest and plantation sources. This capacity greatly restricts the reliance on establishing large areas of plantations in an area reliant primarily on conventional agricultural production. Publications Washusen, R. (in press) Evaluation of product value and sawing and drying efficiencies for low rainfall hardwood thinnings. RIRDC publication

Project title: Building regional Australia’s capacity to initiate markets for ecosystem services

RIRDC Project No.: CSW-35A Researcher: Stuart Whitten Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems GPO Box 284 Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: 02 6242 1683 Fax: 02 6242 1705 Email: [email protected] Objectives The aim of this project is address practical application of the concept of markets for ecosystem services by building the capacity of regional communities in Australia to initiate markets for ecosystem services. Background In recent times, use of market-based instruments to facilitate enhanced protection or production of ecosystem services has achieved a high public profile through the development of water markets and the initiation of the National Market Based Instruments Pilots Program among others. However, much work remains to apply these tools in practice. Research When considering the practical application of markets for ecosystem services a number of potential impediments must be overcome. 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. Outcomes The project investigated six case study potential MBI applications in detail and several further applications in less detail. Guidelines for regions in identifying the need for an MBI, and what general issues to consider and principles to apply in designing it were produced. These guidelines are not and could not be a recipe book, because the actual design of an MBI should be strongly influenced by its regional and local contexts. Also, there is still much to be learned about MBIs, and some aspects of design are technically difficult, so it will usually be necessary to seek specialist advice. Implications Regions will be able to explore MBI opportunities with increased confidence about their role and likely success. It is anticipated that well developed MBI applications will substantially improve the sophistication with which NRM outcomes are achieved at the same time as reducing the overall costs of NRM management. Publications Reports in review: 1. Markets for ecosystem services: applying the concepts 2. Investing in natural capital: An ecosystem services approach 3. Market Based Instruments : A rapid assessment technique for identifying the potential for MBI application 4. Market Based Instruments: Analytical techniques for the assessment and design of market based instruments 5. Market Based Instruments: Case studies of MBI applications 6. Market Based Instruments: Applying MBIs in a regional context

Several refereed journal publications are in preparation.

Project title: Evaluation of the wood quality and utilisation potential of plantation grown Khaya senegalensis

RIRDC Project No.: DNT-32A Researcher: Mr Don Reilly Organisation: Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT) Phone: 08 89992316 Fax: 08 89992316 Email: [email protected] Objectives • To gain a better understanding of post harvest handling and treatments of Khaya senegalensis to optimise timber qualities and utilisation potential. • Obtain fundamental wood properties, sawn recovery rates and plywood recovery rates to determine utilisation and applications to enhance marketing potential of the timber. • To provide investors and growers with more information about rotation lengths best suited to the species/environment interaction and the wood qualities at various stages and/or log classes. • Provide preliminary information on the drying behaviour of various age classes and board sizes of plantation grown Khaya senegalensis. This preliminary information would form the basis of a recommended drying schedule. Background During 2003, the Northern Territory’s Department of Business Industry Resource Development (DBIRD), in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) initiated a processing and utilisation study to characterise Australian plantation-grown K. senegalensis. Building from a series of provenance trials planted by CSIRO near Darwin, NT, from 1972–74, a genetic improvement program is currently being established, with the aim of producing superior genetic stock to underpin the establishment of plantations. JVAP assisted this breeding work in an earlier project DNT-27A. Thirty-eight of the best trees (32 year-old) from these trials were harvested from two sites near Darwin, Gunn Point and Howard Springs, were selected for the study. Clonal material was taken from each of these trees in order to preserve the available gene pool of genetic material. Currently, the international trade in mahogany from African countries is very limited. This is due in part to the increasing difficulty in sourcing natural-grown mahogany. Supply is limited due to over harvesting and political instability in several of the big producing countries. Research The objective of this study was to assess processing, seasoning, wood quality and utilisation characteristics of the sampled trees, with the combined aims of characterising the ‘potential’ properties of future K. senegalensis plantations and to make direct inferences on individual trees that wee selected for a genetic improvement program. Outcomes Australian grown plantation K. senegalensis produces an aesthetically pleasing timber with marketable colour and figure attributes. The wood appears to be suitable for clear-finished or stained high-value applications, such as contemporary and reproduction furniture, cabinetry, windows, doors, and interior joinery. Further, the wood properties of the study timber support the use of this timber for these applications. However, a number of issues may affect the profitability of converting plantation logs to high-value appearance grade timber, namely, wandering pith, the proportion of stem under heartwood at a young age (relative to native grown material), and the development of decay, and therefore stain. All of these issues could potentially be addressed through breeding and correct silviculture. Implications Based on the findings of this study of processing, utilisation and wood quality properties, Australian plantation grown K. senegalensis has proven to be a prime candidate species for the ‘dry’ northern tropics of Australia. The continuing Tree Improvement Program for K. senegalensis in the Northern Territory can utilise data obtained from this study for the purpose of future selection and identifying important timber characteristics for inclusion or elimination from the program.

Project title: Evaluation of the wood quality and utilisation potential of plantation grown Khaya senegalensis Publications Armstrong, M; Reilly, D; Lelievue, T; Hopewell, G; Redman, A; and Francis L (in review) Evaluation of the Wood Quality and Utilisation Potential of Plantation grown Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany). Report submitted to the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program. RIRDC report . To date extracts from the JVAP report have used to produce articles published in the following publications: • Armstrong, M., Lelievre, T., Reilly, D., & Robertson, B. Evaluation of the wood quality and utilisation potential of plantation grown Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany). (In Bevege, D.I., Bristow, M., Nikles, D.G. and Skelton, D.J. (eds). 2004. Prospects for high-value hardwood timber plantations in the ‘dry’ tropics of northern Australia. Proc. of a Workshop held 19-21 October, 2004, Mareeba, Queensland. Published as a CD-ROM by Private Forestry North Queensland Association Inc., Kairi, Qld. • Armstrong, M. 2005. Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany): Candidate species for sawlog focused hardwood plantations in the dry tropics. Australian Forest Grower 27 (4): pp28 – 29. • Armstrong, M. 2005. Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany): Candidate species for sawlog focused hardwood plantations in the dry tropics. Australian Timberman • Armstrong, M. 2005. Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany): Candidate species for sawlog focused hardwood plantations in the dry tropics. Australian Joinery Magazine • Reilly, D. F. Visual presentation on the K. senegalensis evaluation of the wood quality and utilisation program and the value it has for an on-going Tree Improvement Program • Nikles, D. G., Reilly, D. F and Robertson, R. M. 2004. Conservation and genetic improvement in the Northern Territory (Australia) of Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany) – a valuable tree species endangered in parts of its homelands. Working Paper in: Bevege, D. I., Bristow, M., Nikles, D.G. and Skelton, D. (eds). 2004. ‘Prospects for high-value hardwood timber plantations in the ‘dry’ tropics of northern Australia’ Proc. Of a Workshop held 19-21 October, 2004, Mareeba, Queensland. Published as CD ROM by Private Forestry North Queensland Association Inc., Kairi, Qld.

Project title: Wood quality analysis from high value, mixed species, agroforestry systems

RIRDC Project No.: USC-7A Researcher: Kevin Glencross & J Doland Nichols Organisation: Southern Cross University Phone: 02 66203650 Fax: 02 66212669 Email: [email protected] Objectives To assess wood properties from young, high value, rainforest timber species grown on previously cleared farmland. Understanding of wood properties has been used to identify commercial opportunities and markets for agroforestry products. Background A number of earlier JVAP projects have explored the opportunity to grow tropical species as high value wood products on farms (UQ-18A, DAQ-240A, 04/135). Realising the opportunity relies on the identification of most viable species in terms of growth performance and the value of the wood. The physical properties of the wood from young plantation grown rainforest trees were not known. Understanding the quality of the wood helps to determine economic returns, rotation length and markets. Research The growth of high value rainforest timber species was measured to identify those species which were most likely to produce commercially viable wood products. Wood cores were used to provide a preliminary assessment of key wood properties such as density. The collection of 170 logs from four fast growing species was carried out from tropical and subtropical sites. The wood from these logs were assessed in terms of physical properties such as stength, density, colour, shrinkage and hardness. Outcomes The growth of high value rainforest species has been encouraging across a range of climatic areas of eastern Australia. The management of complex mixtures of species has provided a challenge for growers when making decisions about pruning, thinning and potential products. The knowledge about wood properties of young plantation grown rainforest species helps growers to manage existing systems to maximise the production of high quality wood. The wood from young rainforest trees closely resembles the wood from mature trees in a number of key physical properties. Implications The experience in growing, marketing and processing premier rainforest timber grown in plantation is not well developed; therefore growers are exposed to a high degree of risk. The planting of species mixtures is an important strategy to minimise the risks to plantations from pests, diseases and climatic extremes. The mixed plantations also provide a potential diversity of timber products to help reduce economic risks. The accurate description of wood properties helps to inform processors and potential end- users so that markets can be developed to use sustainably produced rainforest timber. Publications Glencross, K. S. and Nichols J. D. 2005. Growth performance and review of wood quality concerns for rainforest timber species in subtropical eastern Australia. In Erskine, P.D., Lamb, D. and Bristow, M. (Eds.) 2005. Reforestation in the Tropics and Subtropics of Australia Using Rainforest Tree Species.RIRDC Publication 05/087, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra. Glencross, K. S. 2005 Rocky Creek Dam rainforest timber plantation research. Agroforestry Today. Issue 52. School of Resource Management, University of Melbourne. Glencross, K.S. 2005. ‘Money does grow on trees’. Northern Star 10/3/05. Australian Provincial Newspapers. Lismore, NSW. Glencross, K. and Nichols, J.D. (in review) Wood quality from high value, mixed species agroforestry systems. Report to Joint Venture Agroforestry Program, RIRDC publication.

Project title: Florasearch (stage 2): Selection and development of multipurpose perennial species for large-scale crop development in the wheat-sheep belt of southern Australia

RIRDC Project No.: UWA-83A Researcher: Mike Bennell1, John Bartle2 and Dan Huxtable2 Organisation: 1. Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation SA 2Dept Environment and conservation, WA Phone: (08) 8303 9674 Fax: (08) 8303 9674 Email: [email protected] Objectives The over-arching aim is to develop new, fully commercial, broad-scale woody perennial crops for low to medium rainfall agricultural areas of southern Australia, to assist in controlling recharge associated with dryland and stream salinity, provide other natural resource benefits, and form the foundation of viable large-scale rural industries. The work to be undertaken in this project involves an expansion and completion of work started in FloraSearch stage 1 and the WA Search project, and its integration into a single project. For outcomes which have already been partly accomplished in these earlier projects, approximate percentages of completion are indicated below. The project will produce a list of 'development species', ranked in order of their suitability for commercial development, based on an assessment of their product testing results, their suitability as crop plants, their likely distribution, and their potential for improvement. In addition, the project will further develop spatial analysis tools for assessing the potential of new industries based on these development species. Background FloraSearch Stage 1 set the general rationale and methodology for developing commercially viable woody perennial crops for dryland agricultural areas in southern Australia. FloraSearch has evolved into a southern Australian project based in Adelaide and Perth. It builds on the evaluations conducted in FloraSearch 1 (southeastern Australia) and Search (WA) projects. Research A systematic survey of the native woody flora of southern Australia suitable for products is largely complete. FloraSearch has established field trials testing the performance of prospective species. The current priority species include Oldman Saltbush Atriplex nummularia for southern Australia and Orange Wattle Acacia saligna for WA, and their domestication is a central area of future work. Approximately 10 other development species have been identified for further evaluation. The Regional Industry Potential Analysis (RIPA), a GIS based economic and biophysical model, provides an opportunity to evaluate potential perennial crop industries. It incorporates improved species knowledge including productivity, product development and updated costs and returns. Many FloraSearch industries are profitable in southern Australia with returns from several industry types predicted to be potentially competitive with existing land uses. Outcomes Implications Biomass, wood products, and grazing systems utilising fodder shrubs remain high priority industries. Opportunities exist for greater uses of woody biomass to generate renewable energy, with technological developments in lignocellulosics making the ethanol production from wood a future prospect. Climate change is of increasing relevance to FloraSearch goals. The importance of carbon sequestration, renewable energy from biomass, and the realisation that agricultural systems need to incorporate the resilience of perennial species is growing. Publications RIRDC report in press

Project title: JVAP Direct Seeding workshop (December 2005)

RIRDC Project No.: WS056-10 Workshop facilitator: Mr Bruce Munday Organisation: Clear Connections PO Box 375 Mount Torrens SA 5244 Phone: 08 8538 7075 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The aims of this workshop were to: • convene researchers and practitioners in direct seeding to confirm the recommendations identified in the final report: Improved passive and new intensive direct seeding for woody crops: A review of the scope for improvement of the technique in temperate Australia (JVAP project GAL-5A) • identify specific priorities for investment by JVAP, with consideration to its objectives and available funds • facilitate collaborative partnerships between potential research providers • provide the basis for developing a full project proposal. Background The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program sought to invest in research on low cost establishment, and needed to more clearly establish research priorities specific to the Program’s objectives. JVAP sought to confirm and prioritise the 34 research and extension needs identified in the previous JVAP project GAL-5A, and use this to identify key topics for a research project. A workshop on research needs for direct seeding was held in Adelaide 7–8 December 2005, attended by 23 researchers, direct seeding practitioners and research managers from JVAP and L&WA Native Vegetation program. The terms of reference for the workshop included that the research should aim to improve the cost-effectiveness of direct seeding relative to use of tubestock, focus on commercial woody perennial species, and work in low-to medium rainfall zones. Research A range of presentations were given, including: • identification of a combination of soil biota (along the lines of the commercial Wattlegrow product) which enhance early establishment and survival of direct- seeded eucalypts and acacias on key site types, thereby reducing seed requirements and improving cost-effectiveness of direct seeding. The success of the product ‘Wattlegrow’ is an example of what seems possible for other species. The workshop ran a process to prioritise areas of research for the three most commercially significant genera: Acacia (but extended to Leguminaceae), Eucalyptus, Casuarina and Allocasuarina, and to Chenopodiaceae. Prioritisation was based on a crude assessment of benefit:cost. Highest priority direct seeding research topics were nominated by the group and then voted upon.

Project title: JVAP Direct Seeding workshop (December 2005) Outcomes The workshop supported the 34 research priorities listed in the final report from the previous JVAP project GAL-5A ‘Improved passive and new intensive direct seeding for woody crops’. The workshop agreed that improving direct seeding techniques for commercial benefits would also benefit direct seeding for environmental purposes. Any project proposal must include commercial species and aim to keep costs below tubestock while improving germ success and survival. Key research needs identified were: • To work with regional experts to produce regional fact sheets containing general direct seeding advice (using interviews and recent JVAP GAL-5A literature review), local tricks of the trade for direct seeding success, and a checklist to ensure the sowing is well planned and timed, and follow-up monitoring recorded. This is needed because inexperienced operators often implement direct seeding without sufficient planning, and sow when site conditions are not suitable. This leads to unnecessarily poor direct seeding results. • Reliability and uniformity of field germination: use some careful lab and field measurements to determine seed placement and moisture needs, when and why seedlings die in the field, and to relate this to the soil microsite conditions. This is needed because soil microsite conditions and very early establishment requirements are not well understood, ie what is the real window during which sowing should occur? • Post-germination survival and weed control trials to improve post-sowing establishment success. Herbicide must be used with care prior to sowing due to lack of knowledge of herbicide tolerance during germination for the range of native species sown. Weed control post-sowing can be a major problem and requires a better knowledge of overspraying tolerance by young seedlings, for key commercial eucalypt, acacia and revegetation species.

Implications The workshop indicated that the project could also be of investment interest to mining and mineral exploration companies, to RDCs, CRC for Plant-Based Management of Dryland Salinity and to several catchment management authorities that have set ambitious revegetation targets. Various research groups agreed to seek supplementary funds and design an integrated project that meets the above criteria. Publications Nil

Goal 3 Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale

Project title: Phase farming with trees—field validation and extension

RIRDC Project No.: CAL-6A Researcher: Dr RJ Harper Organisation: Forest Products Commission, Western Australia Phone: 08 9475 8824 Fax: 08 9475 8833 Email: [email protected] Objectives This research will field-test the feasibility of the Phase-Farming with Trees (PFT) concept in a low rainfall area and demonstrate this to land-holders and other stakeholders. A single cycle of this system (planting – harvest) will be assessed, including quantifying the costs associated with harvest and reversion of land to agriculture. Background The treatment of salinity requires the rapid deployment of deep rooted vegetation over large areas. Following a JVAP scoping study (CAL-3A) we tested an innovative planting system which will use blocks of medium-high rainfall commercial species in lower rainfall areas, in ultra-short rotations (3–5 years). Despite poor long-term survival of these species, they will prior to death, or early harvest, exhaust un-saturated soil moisture and hence help restore catchment hydrological balances. Instead of relying on water to move (slowly) through the landscape to strategically (and uncertainly) placed trees, strips will be rotated across the landscape, using presently un-utilised water. Water use will be further enhanced by manipulating species, stand density and nutrient inputs. This system has the potential to de-water large areas of agricultural land, thus providing a practical solution to dryland salinity, without displacing agriculture. Similarly, it will produce large volumes of biomass suitable for ‘green’ electricity generation or fibre-based products. Research An experiment was established on land normally used for cereal production near Corrigin, WA (300 mm/year annual rainfall). Here we assessed a range of tree species (Eucalyptus globulus, E. occidentalis, Acacia celastrifolia, Pinus radiata and Allocasuarina huegeliana), established at planting densities between 500 and 4000 trees/ha to determine (a) if the concept of soil water depletion to depths of several metres in 3–4 years was correct, and (b) if it is feasible to further accelerate the rate of water depletion, and hence decrease the duration of the forestry phase. Outcomes Results have been very promising with soil water beneath E. occidentalis at 4000 trees/ha depleted to 6.5 m depth after only 3 years. Total dry matter production (above and below ground), ranged from 9–25 t/ha with species and site hydrology. Acacia celastrifolia and Allocasuarina huegeliana were found to be unsuitable due to insufficient depth of rooting. Implications The PFT system is a highly promising technique of reducing recharge of water under agricultural systems. A major impediment to adoption is profitability; there currently being no economic return for reducing recharge or markets for biomass for bioenergy. Subsidiary issues relate to optimising yields with different species and harvesting systems.

Project title: Phase farming with trees—field validation and extension Publications Robinson, N. et al. (2003). 1st Australian Farming Systems Conference, Toowoomba; Harper, R.J. et al. (2004). 1st World Congress of Agroforestry. Orlando, Florida; Robinson, N. et al. (2004). Salinity Solutions: Working with Science and Society Conference, Bendigo. Harper, R.J. et al. (2004). Bioenergy Australia Conference, Adelaide. Harper, R.J. et al. (2005). International Energy Agency Tasks 30 and 31 Workshop, ‘Multiple Benefits from Sustainable Bioenergy Systems’, Perth Harper, R.J. et al. (2005). XXII International Union of Forest Research Organizations World Congress, ‘Forests in the Balance: Linking Tradition and Technology’, Brisbane. Sochacki S, Harper RJ and Smettem, K.R.J. (in press) Estimation of woody biomass for short rotation bio-energy species in south-western Australia. Biomass and Bioenergy.

R.J. Harper, N. Robinson, S.J. Sochacki, K.R.J. Smettem and L. Pitman (in review) Phase farming with trees: The acceleration of farm forestry to combat dryland salinity. RIRDC publication

Project title: (NHT) Sustainability of private native forestry in Victoria: following implementation of the Native Vegetation Management Framework

RIRDC Project No.: DAV-221A Researcher: Helen Vaughan, Cain Trist Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Victoria) Level 20, 1 Spring Street Melbourne VIC 3001 Phone: 03 96584350 Fax: 03 9658 4888 Email: [email protected] Objectives To assess some aspects of the ecological sustainability of commercial private native forestry (PNF) in Victoria. This will be achieved through an assessment of the likely effects of forestry operations on vegetation quality with the implementation of the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NVMF), with respect to sustainability criteria like ‘habitat hectare’ scoring. Contribute material to the project CAR-2A ‘Sustainability of Private Native Forestry – Overarching Project’ and in addition, the project will map the private forest estate over three 1:25 000 tiles in East Gippsland using a code which is similar to the code used over the public estate. Background The reduction in sawlog availability from public native forests has increased the interest in private native forestry. The Native Vegetation Management—A Framework for Action (NVMF) is a State Government policy dealing with the management of native vegetation on private land. The NVMF provides a summary of offset criteria for harvesting from naturally established native forest on private land. Field investigations will determine the forest recovery following harvesting, whether the conditions of the NVMF can be met and the effects of management regimes on the vegetation quality using the habitat hectare scoring system. Research Forest inventory plots were established in regenerating forest approximately ten years since harvesting and mature forests. Assessments included site, stand parameters, vegetative and fauna surveys to develop an understanding of some aspects of ecological sustainability. Mapping of Mount Kaye, Three Sisters and Burglars gap at 1:25 000 using a mapping code similar to the mapping code used over the public forest estate, was also completed as part of the project. Outcomes Biodiversity sustainability should be viewed in the context of the broader landscape rather than on a case by case basis. Forest recovery following the harvesting in the study area can easily meet the NVMF criteria. The habitat hectare measure can provide an indication of vegetation quality but is not sensitive enough to depict variations in stand structures. Diversity of vegetation species is similar between regenerating and mature forests. Similar results were achieved between the private native forest and the public native forests. Monitoring of the PNF resource is required to incorporate the PNF resource into regional planning. Implications There is a need for communication and extension services to provide information to landholders wishing to consider biodiversity in their management regimes. Further consideration should be given to the NVMF assessment process and on-going permit conditions applied to PNF operations. PNF mapping should be encouraged to improve understanding of the private resource and to incorporate the resource into regional planning. Publications Vaughan, H., Loyn, R., May, M., Carr, B., Goldstraw, A., Cheers, G, Macak, P., Martin, R. (in review) Sustainability of private native forestry in Victoria: Following implementation of the Native Vegetation Management Framework. Report to Joint Venture Agroforestry Program.

Project title: Developing a framework for the role of trees in controlling dryland salinity

RIRDC Project No.: FAY-3A Researcher: Dr Fay Lewis Organisation: Fay Lewis Consulting PO Box 178 Glen Forest WA 6071 Phone: 08 9298 8699 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives To determine if past studies have provided us with enough information to confidently identify the impacts that a specific farm forestry design will have on a particular salinity problem. Background Researchers have given land managers, policy makers and research funders opposing views on the effectiveness of trees in controlling dryland salinity. Some people have been left with the view that only extensive revegetation (over more than 70% of the relevant landscape) will have substantial results, whereas some preliminary research has indicated that planting trees on small proportions of the landscape (10 to 30%) can have disproportionately large impacts. Can we differentiate between sites where small areas of farm forestry will have substantial impacts and sites where they will not? Research Relevant studies were reviewed. Outcomes Many studies have attempted to investigate the impacts of trees on salinity but they have given us only patchy coverage of the needed information instead of systematically infilling our knowledge needs. Review of relevant research projects indicated that flaws in study design, data analyses and interpretations were common. Poor site characterisation was probably the most pervasive weakness. Failure to recognise valuable evidence in the field and in data sets was also common and there appeared to be a tendency to apply simple statistical concepts in inappropriate cases. These factors prevented interpretation of long term impacts of trees on groundwater. The conclusion drawn from the review was that we do not have enough knowledge to confidently identify the minimum farm forestry area required (along with its configuration) to achieve a specified salinity target in a particular GWC in other than a very few cases. Implications It follows from the conclusion that if there is not yet enough sound information to confidently identify all of the sites in which farm forestry will be successful, then there is also not enough information to conclude that farm forestry will not be successful. This means that a view that only extensive revegetation will lead to significant reductions in watertables cannot be supported. There is a clear need for more trials to test proposed strategies for farm forestry at GWC scales in the many different agricultural landscapes that are prone to salinity. For future trials, the best farm forestry and monitoring network designs need to be based on well-defined GWC boundaries and hydrogeological characterisation. Many years of monitoring should be included in plans. In view of the common flaws of past studies, it seems unwise to rely on many of the existing computerised simulations for predictions of impacts of trees on salinity targets. Publications Lewis, MF, Lott, RH and Prinsley, R (2003), The role of farm forestry in salinity management, 9th PURSL National Conference, Yeppoon, Qld, 29 September to 2 October 2003.

Project title: Assessment of Central and South East Queensland 12–25 year old farm forestry trials

RIRDC Project No.: GAQ-1A Researcher: Karen Steele Organisation: Greening Australia Queensland (Inc) Phone: 07 3902 4411 Fax: 07 3902 4422 Email: [email protected] Objectives • To locate, record and report on forestry tree trials planted on private properties from 1980 to 1993 in Central (CQ) and South East Queensland (SEQ) in order to provide better background knowledge on species-to-site matching for timber production. • Field surveys will also identify tree trials suitable for further monitoring and research. Background Over 500 tree trial plots were established throughout Queensland up to 25 years ago. To date, there has been no comprehensive overview of old forestry tree trial sites in Queensland. This project reports on the successes and failures of trialled species under varying conditions around Queensland. Research A rapid assessment was carried out at SEQ sites in order to select sites worthy of measurement, from here seven sites were chosen. From the large number of trial participants in Central Queensland, sites were filtered for particular characteristics such as large trials planted for forestry purposes. Ten sites from CQ were measured. Trees were measured for their height, height to crown break, diameter at breast height and various characteristic ratings such as stem straightness and amount of branching. Sites were also assessed in terms of management input, rainfall, soil type, planting layout and survival rates. Outcomes From the CQ data, several conclusions could be made. C. citriodora performed well on a variety of soils in the Rockhampton and Yeppoon areas, with the best results coming from well managed, block trials on duplex soils around the higher rainfall area of Yeppoon. From limited data, E. argophloia indicated good promise as a production species for the Biloela region. Further trials are recommended for E. argophloia, to understand the performance of this species under plantation conditions in this region. E. cloeziana performed well around the high rainfall Yeppoon area when well sheltered. In SEQ, C. henryi performed well at a site near Tarome. This species may have plantation potential in this region, but the affects of Ramularia shoot blight (RSB) on the species would need to be investigated. Implications The results from this study indicate a good potential for E. argophloia to be grown for forestry timber purposes in the Biloela region. This study has confirmed results from previous trials that this species is adapted to low rainfall conditions, will grow successfully on a variety of soils, and is frost tolerant. C. citriodora is suited to a variety of soils and will grow under much lower rainfall areas than estimated in previous studies. The low fertility soils and low rainfall at Marmor did not greatly impede growth rates for this species. Results of trials on grey cracking clays at Rockhampton where the species did not perform as well as other sites in terms of growth rate, confirms the species’ aversion to cracking clays. There were three sites containing C. citriodora identified in CQ as worthy of further monitoring. From SEQ there was only one site worthy of future monitoring.

Publications Greening Australia Queensland (in press) Assessment of Central & South East Queensland 12-25 year old Farm Forestry Species Trials. RIRDC publication

Project title: Modelling for sustainable production of salt-tolerant eucalypt hybrids on saline discharge sites

RIRDC Project No.: SGO-1A Researcher: Dr Glenn Dale Organisation: Saltgrow Pty Ltd PO Box 575 Ashgrove QLD 4060. Phone: 07 3311 1410 Fax: 07 3366 0289 Email: [email protected] Objectives To expand our knowledge of the limits to sustainable commercial forestry over areas with shallow saline water-tables, including an improved understanding of the sensitivity of environmental factors as they affect tree growth and commercial yield; and an improved understanding of the interaction of soil water and salt with varying degrees of salt tolerance of specific species, genotypes, and in response to management interventions. To use modelling to extend our understanding of the range of hydrological scenarios of sites over shallow saline watertables under which productive tree growth can be sustained. Background Much of the 17 million hectares of land threatened by salinity over the next 50 years is classed at risk on the basis of watertables rising to within 2m of the land surface. Even with intervention, the area of shallow watertables will continue to expand due to the lag time between cause and effect. There is a clear need for direct management of areas with, and at threat from, shallow watertables to prevent the degradation and loss of production associated salt accumulation at the surface, and salt discharge into rivers and streams with effects on down-stream water quality for extractive uses and riverine ecosystems. Plantation forestry using salt tolerant germplasm has a potentially important role to play in management of such areas, but an improved understanding of environmental factors and interaction of soil, water and salt as they affect the productivity and sustainability of trees bred for improved salt tolerance is required. Research The project benchmarks site conditions and hybrid eucalypt growth performance at four trials across south-eastern Australia. These trials span a range from non-saline to severely saline. Changes in soil and groundwater conditions, and tree growth were monitored up to seven years from establishment. Site characterisation and monitoring data was used to calibrate the hydrological model, WAVES, to describe measured tree growth and observed soil salinity profiles. The calibrated model was then be used to project the long term effect of a range of theoretical site parameters and management options on tree growth, soil hydrology, and salt profile distribution and loading. Outcomes The study confirms that the dynamics of salt in the rootzone of trees over shallow, saline water-tables is a complex interaction of factors, principally soil hydraulic properties, groundwater depth and salinity, plantation species salt sensitivity, soil nutrient status, and plantation management. While some combinations of conditions may lead to salt accumulation in the rootzone, others can maintain salt load and its distribution in the profile in equilibrium, allowing long term sustainable timber production. In certain situations, management interventions such as thinning can promote salt redistribution back down the profile below the active rootzone. Implications The results of this work inform the potential for sustainable management of commercial plantations over shallow saline watertables, with soil salt loads and profile distribution reaching an equilibrium level that can be positively influenced by management interventions such as thinning. This result establishes an important role for salt tolerant trees, appropriately managed, as an environmentally sustainable land use option that can make commercial use of the existing and expanding areas of shallow saline watertables, and form an important component of salinity management programs. Publications RIRDC report submitted: “Sustainable management of salt-tolerant eucalypt hybrids: Modelling growth and salt on saline discharge sites”

Project title: (NHT) Vegetation and biodiversity response of eucalypt regrowth forest to thinning and grazing

RIRDC Project No.: UMA-18A Researcher: Dr Ross J Peacock Organisation: Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University NSW 2109 Phone: 02 9850 8191, 0428 651 440 Fax: 02 9850 8245 Email: [email protected] Objectives To undertake a comparative analysis of the Habitat Hectares and Biometric data collected as part of the Victorian (DAV-221A), Southern Cross University (USC-8A) and Macquarie University (UMA-18A) RIRDC studies. The focus of the analyses will be an evaluation of the utility of the component biodiversity surrogate measures within each metric for assessing forest vegetation quality and condition and by definition the sustainability of Private Native Forestry. Background Biodiversity surrogates and their compiled metric scoring systems were examined in four case studies in northern NSW, eastern Victoria and southern Tasmania with a view to assessing their applicability to assessing forest condition, and hence the ecological sustainability, of different forest management inputs. The metric scoring systems examined, Biometric and Habitat Hectares were designed to implement vegetation policy instruments which seek to apply a ‘improve or maintain’, ‘no net loss’ or ‘net environmental benefit’ test to assessing vegetation change. These systems investigate within a property vegetation type, extent, condition and regional context where a landholder seeks to be assessed for approval to clear native vegetation, to receive incentive management payments, or design appropriate offset mechanisms for land use change. The suitability of these metric scoring systems to assess the ecological sustainability or otherwise of different forest management inputs such as clearfelling, thinning or selective harvesting systems, or measure the recovery of forest condition with time after these management inputs is debateable when their primary focus is on the implications for vegetation condition of a change in land use. Research The assessment of the Biometric and Habitat Hectares systems focused on their component biodiversity surrogates (eg plant species richness, fallen log volume) and not on their compiled metric scores, which are highly dependent on vegetation landscape context and the form of the additive or multiplicative terms used to derive the summary values. The two systems also differed in their use of biodiversity surrogates, and the degree to which the raw values for the biodiversity surrogates are converted into information based on benchmark values or predicted values over time or with a given management type (eg cattle grazing, weed control). In Biometric, the biodiversity surrogates are weighted largely upon their ease of replacement (eg hollow bearing trees or plant species richness), in Habitat Hectares they are weighted by vegetation quality criteria such as the existing cover and richness of plant life forms, the presence of large trees and site weediness. The Biometric system places more emphasis on vegetation and habitat condition using functional criteria, the Habitat Hectares system places more emphasis on vegetation quality or compositional criteria. At the four case studies, the biodiversity surrogates were assessed against the known forest management inputs, with a wide range of independent variables collected at the same sites from detailed vegetation, ecological, fauna and timber assessments.

Outcomes The empirical assessment of individual biodiversity surrogates often produced variable results or were highly context dependent. For example, the length of fallen logs had a benchmark value in the East Gippsland study of 20 m/0.1 ha using the Habitat Hectares system, the benchmark value using the 90th percentile method following the Biometric approach was 63 m/0.1 ha. Regrowth stands in the East Gippsland study had an average value of 49.2 m/0.1 ha, mature stands 40.9 m/0.1 ha. Using the Habitat Hectares system they are considered above the benchmark value, using the Biometric system they are below it. The fallen logs example highlights the sensitivity of the biodiversity surrogates to both the method of measurement (log minimum diameter) and the benchmark value against which it is assessed, which in turn is a function of a regionally set target or minima for undisturbed vegetation. Other biodiversity surrogates such as plant species richness were less sensitive to these measurement and regional benchmark requirements. Temporal trends in biodiversity benchmark values over 17 years in species richness from a second East Gippsland study in the same ecological vegetation class indicated that plant species richness of regrowth would exceed mature forest 10–17 years following harvesting. Species richness in the northern NSW study areas were much more variable however, with no difference between the disturbed or mature forests sampled, similarly in the southern Tasmanian study, species richness fourteen years following thinning was still below the value for undisturbed vegetation. Despite these variable results for individual surrogates, the cumulative site scores examined were able to demonstrate compliance with policy criteria such as the Victorian timber harvesting offset requirement for 50% of the pre- harvest site quality score to be returned within 10 years. The site condition component of Habitat Hectares and the site value component of Biometric have the potential to form part of a reconfigured indice or measure of the sustainability of private native forestry, once additional criteria such as stand structures and regeneration recruitment and growth are included. Implications The use of vegetation policy instruments which seek to apply ‘improve or maintain’ or net gain tests based on regionally derived benchmarks is problematic for forest managers who intend to maintain a permanent forest cover and cannot necessarily manage the broader landscape scale effects of their management outside their property. Different assessment outcomes can potentially occur depending on the landscape position or regional context of the vegetation being examined, and these outcomes may not reflect the actual ecological outputs predicted to follow timber harvesting. Scoring systems need to be more inclusive of forest management outputs such as desired stand structures, and minimum tree regeneration and growth rates. Surrogate measures and their metrics should ideally incorporate a component of a market based instrument which recognises and rewards the environmental benefits which flow from sustaining a broader suite of biodiversity components within a productive private native forest. Publications Peacock, R.J. (in press) Vegetation biodiversity response of Eucalyptus regrowth forest to thinning and grazing. RIRDC Publication Peacock, R. (2006). Biodiversity surrogates and metrics. Their potential for assessing the sustainability of private native forestry. A report for the RIRDC/L&WA/FWPRDC Joint Venture Agroforestry Program

Project title: Managing tree/pasture competition with perennial forage species

RIRDC Project No.: DAW-106A Researcher: Paul Sanford and Rob Sudmeyer Organisation: Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia 444 Albany Highway Albany WA 6330 Phone: 08 9892 8475 or 08 9083 1129 Fax: 08 9841 2707 or 08 9083 1100 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Objectives To identify perennial forage species that compete successfully with trees for water, nutrients and light in the medium to low rainfall zone in south-west Western Australia, and to assess what effect perennial pastures have on tree root morphology and water- use compared to annual pastures. Background Research has shown that there can be considerable losses in the productivity of annual crops and pastures alongside trees in alley and windbreak systems. While these losses can be managed in some situations they remain a disincentive to producers considering adopting agroforesty systems. However, work in Western Australia has shown that kikuyu pasture can be grown in the root zone of trees with no reduction in pasture productivity. This opens up the possibility of developing agroforestry systems based on perennial pasture species which incur no loss of forage production. Research Ten on-farm sites located within the medium to low rainfall zone of the south coast of WA. At each site tree/pasture systems comprising tree belts adjoining perennial or annual pasture were compared over a period of 12 months. Measurements included pasture, trees, soil and water. Outcomes Competition between trees and pastures resulted in reduced annual pasture yield by up to 53% on average. Results suggested that the principle mechanism reducing pasture growth was competition for water. In contrast to annual pasture, the decline in perennial grass pasture yield was at most 10% on average. Furthermore, in comparison to the open annual pasture yield, perennial grass yield was similar or greater even within 0.5 tree heights of the tree belt, suggesting perennial grasses are more successful in competing with trees for moisture. The findings confirm that kikuyu growth is not reduced by tree competition and that tall wheat grass, veldt grass, rhodes grass and consol lovegrass are similarly competitive with trees. Lucerne yields were reduced by tree competition, on average up to 63%. This may have been due to poor establishment when lucerne was sown into the dry soil alongside established trees or the reduced availability of phosphorus in close proximity to trees. While pines with a kikuyu understorey used less water than pines with annual pasture, other studies suggest that the additional water used by the perennial pasture would more than offset reduced tree water use. Consequently, perennial pasture based agroforestry systems would be more effective than annual pasture systems in reducing groundwater recharge. Perennial pastures may reduce tree growth. If so, this will have economic implications where trees are being grown to produce commercial products but is of less importance if trees have been planted for shelter, aesthetic or landcare benefits. Implications This project has shown that the use of perennial grasses in agroforestry systems will reduce the loss of pasture production by no more than 10% and most likely further reduce groundwater recharge, thereby making agroforestry systems incorporating perennial grass pastures more attractive to livestock producers. Publications Sanford, P. and Sudmeyer, R. (in press) Managing tree/pasture competition with perennial forage species. RIRDC publication

Goal 4 Facilitate new policy and institutional arrangements that stimulate agroforestry investment

Project title: Sustainability of private native forestry

RIRDC Project No.: CAR-2A Researcher: David Thompson Organisation: Centre for Agricultural & Regional Economics Pty Ltd 174 Rusden Street Armidale NSW 2350 Phone: 02 6771 3833 Fax: 02 6771 3528 Email: [email protected] Objectives The primary objective of this project is to coordinate a suite of linked research projects investigating the environmental sustainability of commercial PNF. Case study forest sites were examined to synthesise the scientific outcomes into a coherent national message. Background Private native forestry (PNF) is becoming an increasingly important component of log supply to industry in the post-Regional Forest Agreement era in Australia. The environmental integrity of PNF has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years with several Australian states considering increased regulation through new codes of practice. There has been virtually no research to ascertain the sustainability of PNF activities. Research The sustainability of PNF in terms of habitat and biodiversity criteria was investigated using a number of biodiversity/habitat scoring systems (metrics) currently in general use is NSW and Victoria. Issues surrounding PNF regulation and its likely effects on sustainability and the economic performance of PNF activities were also examined. This has involved literature reviews, forest growth modelling tools and field testing of the metrics in both private and public forest sites in northern NSW, east Gippsland in Victoria and southern Tasmania. Outcomes The sustainability metrics all produced relatively high scores (around 80%) across a wide range of silvicultural treatments suggesting PNF activity is sustainable in terms of retaining general habitat integrity and that the regulatory requirements in Victoria for PNF could be met. However, the metrics lacked discriminatory power to detect differences between silvicultural regimes. Moreover, exploitative silviculture such as high-grading passed the metric scoring and other structural indicator and fauna survey tests, yet will reduce the future productivity of the forest. Analysis in NSW indicated that current financial incentives in PNF favour high-grading and proposed codes of practice may exacerbate this situation. The need to consider impacts on regional important species as well as general habitat/biodiversity features was highlighted and an alternative assessment process postulated. Implications While PNF may be sustainable in terms of the retention of general habitat features, this may not be the case for regionally important species or for future timber production. An alternative assessment process is suggested which takes account of site and landscape scale factors and provides incentives for improved forest management. This process needs to reward landholders for good PNF management and should not impose additional costs. Publications Thompson, D., Jay, A., Connell, M., Norman, P. and Vanclay, J. 2006. Private Native Forestry – Silviculture, Sustainability and Incentives for Vegetation Management. Paper presented to the Veg Futures forum (19-23 March 2006), Albury Lindenmayer, D. (in press) General Management Principles and a Checklist of Strategies for Forest and Wildlife Managers to Guide Biodiversity Conservation in Private Native Forests. RIRDC Publication Thompson, D. and Connell, M. (in review) Issues in assessing the sustainability of private native forestry. Report submitted to the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program. RIRDC report

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 2005–2006

Goal 1 Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders

Project title: Communicating the results of species trials in new farm forestry areas (Stages I, II & III)

RIRDC Project No.: GAL-4A Start Date: 01-Oct-02 Finish Date: 30-Nov-06 Researcher: Mr David Carr Organisation: Greening Australia Limited PO Box 74 Yarralumla ACT 2600 Phone: 02 6281 8585 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives 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 A wide range of Greening Australia species trials have been measured in NSW, NT and low rainfall sites in WA, VIC, TAS and SA. This project is currently drawing to a close, with final reports due by 31 October, 2006. The project will be divided into three reports to group similar species trials – Northern NSW, Northern Territory and Low Rainfall trials. All trials have been measured and described. Preliminary analysis clearly shows a number of species and methods that stand out above the others trialled for farm forestry in these regions. On the Northern Tablelands and Dorrigo Plateau of NSW, Eucalyptus nitens stands out. On the NSW north west slopes, E. sideroxylon and Corymbia maculata stand out while on the north west plains E. microcarpa and E. camaldulensis are the best species. On the slopes, the use of small tractor-drawn mounders for ground preparation has resulted in improved growth for most species. In the Northern Territory, Khaya senegalensis is consistently the best grower. In the low rainfall trials across southern Australia, E. cladocalyx and E. occidentalis have the best growth and survival. In Tasmanian midlands, E. cladocalyx and Allocasuarina verticillata are the only species we trialled that the possums don’t eat.

Project title: Farm forestry toolbox—regional benefits through research and technology transfer

RIRDC Project No.: PFT-1A Start Date: 01-Nov-04 Finish Date: 30-Nov-06 Researcher: Mr Andy Warner Organisation: Private Forests Tasmania PO Box 68 Burnie TAS 7320 Phone: 03 6434 6319 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives To develop user friendly decision making tools by incorporating regional equations and growth models in the Farm Forestry Toolbox involving Private Forestry Development Committees (PFDCs) to provide successful technology transfer and uptake via regional training. Current progress Work is progressing with the programming of coding changes and the development of improved input and output interfaces. Regional responses to the survey sent out via the PFDCs late last year are being used to develop the rollout plan for training sessions, including the format of tutorials. Several potential equation providers may be unable to contribute due to their internal IP constraints. This will be offset by the inclusion of a generalised radiata pine taper model for much of SE Australia filling an important gap in currently available models.

Project title: Australian Master TreeGrower: building capacity for integrated vegetation management on private land

RIRDC Project No.: UM-72A Start Date: 01-Feb-06 Finish Date: 30-Jun-09 Researcher: Mr Rowan Reid Organisation: Farm Forestry and Agroforestry School of Resource Management The University of Melbourne VIC 3010 Phone: 03 8344 5011 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives Through delivery of MTG courses: 1. Encourage well-informed innovation and investment in multipurpose agroforestry on farms. 2. Collate and disseminate local and scientific NRM knowledge and experience relevant to agroforestry. 3. Build new, or strengthen existing, formal and informal regional communication and collaborative networks. 4. Identify and support those who can contribute ideas, leadership and insight to agroforestry R&D projects. 5. Evaluate and report on participatory extension methodologies related to vegetation management on farms. Current progress This most recent Australian Master TreeGrower project support by the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program extends the delivery of regional education and support programs for farmers, extension agents and industry members. Since 1996 more than 1500 people have participated in one of more than 75 regional courses. Each course is conducted as a partnership between the University of Melbourne (with JVAP support), the participants and a regional coordinating group. The project also continues the research into the educational and extension methodology underlying the program and its impact on landholder behaviour. The MTG approach focuses on the responsibility of the landholder in the design and management of their own forestry projects and seeks to build their capacity to negotiate with industry members, research organisations and public agencies. The potential adapting the MTG approach for use in other areas of farmer education and support will also be explored. Commercial tree growing on farms clearly has a potential to contribute to regional NRM objectives. Building on the success of the regional courses this new project will initiate regional agroforestry development workshops for past MTG participants and for NRM stakeholders, particularly those from the regional catchment management authorities, and provide education programs for NRM professionals. Increasing emphasis is also being placed on the involvement of practitioners in the identification and interpretation of regional research and development needs. For further information: www.mtg.unimelb.edu.au

Goal 2 Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives

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: 01-Dec-01 Finish Date: 31-Jul-07 Researcher: Dr John Field Organisation: School of Resource, Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 Phone: 02 6125 3566 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives A methodology (toolbox) for assessing the extent, nature, condition and health of dry schlerophyll forests using remote sensing and GIS procedures. Conservation, biodiversity and timber values are all integral to the research. Current progress Research continues on assessing the condition of dry schlerophyll forest in the SE Highlands Bioregion using remotely sensed and ancillary spatial data. This also confirms earlier work in this project that due to the complex interactions between ecological and anthropogenic factors on these forests, it is almost impossible to reliably stratify forests into structural classes using Landsat-type data with or without other spatial data. PhD research on building models to predict forest structural and biodiversity variables from Landsat and ancillary data is concluding that models can be constructed but will have limited reliability. There are 2 Honours projects currently under way. The first, which is approaching completion has assessed the avian biodiversity in a range of sites across a structural dimension from complex to simple and assessed the effects that a range of factors have on bird diversity. The second Honours student researching landowner attitudes is about to send questionnaires to a sample of regional landowners who own native forest to assess their interest in managing them. We are working closely with other stakeholders such as Southern Tablelands Farm Forestry Network (STFFN) and Greening Australia to make sure we obtain representative views from a cross section of landholders. There has been much interest in this project, as well as support, so we are hopeful of high rates of participation in the survey. The DSF Toolbox to guide landowners towards possible actions on their land to enhance the value to them of their forest has been given enhanced capability, has an improved user interface and is less reliant on proprietary software. We are ready to conduct another workshop with JVAP participation to demonstrate the toolbox. Our industry sponsors have contributed a further $11 000 cash during the current year and an additional $5500 in kind (supervision and project support).

Project title: Sideroxylonal: a valuable extract from oil-mallee crops in Western Australia

RIRDC Project No.: ANU-67A Start Date: 01-Jul-04 Finish Date: 31-Jul-07 Researcher: Dr William Foley Organisation: Botany and Zoology Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 Phone: 02 6125 2535 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The project aims to develop sideroxylonals as new substances extracted from existing oil mallee crops (in particular Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. lissophloia) in Western Australia in a way that is consistent with plans for integrating processing of mallee crops for energy, charcoal and cineole production. Current progress From progeny experiments of E. loxophleba, we identified individual plants that contained high concentrations of sideroxylonal (>90 mg.g-1 dry mass). We collected about 10kg dry mass of foliage from these plants (30kg wet mass). We extracted a mixture of sideroxylonal A, B and C by a modified solvent extraction procedure and obtained a yield of about 2% at a purity of 96% by HPLC. The three isomers occur in the mixture in a ratio of 73:7:16 (sideroxylonal A:B:C)..This is a significant improvement on previous solvent extraction methods but also greater than that obtained from hot water or modified CO2 extraction of the same foliage. We have contacted 18 companies and agencies both in Australia and overseas (mainly large enterprises) that we identified as potentially interested in testing the material for industrial and biological activities. To date, one company has received a sample of the compound under a Materials Transfer Agreement. We are currently refining our strategy for identifying smaller companies that may be willing to test the compound since we aim to have a wide range of testing done. Any companies and agencies that are interested in receiving a sample of the mixture are welcome to contact us.

Project title: Realising the revenue potential of environmental plantings under the NSW’s carbon market

RIRDC Project No.: CGA-2A Start Date: 01-Dec-05 Finish Date: 31-Oct-06 Researcher: Dr Annette Cowie Organisation: Forest Research and Development Division CRC for Greenhouse Accounting PO Box 100 Beecroft NSW 2119 Phone: 02 9872 0138 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives This project aims to establish the feasibility of including environmental plantings in the NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme (GGAS) carbon market; to identify issues associated with inclusion of these plantings within the GGAS carbon market such as: carbon pool and risk management; the suitability of low transaction cost carbon accounting systems; ways of minimising the costs of compliance requirements through linking accreditation with other property level planning instruments (e.g. property management plans); and other administrative aspects such as record-keeping and reporting requirements; and to develop the basis for a pilot project involving one or more Catchment Management Authorities (CMA) to become accredited as a carbon pool manager under the GGAS as a means of generating additional revenue to support beneficial natural resource management activities. Current progress Assessing suitability of available carbon accounting methods. A primary issue for the success of this project is to identify carbon accounting methods suitable for use by Catchment Management Authorities to estimate carbon sequestration in environmental plantings, that meet the requirements of the NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme (GGAS). The following assessment criteria were developed: • Sufficiently accurate to enable estimates that are not unnecessarily conservative • Able to quantify the uncertainty of the estimate of sequestration • Economical of input data –given the likely small individual size of plantings being assessed by CMAs, it is preferable to use modelled growth simulations based on readily available regional data • Cost effective in use. The following candidate methods were assessed: 1. Carbon sequestration predictor (CSP) 2. National Carbon Accounting Toolbox (NCAT) 3. 3PG 4. Bush for Greenhouse 5. Clean Development Mechanism Selected methods. On the basis of the key criteria, the CSP and NCAT were selected for further evaluation for use under the GGAS. These two methods are now being further assessed against each of the above criteria using known datasets for biomass and soil carbon stocks for a range of representative sites.

Project title: Evaluation of 1,8-cineole bioderivatives for pharmaceutical and chemical applications III

RIRDC Project No.: CSC-4A Start Date: 05-Jun-06 Finish Date: 05-Feb-07 Researcher: Prof Michael Zachariou Organisation: CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies Private Bag 10 Clayton VIC 3169 Phone: 03 9545 2321 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives This project will extend the two previous cineole projects (CSC-1A and CSC-3A) and follow up on the positive hits observed in project CSC-3A with some of the cineole based derivatives against herbicidal, fungicidal and antibacterial activity screens. The specific objectives for this proposal are to: 1) Carry out an extensive patent search on the synthesised cineole derivatives that were found to be hits in project CSC-3A as well as the microbes involved in the synthesis of the hydroxylated derivatives. 2) Confirm positive hits with alternative assays for herbicidal, fungicidal and antibacterial activities. Current progress This project commenced late in 2005-2006 and will report next year.

Project title: Natural durability of Eucalyptus trees from farm forestry and low rainfall areas

RIRDC Project No.: CSF-61A Start Date: 01-Apr-01 Finish Date: 30-Nov-06 Researcher: Dr Laurie Cookson Organisation: Ensis/CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products Private Bag 10 Clayton South VIC 3169 Phone: 03 9545 2402 Fax: 03 9545 2448 Email: [email protected] Objectives • 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 Termite trials in Darwin to determine the above-ground resistance against Coptotermes acinaciformis and Mastotermes darwiniensis have been completed and a technical report titled ‘Termite field trials to determine above-ground natural durability’ has been written and forwarded to RIRDC. The spotted gum and sugar gum of all age groups, the 30–50 year brown mallet, the 30–50 and 80+ years red ironbark, and the 30–50 year yellow gum were resistant to attack by C. acinaciformis. All tree ages of swamp yate tested had mean volume losses more than 15%, which indicates that this timber is not termite resistant. All test and yardstick specimens were readily attacked by M. darwiniensis. The one exception was all the river red gum yardstick specimens, which were highly resistant to M. darwiniensis. The third and final annual inspection of the flat panel test at Innisfail has been completed. Most test panels were sound in the 30–50 year and 80+ year age groups. Slight to moderate decay was present in most of the <25 year test panels. Severe decay was present in all the radiata pine and mountain ash yardstick panels. A technical report on the flat panel test is being prepared and will be forwarded to RIRDC. Specimens installed in the Ensis Accelerated Field Simulator, to determine the in- ground resistance to decay, have been inspected after twenty-four and thirty months. Fungal attack is present in a number of the less than 25 year test specimens, in particular swamp yate. Fungal attack is also present in some of the 30–50 year and 80+ year swamp yate. All other test specimens are performing well. All radiata pine and mountain ash yardstick specimens have failed and been removed from the test. The specimens will be inspected after 36 months for the final time in July 2006.

Project title: Genetic improvement for naturally durable hardwood posts

RIRDC Project No.: CSF-67A Start Date: 01-Jun-06 Finish Date: 31-May-08 Researcher: Mr David Bush Organisation: CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products PO Box E4008 Kingston ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6281 8323 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The objective is to assess the scope for creation of genetically improved varieties of two naturally-durable low rainfall eucalypts tailored to naturally-durable post production; particularly vineyard posts. Though commercially focused, the overall drivers for this research are environmental: firstly, there is a need to develop commercial products to encourage wide-scale planting of deep-rooted woody vegetation suited to Australia’s sheep-wheat belt, and secondly; there is a need to lessen the use of toxic materials in Australia’s agriculture and horticulture industries. Substitution of copper-chrome-arsenic (CCA) posts with naturally durable ones has the potential for significant positive impacts. Current progress This project commenced late in 2005-2006 and will report next year.

Project title: Viability of single-desk marketing of farm forestry timber

RIRDC Project No.: STM-1A Start Date: 31-Aug-05 Finish Date: 15-Mar-07 Researcher: Mr Gib Wettenhall Organisation: SMARTimbers Cooperative Ltd 15 Dawson St Sth Ballarat VIC 3350 Phone: 03 5334 4643 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The traditional route of farm foresters individually selling logs at harvest for commodity products and a low return stumpage from local sawmills has patently failed to deliver real economic returns, and threatens to undermine the spread of farm forestry nationally. Through market research, it is proposed to test and adapt an innovative alternative group model developed by the SMARTimbers Co-operative Ltd premised on delivering higher returns to farm foresters via marketing landholder- owned speciality timbers common to a region using an integrated supply chain and single desk marketing structure that focuses primarily on producing sustainably sourced, high value products for ‘top end’ market segments. Current progress Phone interview market surveys by Nolline Williams have been completed. 239 surveys sent out; 101 have been completed. This is below the target of 150. Nolline contacted each interviewee an average of 4–5 times. She gave up after contacting 6–7 times without gaining a response. Completed surveys now to be sent to Millward Brown Australia for data analysis. Gib Wettenhall, Digby Race and Nolline W. to meet to design a half hour face to face questionnaire with architects/past SMARTimbers clients. Nolline W has set aside 90 names of clients and architects with whom ST has dealt for these 50 projected interviews. Website is up and running. Visitors are signing up to questionnaire to gain access to Subscriber menu.

Project title: Green ants as biological control agents in agroforestry

RIRDC Project No.: UNT-7A Start Date: 01-Feb-06 Finish Date: 30-Jan-09 Researcher: Keith Christian, Renkang Peng and Don Reilly Organisation: Charles Darwin University and Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries & Mines of NT Phone: 08 89 466706 Fax: 08 89 466847 Email: [email protected] Objectives (1) to investigate the role of green ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) in controlling a range of agroforest insect pests, specifically the shoot borer, Hypsipyla robusta, (2) to clarify the mechanism by which ants control the main insect pests, (3) to develop a cost-effective and sustainable tree-ant farming system, and (4) to provide recommendations for successful growth of valuable timber species within the family Meliaceae. Current progress The work started 1 February 2006. Three study sites have been established. Each site has two replicates and each replicate has two treatments: trees with green ants and trees without green ants. Berrimah Farm, Darwin has 140 existing African mahogany trees of 1.5 – 3.5 m high (host trees for green ants). A total of 70 African mahogany seedlings (test trees), plated in January, are 35 – 65 cm high. Green ants were transplanted to the site in April. Regular monitoring started May 2006. The second site is in Howard Springs, Darwin with 200 existing African mahogany trees (host trees) of 1.5 – 3 m high. A total of 224 African mahogany seedlings (test trees) were planted in January 2006, and they are 15 – 30 cm high. Green ants will be transplanted into this site in July. The third site (0.5 ha of vacant land) is in Mackay, and it is adjacent to an existing young red cedar tree block. A total of 180 host trees were planted in February 2006, and they are about 30–50 cm high. Due to their small size, planting of red cedar seedlings (360) and transplantation of green ants will have to be delayed to January 2007. Preliminary data analyses showed that the main insect pests at Berrimah Farm are loopers and coreid bugs. The damage level on growing tips by loopers is significantly lower in trees with green ants (3.2%) than in trees without the ants (23.2%). The shoot borer, Hypsipyla robusta, damage has just been detected on three trees on 7 June. At the Mackay site, shoot borer populations in the existing red cedar trees are so high that all the growing tips of every tree contained a few larvae, including a few trees with green ants. Due to small numbers of shoot borers in Darwin, it is difficult to establish shoot borer culture in a laboratory for the proposed laboratory experiments. Therefore, we plan to move this work from Darwin to Mackay. Culture of red cedar trees in a large cage at the Mackay site is in progress for lab-field experiments in October 2006.

Project title Further development and field testing of the efficient lightweight biomass chipper

RIRDC Project No.: USQ-3A Start Date: 05-Feb-05 Finish Date: 30-Jul-06 Researcher: Richard Sulman Organisation: National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture & University of Southern Queensland Phone: 07 4631 1873 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives To use the experimental chipper apparatus developed in JVAP project USQ-2A to explore in Phase(a) some identified opportunities for further reducing chipping energy and quantifying chip quality, incorporating a parallel field Phase(b) involving the existing prototype mallee harvester to field test the new chipper. Current progress An earlier JVAP project USQ-2A (Experimental development of an efficient lightweight biomass chipper) established that a biomass chipper of novel construction (based on parallel disks rather than a drum) could improve the efficiency of chipping, and be suitable for use in a continuous harvester for mallee trees. The experimental chipper was used to measure the efficiency of chipping round materials, and the size distributions of the resulting chips were assessed to give a measure of chip quality. This research has completed Phase(a) of the project. The specific energy (or the energy required to chip one kilogram) of chipping round material is higher than but consistent with the specific energies measured previously for sawn material, and is surprisingly independent of material density, blade edge angles and blade tilt angle. Chip quality is significantly improved by incorporating a blade tilt angle, offsetting blades in a helical pattern increases specific energy and frictional contact between the material and the blades increases the specific energy by about 50%. The specific energies demonstrated in the experimental chipper are low enough to make a full scale chipper feasible, and we have strong evidence that frictional contact between the drum surfaces and the feed material has to be avoided. These findings will be incorporated in the field testing planned for Phase(b), which will investigate whether for minimum specific energy and maximum chip quality, the drum should be of skeleton (disk-based) configuration, and have tilted blades.

Project title FloraSearch (stage 3)—Selection and development of multipurpose perennial species for large-scale development in the wheat-sheep belt of southern Australia

RIRDC Project No.: UWA-98A Start Date: 31-Mar-06 Finish Date: 30-Apr-08 Researcher: Mr Mike Bennell and Mr John Bartle Organisation: Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation Phone: (08) 8303 9674 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The overarching aim is to develop new, commercial, broad-scale woody perennial crops for the 250 - 650 mm rainfall agricultural areas of southern Australia. These crops will assist in controlling recharge associated with dryland and stream salinity, provide other natural resource benefits, and form the foundation of viable large-scale rural industries. The third phase of FloraSearch will build on the findings of the first and second phases. Specifically it will: - Conduct extensive germplasm collection, commence domestication programs and develop agronomic practices for top ranking 'development' (see definitions in Appendix 1) species. - Prepare a refined spatial model that integrates farm economics, productivity, biophysical parameters and existing infrastructure to enable regional analysis of new industries based on woody crops. - Continue to evaluate species suitability in response to newly emerging or technological advances in product areas (eg perennial based grazing systems, bioenergy and mineral smelting utilizing charcoal). - In conjunction with the CRC project 05-10-004 (New Industry and Marketing), identify and establish linkages to industries that can utilise the feedstock produced through these new short cycle crops. Provide updated economic evaluation and modelling of identified opportunities to build a business case of new crop and product options. - Take a lead role in the development of new collaborative projects that support and complement the aims of FloraSearch eg. the development of grazing systems based on perennial species.

Project title FloraSearch (stage 3)—Selection and development of multipurpose perennial species for large-scale development in the wheat-sheep belt of southern Australia Current progress FloraSearch research to date shows that the aspiration to develop viable, large-scale industries is credible, and that the woody crop potential within native germplasm warrants intensive investigation. These agroforestry systems will be: • Suited to integration with annual cropping and grazing systems and provide natural resource benefits. • Improve the drought resilience of agricultural systems, • Form the foundation of new, large-scale rural industries

Phase 3 of FloraSearch will commence in April 2006 and have the following objectives: • Undertake plant domestication programs for prospective species • Undertake germplasm collections for 12 - 20 prospective species and assess genetic and phenotypic variability at the provenance level For Acacia saligna (in WA) and Atriplex nummularia (WA and SE Australia) undertake intensive germplasm collection, establish provenance/family trials leading to substantial improvement in the genetic quality of planting material

Evaluate newly emerging or technological advances in product areas, e.g. bioenergy, fodder, mineral smelting.

Economic modelling and industry case studies • Continue spatial modelling to enable regional analysis and prioritisation of new industries. • Identify and explore linkages to industries that can utilise biomass product from new crops. Provide updated economic evaluation of opportunities with 2 case studies undertaken.

Goal 3 Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale

Project title: Large-scale research investments for best practice plantation management, farm forestry and vegetation management

RIRDC Project No.: ANU-70A Start Date: 01-Jul-05 Finish Date: 30-Dec-08 Researcher: Professor David Lindenmayer Organisation: Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 Phone: 02 6125 0654 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives Based on 2 large-scale ‘natural experiments’ established over the past decade, this project aims to capitalise on past JVAP investments to generate new insights and innovations to guide and integrate best practice plantation management, best practice farm forestry, and biodiversity conservation. This JVAP project is an opportunity to draw together major past and ongoing studies to rigorously tackle questions associated with the management of remnant native vegetation and its associated biota when it is embedded within a plantation landscape mosaic. The work aims to: • Investigate the contribution of plantation forestry & farm forestry to sustainable management of natural resources. • Develop cost-effective multipurpose plantation and agroforestry systems to meet commercial & environmental objectives. Current progress Ongoing field data collection and analysis. Target groups are birds and arboreal marsupials. Progress is excellent. A major paper on the response of birds to plantation expansion is close to submission to the leading international journal ‘Ecological Monographs’. The paper is based on 8 years work in the Nanangroe experiment and has uncovered a string a novel findings, including the key mechanisms giving rise to a wide range of biodiversity responses in plantation/eucalypt remnant system in the Tumut/Nanangroe regions. In addition, new projects have begun in the Tumut system where large-scale clearfelling of the pine plantation system is now well advanced. Landscape context effects are being re-examined to compare biotic responses obtained 10 years ago (when the pine system was mature [and unfilled]) to new data being gathered over the coming 2–3 years.

Project title: Catchment scale evaluation of trees, water and salt

RIRDC Project No.: CAL-8A Start Date: 01-Jul-03 Finish Date: 31-May-08 Researcher: Dr Richard Harper Organisation: Forest Products Commission Locked Bag 888 Perth Business Centre WA 6849 Phone: 08 9475 8824 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives • Improvement of existing catchment models for salinity prediction and tree placement in low rainfall areas. • Field test the principles recommended in ‘Trees Water and Salt’ (TWS) for farmland revegetation, using a sub-catchment scale revegetation experiment/demonstration planting near Wickepin, Western Australia. Trees were established (2000) in an 80 ha sub-catchment using these guidelines and monitoring equipment has been installed as part of NHT-FFP project ‘Putting Trees in Their Place’ (NHT 983297). • Evaluation of the suitability of seven other revegetation experiments for strategic measurement and modelling. • Improve existing models and the TWS guidelines for tree placement. • Extend the findings to landholders, extension workers and policy makers. Current progress Ongoing measurements were made of trees, soil water (via neutron tubes) with groundwater measured via continuous recording equipment. The experiment is now entering its 5th year and groundwater responses are expected soon. Results include late summer depletion of soil water beneath all tree species to depths between 2 and 8 m. Depth of depletion appeared to depend on landscape position, being least in lower slope positions. An Honours student, Mr Robert Sim, of Curtin University of Technology, measured Atriplex nummularia and Eucalyptus occidentalis established adjacent to a salt scald and reported on growth and survival. After 4 years, total above ground biomass of A. nummularia ranged up to 12 t/ha and of E. occidentalis 21 t/ha. A paper was presented at the Desert Technology 8 Conference, Nasu, Japan. This paper ‘Can concepts of ecological optimality provide guidance for predicting the performance of replanted perennial vegetation in dryland areas?’ was co-authored with Drs Smettem and Watanabe and described the issues of obtaining hydrological control with reforestation in dryland farming systems and will be published in the Journal of Arid Land Studies.

Project title: Productivity of mallee agroforestry systems under various competition management regimes

RIRDC Project No.: CAL-9A Start Date: 01-Oct-05 Finish Date: 17-Mar-11 Researcher: Mr Dan Huxtable Organisation: Department of Conservation and Land Management Locked Bag 104 Bentley WA 6983 Phone: 08 9334 0186 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives • To measure biomass growth of unharvested oil mallees and the coppice productivity of mallees subject to four harvest regimes and root pruning. • To determine the lateral extent of the competition zone adjacent to mallee belts and crop yield and estimated pasture production within the competition zone for the management regimes described in objective 1. • To use these data to assess the economic returns from integrated mallee/agriculture systems with various harvest and competition management regimes. • Develop robust guidelines for managing integrated mallee/agriculture systems to maximise economic returns. Current progress The project is proceeding on schedule and on budget. A total of 19 project sites have been successfully established. The mallee biomass measurements and plot harvesting work for autumn harvest treatments was completed on May 5, 2006. Site allometric regressions have been developed and plot yields determined for Autumn and Control plots. Good quality mallee biomass data has been obtained. Root ripping treatments have been imposed at 16 sites, the remaining 3 sites will be ripped after sufficient rain to soften the soil (it has been a very dry Autumn in WA). The 20th site earmarked for the project was abandoned due to the landowner making the site unavailable. A replacement site (at least for mallee biomass measurements) will be sought for inclusion in Spring 2006 mallee harvesting—a site being used in JVAP Project DAW-101A at Tincurrin has been identified as suitable. The Natural Heritage Trust, via the Avon Catchment Council, and Oil Mallee Association have provided support for the project, including assistance with locating suitable trial sites. Landowners who are OMA members have also provided significant support, in particular: provision of mature mallee belts for use as project sites, assistance with clearing harvested mallee debris from the site, applying root pruning treatments and sowing and maintaining crops adjacent to each treatment.

Project title: Four-year genetic analysis of low rainfall tree breeding genetic trials (ALRTIG III)

RIRDC Project No.: CSF-66A Start Date: 01-Jun-06 Finish Date: 28-Feb-08 Researcher: Mr David Bush Organisation: Ensis/CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products PO Box E4008 Kingston ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6281 8323 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The project will assess the performance of numerous genetic improvement plantings established by ALRTIG under the auspices of RIRDC projects CSF-58A and CSF-62A. The proposal is to measure and collate data from the trials, and to provide summary reporting. We will also seek to further exploit the value of the collected data by making them available for more detailed analysis. We propose to actively seek input from post-graduate students to achieve this end. Current progress Project commenced late in 2005-06 and will report next year.

Project title Electrical root mapping

RIRDC Project No.: CSL-22A Start Date: 22-Jul-04 Finish Date: 30-Nov-06 Researcher: Dr Tim Ellis Organisation: CSIRO Land and Water GPO Box 1666 Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: 02 6246 5743 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives To establish relationships between electric field intensity, root position and root length density, using high frequency electrical measurements Current progress Rapid, non-destructive methods for measuring plant roots are the ‘holy grail’ for root researchers because conventional sampling and measuring techniques are destructive, laborious and expensive. This project builds on a scoping study undertaken by CSIRO and supported by JVAP and RIRDC Program Environment and Farm Management during 2002/03. The preliminary work showed some promising results for locating plant roots by detecting electromagnetic fields, resulting from high frequency excitation of the plant. During 2004/05, we improved the design of our original detector probes, and we can now locate large (>2 mm), individual roots with millimetre precision. The detection of smaller roots is progressing; however, improvement in our detection capability has highlighted weaknesses in our technique for electrically exciting the plant. Better conceptual and analytical electromagnetic models for the propagation of electric fields along roots are being developed. Attempts to improve our predictive capability are progressing, with permittivity measurements of soil and root medium continuing. Final measurements and final report preparation are planned for later this year.

Project title: Hydrological impacts and productivity interactions of integrated oil-mallee farming systems

RIRDC Project No.: DAW-101A Start Date: 01-Mar-02 Finish Date: 30-Dec-09 Researcher: Dr Peter Taylor Organisation: Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute Department of Agriculture (WA) Locked Bag No 7 Manjimup WA 6258 Phone: 08 9777 0146 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives 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 Hydrology – monitoring of water tables is ongoing at all sites, hourly for bores with automatic loggers and quarterly for all others. Drill completion and preliminary hydrogeological interpretation Technical Reports have been completed for Goodlands (Kalannie site) and Gibson (Esperance site) as well as a separate report on the hydrological implications of silcrete hardpans for oil mallees based on investigations at the Kalannie site. Productivity—In August 2004, estimates of fresh weight above ground biomass yields were made on 6 plots of mallees on Stanley’s Goodlands property at Kalannie. Sites ranged from 63–182 green tonnes per hectare Destructive measurements were made on 1 plot. Plots will be re-measured in winter 2006, 2007 and 2008. At Sullivan’s Gibson property (Esperance) overall mallee biomass production has been modest, ranging from 17.5 to 25.2 green tonnes per hectare at age 52 months. Plots will be re-measured in the spring of 2006, 2007 and 2008. At Ballard’s study site (Tincurrin) measurement plots will be selected in winter 2006 and established in Spring 2006. One site will be designed to be an analogue of sites established as part of JVAP Project CAL-9A ‘Productivity of mallee agroforestry systems under various competition management regimes.’

Project title: Phase farming with trees—field validation of the cropping phase

RIRDC Project No.: DAW-104A Start Date: 01-Jul-02 Finish Date: 30-Apr-07 Researcher: Dr Robert Sudmeyer Organisation: Department of Agriculture (WA) RMB 50 Melijinup Rd Esperance WA 6450 Phone: 08 9083 1129 Fax: 08 9083 1100 Email: [email protected] Objectives 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 Following tree harvesting in 2003, crops and pasture were grown at the Howick and Tincurrin trial sites. Measurements have included regular monitoring of soil water content to 9 m, monitoring waterlogging, soil nutrient analysis, soil permeability, crop and pasture growth yield and quality measurements and annual determination of soil biological activity. At Tincurrin, Eucalyptus polybractea dried the soil to 10 m, creating a soil water deficit of 1350 mm within six years of planting. It is estimated that annual crops and pasture could be grown at this site for 68 years before the soil again reaches field capacity. At Howick, E. globulus dried the soil to 4.5 m, creating a soil water deficit of 300–400 mm. It is estimated that annual crops and pasture could be grown at this site for 2–4 years before the soil again reaches field capacity. Reduced soil fertility limited crop and pasture growth in the first year after clearing at Howick site, while crop and pasture yields were unaffected by year two, while reduced plant available water limited crop and pasture growth for two years after clearing at Tincurrin. Monitoring is continuing to determine longer-term changes in soil water content and crop and pasture productivity.

Project title: Competitiveness of Acacia saligna in alleys; root morphology and physiology

RIRDC Project No.: DAW-110A Start Date: 01-Jul-03 Finish Date: 30-Jun-2010 Researcher: Dr Robert Sudmeyer Organisation: Department of Agriculture (WA) RMB 50 Melijinup Rd Esperance WA 6450 Phone: 08 9083 1129 Fax: 08 9083 1100 Email: [email protected] Objectives The aim of this research is to improve the knowledge base upon which scientists and land managers can draw when designing farming systems incorporating trees. Specifically this project will establish a trial site where it will be possible to test the hypothesis that acacias planted in alleys are less competitive with agricultural crops than eucalypts with similar form. The trial site can be used to assess the relative competitiveness of Acacia saligna and Eucalyptus polybractea, in terms of tree growth and adjacent crop growth and so gain an understanding of the inherent root morphology of the two tree species, how this is modified by competition with annual species, and how the acacia/eucalypt and crops interact in terms of nutrient and soil water balances. Current progress The research site has been established on Esperance Downs Research Station. The soil is 70–80 cm of sand over clay (Basic, Mesonatric, Yellow Sodosol). Site preparation (weed control, ripping and fencing) commenced in July 2003, the trees were planted on 7/8/03. Subsequently, pasture in the alleys has been mowed and germinating grass sprayed out along the tree lines in 2003. Spraying for weed control was repeated January and April 2004. Early survival was assessed on 31/10/03. Survival ranged between 84 and 95% (mean = 89%) for Acacia saligna and 92 and 100% (mean = 97%) for Eucalyptus polybractea. Tree deaths to date have occurred randomly through the tree rows and should not affect the ultimate goal of using the site for research purposes, dead trees were replaced in July-August 2004. Neutron moisture meter access tubes were installed to 2 and 3 m in June 2006. Full instrumentation of the site will commence in 2007 when the trees and root systems are well established and measurements will begin in 2008.

Project title: (NHT) Developing appropriate designs to increase biodiversity in commercial eucalypt plantations

RIRDC Project No.: DSE-1A (previously DAV-204A) Start Date: 31-Jan-03 Finish Date: 15-May-07 Researcher: Mr Richard Loyn Organisation: Arthur Rylah Institute Department of Sustainability and Environment PO Box 137 Heidelberg VIC 3084 Phone: 03 9450 8703 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The project will provide new information about ways to enhance biodiversity values of eucalypt plantations and their contribution to rural biodiversity. Outcomes will include new knowledge (disseminated in various ways) and a set of plantations where certain conclusions can be demonstrated on the ground. Current progress Monitoring continues on the five experimental sites in north-east Victoria. Trees and shrubs are now tall enough to provide useful habitat, and possible differences between treatments are beginning to emerge on some of the sites. Over 240 retrospective sites have been studied, including plantations, farmland and remnant forest. New sites have been surveyed near Werribee and Bacchus Marsh, with support from Melbourne Water and DPI. Major extensions of the study are about to begin in the Green Triangle of south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia (supported by GTPC) and near Lismore (DPI & CMA). Near Lismore and Werribee, Sugar Gums have been planted as shelterbelts for more than 100 years and these old plantations provide many habitat features not found in young plantations, including abundant hollows and fallen logs. At Werribee, we have found the hollows are used by hollow-dependent birds (e.g. Australian Owlet-nightjar and Barn Owl) and mammals. Results from the study have been presented at many field days, where they have attracted much interest from the public and the media. Papers have also been presented at IUFRO (Brisbane, August 2005) and Vegetation Futures (Albury, March 2006). A paper has been submitted to the international journal Biological Conservation.

Project title: Field trials to test the effect of timing and climate variability on the effectiveness of direct seeding

RIRDC Project No.: GAL-6A Start Date: 01-Jul-04 Finish Date: 30-Sep-06 Researcher: Mr David Carr Organisation: Greening Australia Limited PO Box 74 Yarralumla ACT 2600 Phone: 02 6281 8585 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The objective is to determine and demonstrate the optimal time for direct seeding in each region, the impact of different seasons on germination and survival, and the effect of climate variability. The project will relate seasonal differences in rainfall and soil moisture to actual germination and survival success. Modelling will be carried out to determine the optimum window for direct seeding in each region, based on long-term climate probabilities. Current progress This project has established three research sites (Northam, WA; Echuca, Vic; and Palmer, SA). At each site two direct sowings have taken place, and the sites are marked out for a further two sowings. We have measured the SA site 4 times, and the Victorian site 3 times, with another currently under way. The May 2005 sowing was delayed until June 2005 at each site because of severe drought conditions. We are considering abandoning the WA site because of poor germination due to drought and severe wingless grasshopper damage. The sowing planned for September 2004 was delayed due to contract negotiations, so will now be completed in September 2005. Each sowing has included a mix of local native species, which have been sown with and without the commercial Bradyrhizobium inoculant ‘Wattle Grow’. Analysis of germination and survival data will be undertaken in the coming months and the project completed by 31 August 2006. We have decided not to include the data in a tree establishment/climate model because there are insufficient sites to draw meaningful conclusions.

Project title: Assessing the value of trees in sustainable grazing systems (NBP.316)

RIRDC Project No.: MLA-1A Researcher: Chris Chilcott, Greg McKeon, and Warwick McGrath* Organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Yerongpilly Animal Research Institute 665 Fairfield Road Yeerongpilly QLD 4105 *Qld Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water Phone: 07 3362 9628, 0418 103 371 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives 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 and hence better outcomes in terms of environmental, economic and community values. Background This project is co-funded by Meat and Livestock Australia, and Joint Venture Agroforestry Program. The retention of trees in strips provides an option for managing woody vegetation in native and sown pastures in northern Australia. However, the impact of tree strips on pasture production has not been researched in detail in southern Queensland. Research In this study the influence of retained tree strips on pasture production in southern Queensland was measured intensively at three locations in southern Queensland during 2004 and 2005 by sampling along transects 80–300 metres in length positioned perpendicular to tree strips. The strips ranged from 20–75 metres wide. Measurements included pasture micro-climate, pasture standing dry matter in grazed and ungrazed situations, pasture botanical composition, pasture nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and yields, tree and shrub composition of tree strips, soil nutrient status and soil microbial activity, soil water, and a pasture growth ‘bioassay’ using exclosures. Pasture growth was measured by mowing in winter/spring of each year and measuring pasture standing dry matter in May 2004 and 2005 at the end of the growing seasons. This field approach provided a successful ‘bioassay’ integrating the beneficial and competitive influences of tree strips across a wide pasture transect (up to 8 x tree height). Outcomes Analysis is ongoing but results so far for two locations indicate that in both years there was a peak in pasture yield of 20–30% greater than open pasture at a distance of approximately 2 x tree height. Pasture growth within the tree strip was 45(32–67)% of pasture growth in the open. On average, the estimated benefit (compared to open pasture) of tree strips spanned 1–6 x tree height along the pasture transect. Transect pasture yields at the third location included the effects of ash beds and other discontinuities which are yet to be interpreted. Implications A simple empirical model combining beneficial and competitive components has been developed from this study and is being used to integrate the effect of tree strips on whole paddock pasture production. Publications A detailed final report covering the wide range of measurements will be produced by August 2006.

Project title: Farm trees: enhancing biodiversity, nature conservation and natural pest control

RIRDC Project No.: US-117A Start Date: 30-Jul-02 Finish Date: 02-Apr-07 Researcher: Associate Professor Geoff Gurr Organisation: The University of Sydney (in transition to Charles Sturt University ownership) Pest Management Group Faculty of Rural Management PO Box 883 Orange NSW 2800 Phone: 02 63657551 Fax: 02 63657590 Email: [email protected] Objectives 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 Fifty-one native and three introduced bird species from eight foraging guilds were observed using shelterbelts. The majority of birds were woodland or woodland- dependent species, whilst some were ‘decreasers’ and one ‘threatened’. There was a positive significant relationship between woody plant diversity of shelterbelts and bird diversity. The number of foraging guilds, and some individual species were likewise influenced by plant diversity. Mean tree height and density as well as proximity of open water and low elevation were also associated with increased bird diversity. ‘Anabat’ acoustic detectors indicated ten species of bats to be using shelterbelts. Incidence of the most common species (Mormopterus sp.4) was positively correlated with woody plant diversity. To determine the impact of insectivorous vertebrates, samples of faeces are being analysed for arthropod fragments and an experiment has been set up with mesh treatments (i) excluding vertebrates, (ii) excluding insects and vertebrates and (iii) uncovered. Effects of botanical diversity on arthropods are being investigated by sampling shelterbelts with high, medium and low plant diversity using pit fall and sticky traps. To explore scope for enhancing beneficial insect activity by manipulating groundcover vegetation, a small plot experiment was established comparing grass with alyssum (Lobularia maritima). Seven families of parasitic wasp (Bethylidae, Braconidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Pteromalidae, Scelionidae and Torymidae) were more abundant (p<0.05) in plots with the alyssum ground cover. Parasitism of the pestiferous moth Ardozyga stratifera was also enhanced.

Project title (NHT) Improving timber and habitat management of private native forests in north-east NSW

RIRDC Project No.: USC-8A Start Date: 05-Feb-05 Finish Date: 30-May-06 Researcher: Alex Jay, Jerry Vanclay, Doland Nichols, David Sharpe Organisation: Southern Cross University Forestry Dept, School of Environmental Science and Management PO Box 157 Lismore NSW 2480 Phone: 02 6620 3650 (SCU Forestry) Fax: Email: [email protected] (Alex Jay) Objectives To provide and demonstrate the application of information and analysis tools that will enable landowners to consider two key sustainability indicators. These indicators are the maintenance of habitat quality and the maintenance of forest timber productivity. Current progress Last year this study reviewed literature on sustainability indicators such as standards and scoring systems that are relevant to private forests of the northeast NSW region. Based on this review and a workshop with a wider group of researchers, field methodologies for assessing sustainability were developed for use on private native forest sites. The research was conducted across 21 spotted gum forest sites on four case study properties in northeast NSW which had a range of current condition and management practices. Vegetation structure, timber stand attributes, and fauna (birds, reptiles, mammals) were measured. This was used to calculate and compare several indexes of habitat value. A forest model (EUCAMIX) was incorporated in a silvicultural decision support tool, and a method of assessing sustainable timber production under different forms of harvest timing and intensity is demonstrated using the study site data. The study reports and discusses the relationship between index scores, fauna presence, and timber productivity. The majority of the sites, regardless of management history, scored highly using the habitat value index scores. No evidence was found to suggest relationships between index scores, the richness or abundance of a number of broad fauna groups, objective or subjective (descriptive) measures of forest overstorey stand structure and silvicultural condition, or past management history. However there are substantial differences in indicators of forest overstorey structure and timber productivity arising from different silvicultural treatments. The project has shown that current management practices in private native forest do not appear to be impacting on general habitat values. High-grading, or the practice of removing only commercial stocks with little attempt at silvicultural improvement, has very little impact on the abundance of large and hollow-bearing trees or stand structural and floristic diversity. However high-grading will lead to marked productivity and yield declines within 30 years. Silvicultural restoration treatments which improve productivity condition while maintaining habitat values are not economically viable unless habitat attributes are given a market value.

Publications Thompson, D., A. Jay, M. Connell P. Norman and J. Vanclay (2006). Private Native Forestry—Silviculture Sustainability and Incentives for Vegetation Management. Vegetation Futures Conference Albury NSW March 2006 Greening Australia. Two reports submitted to RIRDC in review. A decision support tool has also been developed.

Project title: Multi-purpose ‘healthy’ grazing systems using perennial shrubs

RIRDC Project No.: UWA-97A Start Date: 14-Feb-06 Finish Date: 30-Jul-08 Researcher: Dr Dean Revell Organisation: University of Western Australia CSIRO Livestock Industries Private Bag 5 Wembley WA 6913 Phone: 08 9333 6492 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives This project aims to explore the use of shrubs as a feedbase for innovative and profitable grazing enterprises that are based on sound resource management principles, including the management of dryland salinity, soil erosion and adaptability to climate change. The particular aims are: 1. Undertake systematic studies on existing successful perennial based grazing systems to show why these function successfully and to incorporate the findings into new system designs. 2. Model new farming systems that incorporate shrubs in different areas of the cropping-livestock zone. 3. Establish selection criteria for evaluating plants species that will form the functional building blocks of multipurpose grazing systems. 4. Screen candidate plants, especially native woody perennials but also appropriate exotic plant species, based on those selection criteria. 5. Test potential fodder shrub species for secondary plant compounds that (a) may provide opportunities for manipulating rumen microbial activity (eg, reduce methane production) and control intestinal parasites, or (b) possess antinutritional characteristics. 6. Design radically different grazing systems that (a) are built on the inherent capacity of ruminants to learn and select combinations of forages that optimise nutrient intake and avoid toxins, (b) ensure persistence of the plant community, and (c) improve biodiversity in the agricultural landscape, and (d) ensure that the well- managed farm is economically viable. 7. Establish a pilot sites to test different configurations of candidate species. 8. Collaborate with FloraSearch projects to develop animal feed products as a co-product from new biomass crops. Integrated tree processing provides the option to separate foliage side streams from the main wood product that have high nutrition or chemical properties useful for upgrading the quality of livestock feed materials.

Our attention will be on recharge zones in the landscape (as grazing systems on saline land are being investigated in other projects) and the proposed systems will integrate current pasture options with new shrub options by (a) utilising less productive land classes, (b) by using shrubs in a phase system on higher value land to utilise water stored in the profile or (c) alley plantings where complementary feed sources can be located side by side.

Project title: Multi-purpose ‘healthy’ grazing systems using perennial shrubs Background This project represents a broad range of activities that aim to develop profitable and sustainable integrated farming systems in the livestock-cropping zones of southern Australia. Integrated farming systems that incorporate shrubs will provide flexibility and resilience allowing producers to respond to environmental and economic drivers and manage risk in the farm business.

New approaches to animal production are required to deal with simultaneous economic and environmental challenges (which are described in section B6). Fodder shrubs offer a feasible approach to: • Enhance the feedbase, especially by providing ‘out-of-season’ feed in summer and autumn • Increase farm profitability in an economic climate that is forecast to yield increased returns from meat production (Ewing and Flugge, 2004) • Increase the perenniality of forage production in low-medium rainfall zones, where species with shorter roots struggle to persist unless they exhibit dormancy over the summer period. • Assist in the management of dryland salinity (a) in higher rainfall regions (>600 mm) by using more of the incident rainfall than conventional pasture species are able to do, and (b) in lower rainfall regions by using water deeper in the soil profile, potentially over a significant portion of the year. • Contribute strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using plant species with bioactive compounds that reduce methane production from rumen fermentation and the use of woody species that may contribute to carbon sequestration • Improve animal welfare and production by providing shade and shelter • Provide a multi-purpose industry that combines animal production with wood- based commodities. • Improve the sustainability of crop-livestock enterprises by the development of new options for soil types that can no longer be profitably cropped. Current progress This project, ‘Enrich’, has four co-funders (JVAP, CRC for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity, MLA and AWI) and six research partners. Contracting across all partners has been completed. An annual operational plan has been developed to cover its broad range of activities that include: producer interviews; bioeconomic modelling; field evaluation of potential new fodder shrubs, especially Australian native plant species; evaluation of these plants for nutritive value (with appropriate methodology) and bioactivity (rumen microbial fermentation and gut parasites); and studies in grazing behaviour with diverse mixed assemblies of plant species. Producer interviews have commenced in WA and SA, with other states to follow, to collate producer experiences and data on the use fodder shrubs. Data collation for bioeconomic modelling with MIDAS is in progress. Germination of 217 lines covering 98 species has been attempted. To date, sufficient quantities of plant material for field planting have been obtained for 119 lines. In vitro assays for nutritive value and for evaluating responses in rumen microbial fermentation are operational and preliminary data from partner projects have been collated.

Goal 5 Bioenergy Australia

Project title: Bioenergy Australia Management—Stephen Schuck contract RIRDC Project No.: SSC-5A Start Date: 01-Jul-03 Finish Date: 30-Jun-06 Researcher: Dr Stephen Schuck Organisation: Stephen Schuck and Associates Pty Ltd 7 Grassmere Road Killara NSW 2071 Phone: 02 9416 9246 Fax: Email: [email protected] Objectives The consultancy services for Bioenergy Australia have two components: provision of the Secretariat function for Bioenergy Australia, and a Results based component with specific deliverables. Current progress Bioenergy Australia has grown into an alliance of some 51 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 Melbourne in December 2005, which attracted 198 delegates from Australia and also from overseas. It also maintains a Web site at www.bioenergyaustralia.org and continues to issue an email newsletter to over 2000 recipients. 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. The Manager also represents the renewable fuels industry on the Fuel Standards Consultative Committee of the Federal Government.