Low-To-Mid Rainfall Farm Forestry Species Trials

Low-to-Mid Rainfall Farm Forestry Species Trials

RIRDC Publication No. 08/163

Low-to-Mid Rainfall Farm Forestry Species Trials

by David Carr, Jim Robinson, Lorryn Williamson, Robert Downie, Tim Emmott and Anne Brown

November 2009

RIRDC Publication No 08/163 RIRDC Project No GAL-4A

ISBN 1 74151 752 4 ISSN 1440-6845

Low to Mid Rainfall Farm Forestry Species Trials Publication No. 08/163 Project No. GAL-4A

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..

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Researcher Contact Details

David Carr Greening Australia Ltd PO Box 74 Yarralumla, ACT 2600

Phone: 02 6281 8585 Fax: 02 6281 8590 Email: [email protected]

In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form.

RIRDC Contact Details

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600

PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected]. Web: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Electronically published by RIRDC in November 2009 Print-on-demand by Union Offset Printing, Canberra at www.rirdc.gov.au or phone 1300 634 313

Foreword

Farm forestry in low rainfall areas of Australia (<700mm MAR) can be an important source of supplementary income for land owners. It can also contribute to environmental sustainability and enhance existing agricultural enterprises. Some of the constraints on farm forestry in low rainfall areas are not knowing what species to plant, lack of establishment and management skills, and market access. The research discussed in this report addresses the first of these. Between 1999 and 2002 Greening Australia established a series of low rainfall species selection trials in southern Australia. This report examines the results of these trials after 4-5 years growth.

Trials were conducted at Birchip (Vic), the Tasmanian midlands, the Northern Agricultural districts of South Australia, the Western Australia wheat belt and the Hunter Valley in NSW. A wide range of species were trialled, with a focus on the core species used by the Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group: Eucalyptus cladocalyx, E. occidentalis, E. camaldulensis and E. tricarpa. For most trials, measurements of height, DBH and survival were made at one and five years after establishment. During this period most sites experienced below average rainfall, which provided a test of the hardiness of the species used. The results reported here therefore give a picture of the survival and early growth of a number of species with potential for development as farm forestry products in the southern states.

Measurements made of trees younger than five years old provide limited value in assessing long-term suitability of different species for agroforestry. The value of this report then, is to highlight early survival and growth of a range of species in tough environments, thus indicating which species have potential and which should no longer be considered. The secondary value of this report is to highlight the existence and location of these trials, so that other researchers can follow their progress to the point where the trees have been sufficiently tested for long-term agroforestry suitability, quality and yield.

This project was funded by the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP), which is supported by three R&D Corporations: Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), Land & Water Australia (LWA), and Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation1 (FWPRDC). The Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) also contributed to the program during this project. The R&D Corporations are funded principally by the Australian Government. State and Australian Governments contribute funds to the MDBC.

This report was prepared in June 2006. It is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1900 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. The JVAP, under this program, is managed by RIRDC.

Most of RIRDC’s publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online at www.rirdc.gov.au. Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313.

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

1 Now: Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA)

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Acknowledgements

The Australian Government Farm Forestry Program contributed to the establishment and first monitoring of these trials through funding Greening Australia’s Farm Forestry Support Project. JVAP funded the subsequent measurement and reporting contained in this report.

Participating landholders and industry partners: Trevor and Gweneth McCullum, Trevor and Fay Hitch, Port Augusta Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Justin and Amanda Burbury, Bruce and Sandy Dunbabin, Anthony and Andrew Bayley, Ian and Warwick McClelland, Bengalla Agricultural Company, Tim and Glen O’Driscoll, Verne and Jane Mouritz, Ben Davey, Loyla McGrath, Matt and Linda Edmonds.

Greening Australia staff who worked on the project: Ron Dodds, Jim Robinson, Rob Downie, Anne Brown, Neville Bonney, Lorryn Williamson, Annabel Kater, Joe Thompson, James Felton-Taylor, Greg Major, Jason Richardson, Rae Talbot, Justine Watt, Melissa Horgan, Tim Emmott, Nathan McQuoid, Penny Atkinson.

Staff of the CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products/ATSC at Yarralumla: Tim Vercoe, Ian McLeod, Roger Arnold, Bronwyn Clarke, Emlyn Williams and David Bush.

John Reed (NRE Horsham), Peter Campbell (NRE Charlton), Liam Lenaghan (BCG), Ken Harrison (BCG), Mark Phelan (BCG), Bernie Haas (ALBG). Abbreviations

ALBG Arid Lands Botanic Gardens (Port Augusta) ALRTIG Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group ATSC Australian Tree Seed Centre BCG Birchip Cropping Group DBH Diameter at breast height GA Greening Australia GAL Greening Australia Limited GANSW Greening Australia NSW Inc GAT Greening Australia Tasmania GASA Greening Australia South Australia GAV Greening Australia Victoria LSD Least significant difference MAR Mean annual rainfall NRE Former Vic Dept Natural Resources and Environment (now Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.) SED Standard error of differences (between means) VCN Vens Creek Nursery

Contents

Foreword iii Acknowledgements iv Contents v Executive Summary vi 1. Introduction 1 2. NSW Hunter 3 2.1 Bengalla 3 2.2 Morton 16 3. Birchip, Victoria 29 3.1 Birchip Agroforestry and Alley Farming Trial Aim 29 4. Northern Agricultural Region SA 48 4.1 Willowie Species Trial 48 4.2 Melrose Acacia and Eucalypt Trials 61 4.3 Port Augusta Species Trial 77 5. Tasmanian midlands 87 5.1 Kempton Species Trial 88 5.2 Swansea Species Trial 100 Results 108 5.3 York Plains Species Trial 113 6. Western Australia 120 6.1 Bakers Hill 120 6.2 Konnongorring species trial 132 6.3 Calingiri species trial 142 6.4 East Hyden species trial 154 6.5 Tammin species trial 165 6.6 Northam provenance trial 172 7. Summary and recommendations 181 8. References 191

Executive Summary

What the report is about Farm forestry in low rainfall areas of Australia (<700mm MAR) can be an important source of supplementary income for land owners. It can also contribute to environmental sustainability and enhance existing agricultural enterprises. Some of the constraints on farm forestry in low rainfall areas are not knowing what species to plant, lack of establishment and management skills, and market access. The research discussed in this report addresses the first of these. Between 1999 and 2002 Greening Australia established a series of low rainfall species selection trials in southern Australia. This report examines the results of these trials after 4-5 years growth.

Who is the report targeted at? This report will be useful to farm foresters in low to mid rainfall (250 – 700mm) regions of temperate Australia. It will provide an update on a wide range of species, including many species of particular interest to people engaged in small-scale forestry. The report also documents the location of all the trials, so it will be of interest to other researchers interested in following up the growth of the species included in the trials. The report is of specific interest to farm foresters in the NSW Hunter Valley, the northern agricultural districts of SA, the Tasmanian midlands, the WA wheat belt and the Mallee and Wimmera regions of Victoria.

Background One of the main obstacles to agroforestry in low rainfall areas is not knowing what species to grow and understanding how long these species will take to reach economic maturity. Greening Australia has a history of involvement in species selection research throughout Australia. Usually the selection of species to be tested is made in conjunction with landholders. Most of the time, their needs go beyond those of foresters. As a result Greening Australia has tested a larger range of species than are normally included in forestry trials.

This report examines a number of agroforestry species selection trials established by Greening Australia in Victoria , Tasmania, NSW and South Australia between July 2000 and October 2002. These trials were initially established with funding contributions from the Australian Government Farm Forestry Program and as an outcome of extension work Greening Australia was carrying out in those states. This work included research into species options for low rainfall regions through field trials, literature reviews and discussions with the farming, forestry and timber processing sectors in those regions. The funding for this program ended in 2003, before the trials could yield meaningful results. The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program then contributed funds to allow the trials to be measured and analysed and the results communicated to landholders and potential agroforesters in those regions. This report is the output from JVAP’s contribution.

When these trials were established, Greening Australia held discussions with several partners in the JVAP-supported Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group (ALRTIG) project, particularly with the coordinator David Bush. This led to many of the core species and seedlots used by ALRTIG being included in these trials. We also used some of their preliminary research to help us select other species to test.

Methods used Trials were conducted at Birchip (Vic), the Tasmanian midlands, the Northern Agricultural districts of South Australia, the WA wheat belt and the Hunter Valley in NSW. A wide range of species were trialled, with a focus on the core species used by the Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group: Eucalyptus cladocalyx, E. occidentalis, E. camaldulensis and E. tricarpa. For most trials,

measurements of height, DBH and survival were made at one and five years after establishment. During this period most sites experienced below average rainfall, which provided a test of the hardiness of the species used. The results reported here therefore give a picture of the survival and early growth of a number of species with potential for development as farm forestry products in southern states.

Results/Key findings

Trial site M.A.R Best performing Second best (mm) Quorrobolong, NSW 748 Eucalyptus saligna Styx E. agglomerata Batemans Bay (Cessnock) River and Bulahdelah Muswellbrook, NSW 639 E. tereticornis Cox’s Gap E. sideroxylon (Bengalla) Birchip, Victoria 373 E, occidentalis Bundaleer E. camaldulensis Lake and Truslove Albacutya Willowie, SA 330 Casuarina pauper Acacia acuminata Port Augusta, SA 240 E. polybractea E. horistes and E. socialis Melrose, SA 500 E. occidentalis Truslove E. cladocalyx Melrose Swansea, Tasmania 630 E. globulus Boral Orchard E. globulus x camaldulensis De Little 6 Kempton, Tasmania 500 E. cladocalyx Wail Allocasuarina verticillata Bakers Hill, WA 588 E. cladocalyx Wirrabarra E. astringens West Beverley Hyden, WA 325 E. rudis x camaldulensis E. camaldulensis Silverton Bolgart Konnongorring, WA 391 E. occidentalis Red Hill E. occidentalis Grass Patch Tammin, WA 370 E. cladocalyx Wirrabarra E. astringens Highbury Northam, WA 432 E. occidentalis Red Hill and E. occidentalis Ravensthorpe Bundaleer Calingiri, WA 390 E. camaldulensis Lake E. rudis x camaldulensis Albacutya Bolgart

Implications for relevant stakeholders Measurements of trees younger than five years old provide limited value in assessing long-term suitability of different species for agroforestry. The value of this report then, is to highlight early survival and growth of a range of species in tough environments, thus indicating which species have potential and which ones should no longer be considered. The secondary value of this report is to highlight the existence and location of these trials, so that other researchers can follow their progress to the point where the trees have been sufficiently tested for long-term agroforestry suitability, quality and yield.

Recommendations Landholders living in the areas where these trials are located should use the results to guide the selection of species for their farm forestry ventures. While it is difficult to generalise about the importance of species across such a wide variety of environments, there are some species and seedlots that have performed well on a range of sites. The ALRTIG species; Eucalyptus occidentalis, E. cladocalyx and E. camaldulensis have been amongst the top performing species in most trials where they have been included. E. occidentalis is universally the best performer in all of these trials and there

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are clear difference between plants grown from seed orchard seed compared to seed from wild stands. For E. cladocalyx and E. camaldulensis there are clear differences between provenances.

Other people interested in the growth rates of a wide range of Australian low rainfall species should also use the results presented here. Most of the sites are available for further measurement of a range of variables. The raw data is also available to research organisations with an interest in these species.

The Greening Australia species trials reported here reinforce the work of ALRTIG by showing that Eucalyptus occidentalis, E. cladocalyx, E. tricarpa and E. camaldulensis perform well in low rainfall sites across Australia. Our results also show the limits of some of these species to low annual rainfall, drought and frost. The trials also demonstrate growth rates for a range of species that are not commonly trialled. From these trials we recomend that growers looking for the fastest growth should use these four species on appropriate sites. Growers looking for other benefits such as conservation or natural resource management should consider the other species trialled here on a site-by-site basis.

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1. Introduction

Farmers throughout Australia are always looking for ways to make their farms more profitable. At the same time most farmers want to farm in a more sustainable way, to ensure the long term survival of their resource base and to conserve the natural environment. Agroforestry is an enterprise that can contribute to both these ends. It can increase farm profits through the production of timber, oils, pulp and fodder. It can add to the sustainability of the whole farm by sheltering stock and crops, improving biodiversity by increasing habitat for wildlife, ameliorating dryland salinity and controlling soil erosion.

Agroforestry has developed most rapidly in Australia in areas where farmers can adapt practices from forestry concerning species selection, establishment, silviculture and harvesting. This is typically in high rainfall areas close to existing native forests and where a timber industry is established. Development of agroforestry in other areas has been much slower, because of a lack of information about species selection, target products, and silviculture and a lack of a forestry culture.

These regions include areas with low to medium rainfall, that have typically been considered unsuitable for commercial forestry. The need for a more sustainable approach to farming in low rainfall areas has prompted a move to consider agroforestry options (Zorzetto and Chudleigh, 1999). Greening Australia, a national non-government organisation, works with farmers and other communities in many parts of Australia, including low rainfall regions. In doing this work we have developed an understanding of establishment techniques for plantings for environmental, shade and shelter and amenity purposes. We have also identified the interest that many farmers have in knowing more about commercial opportunities from native vegetation.

One of the main obstacles to agroforestry in low rainfall areas is knowing what species to grow and understanding how long these species will take to reach economic maturity. Greening Australia has a history of involvement in species selection research throughout Australia. Usually the selection of species to be tested is made in conjunction with landholders. Most of the time, their needs go beyond those of foresters. As a result Greening Australia has tested a larger range of species than are normally included in forestry trials.

A good example is yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora), which is regarded as a poor plantation forestry species despite its dense durable timber and rich yellow colour. In most consultations with land owners about species to include in farm forestry in regions where yellow box grows, it is nearly always the first species chosen. Many land owners recognise not only its valuable timber, but also its usefulness for fencing, firewood, shelter and honey production. Others choose it because it is a beautiful tree.

There are many products that can come from Australian woody species grown in low-rainfall environments (Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group et al., 2002; Doran and Turnbull, 1997; Maslin and McDonald, 2004; Stokes, 2001; Zorzetto and Chudleigh, 1999). Some of these are typical timber products which require tall, straight trees, while other products have different characteristics such as oil yield, biomass or palatability and digestibility. All species have the requirement of survival and growth. These are the principal characteristics used to evaluate the suitability of the species in these trials for agroforestry value or potential value.

This report looks at a number of agroforestry species selection trials established by Greening Australia in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW, Western Australia and South Australia between July 2000 and October 2002. These trials were initially established with funding contributions from the Australian Government Farm Forestry Program. They were established as an outcome of extension work Greening Australia was carrying out in those states. This work included research into species options for low rainfall regions through field trials, literature reviews and discussions with the farming, forestry and timber processing sectors in those regions. The funding for this program ended in 2003,

before the trials could yield meaningful results. The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP) then contributed funds to allow the trials to be measured and analysed and the results communicated to landholders and potential agroforesters in those regions. This report is the output from JVAP’s contribution.

The trials reported here mostly occur in areas receiving less than 650mm mean annual rainfall. The sites and their mean annual rainfall are listed in Table 1. The Quorrobolong trial, although occurring in a higher rainfall zone, is included here for geographic convenience.

Table 1.1 Site locations and mean annual rainfall

Trial location Mean annual rainfall (mm) Quorrobolong, NSW 748 Muswellbrook, NSW 639 (Bengalla) Birchip, Victoria 373 Willowie, SA 330 Port Augusta, SA 240 Melrose, SA 500 Swansea, Tasmania 630 Kempton, Tasmania 500 Bakers Hill, WA 588 Hyden, WA 325 Konnongorring, WA 391 Tammin, WA 370 Northam, WA 432 Calingiri, WA 390

2. NSW Hunter

In 2000, Greening Australia NSW (Hunter region) initiated a series of species trial and demonstration sites throughout the Hunter Valley. The aim of this program was to study the growth rates and survival of various native species as potential farm forestry species. Farm foresters need reliable information to successfully establish farm forestry plantations. The farm forestry program provided that information through these trials, and through research into industry needs and marketing opportunities in the region (Kater, 2002). The program was also supported by farm forestry training through the Master Treegrower program.

Initially a set of ‘best-bet’ species were selected through discussion with forestry, revegetation and botanical experts and by assessing community preferences (Kater, 2003). The species selected had to be able to grow in the region, to meet specific target markets and to address land degradation issues such as salinity and soil erosion. The program provided an excellent opportunity for landholders to work with Greening Australia to research and develop new opportunities to address land degradation in a profitable way. The project was led by Annabel Kater and Joe Thompson who selected sites through an open call for landholders to participate. Twelve sites were selected and established including four species trials. The results of two of these species trials are reported here.

2.1 Bengalla

Trial type Species provenance trial Demonstration plantation

Establishment Date • April 2001 Autumn

Site Description • Rainfall: 670mm • Elevation: 70m • Slope: 40 • Aspect: Northwest Landform

• Lower slope that extends down to a series of river flats on the banks of the Hunter River. Original Vegetation

• Mix of native and introduced pasture grasses. Location

• Muswellbrook, NSW. At the Denman intersection of Muswellbrook Road and main entrance to Bengalla Mine.

Erosion

• Small scale water erosion in neighbouring drainage depressions. Nearest Town: Muswellbrook 10mins North East along Denman Road.

The trial is planted on a lower slope area that extends down to a series of river flats on the banks of the Hunter River. The site has a north-westerly aspect and moderately deep, well-drained red clay loam soils. There is some variation on the site in terms of slope, aspect, and drainage, which have been accounted for by the trial design.

Soil Three auger holes were dug across the trial site to determine the soil properties and any variations. The samples were located in the northwest corner of plots, with profile A located in plot 2:1:3, Profile B in plot 3:1:2 and Profile C in plot 4:4:1 (see Trial Design Diagram for plot locations). Profiles A and B are on a similar contour, about 100m apart, with Profile C being approximately 60m down- slope. Profiles A and C were taken to the full extent of the auger (1.4m), however for profile B a rock/ gravel layer was struck at 200mm depth and was unable to penetrate. James Felton-Taylor (GANSW) conducted the soil inspection.

The soil to the depth of inspection shows two distinct A and B-horizons. The characteristics for the profile’s A, B and C show similar colour (i.e. red-brown), lack of mottling, and a pH of 6. The soil texture changes down slope, with profiles A and B texture silty clay loam, and a clay loam for profile C. The depth of the A horizon for profiles A and C were 300mm, while profile B struck the gravel/rock layer (i.e. old road or shallow C horizon?). Soil moisture for profiles A and B are both moist, while profile C was dry.

The B-horizon can only be examined between profiles A and C. The B-horizon’s auger depth was limited by the heavy texture of the profiles A (i.e. clay loam) and B (i.e. heavy clay), 600mm and 500mm respectively. Both red in colour, alkaline (i.e. profile A pH 8.5 and B pH 9), and profile A having both mottling and the presence of coarse fragments which were absent in profile C.

The presence of the rock/gravel layer in profile C may have the potential to affect the growth rates of the trees in this area.

Site Preparation

Ground Preparation This site was ripped to a depth of 300mm. The trial is laid out with rows 4m apart and trees planted at 3m spacings within rows. The rows were deep ripped to a depth of approximately 500mm and then disc ploughed. The rip lines run east to west and were sprayed with a glyphosate based herbicide prior to planting. Prior to trial establishment the site was used for cattle grazing.

Establishment The seedlings were planted beside the rip-line, into bare, cultivated soil using a Potti-putkis tree planter. The seedlings were ideally planted with the root ball 5mm below the soil surface. The soil was dry at the surface, and damp at a depth of about 70mm, or at the base of the root ball and watered in the following day with approximately 5-7 litres.

The seedling were guarded with a one litre milk carton and two 6-8mm bamboo stakes. The seedlings were fertilised with a 10g low phosphorous slow release tablet, place beside the seedling via the Potti- putkis.

The seedlings varied in health were all healthy and vigorous when planted, and between 100-400mm in height.

Seedlings

Table 2.1 Seedlots used in the Bengalla Species Trial

Botanical Name Common Name Provenance No. Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum 20397 196 Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum 3UH 196 Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum 3Si 196 Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum 13309 196 Casuarina cunninghamiana River She-oak 15004 196 E. camaldulensis x E. grandis Hybrid #20 clone 196 Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved Ironbark 1UH 196 Eucalyptus microcarpa Inland Grey Box UH 196 Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum 2De 196 Acacia salicina Cooba 17738 196 Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark 20316 196 Eucalyptus argophloia QLD Western White Gum Chinchilla 196 TOTAL 2352

Source: NSW Natural Resource Atlas

Figure 2.1 Locality Map- Bengalla Mine

Table 2.2 Bengalla Mine Rainfall Data (Overton Ridge Meteorological Station)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2004 58.0 76.8 Data not available 134.8 2003 18.5 74.0 20.4 42.2 15.6 22.3 13.0 67.0 2.6 62.0 66.4 42.0 446.0 2002 18.8 156.3 30.7 5.6 34.9 18.8 1.8 15.6 27.4 0.0 25.2 108.2 443.3 2001 83.6 72.8 93.0 53.0 54.6 6.0 45.0 11.6 15.0 55.6 32.4 55.4 578.0 2000 34.2 10.0 141.8 65.8 43.8 15.8 22.0 29.6 18.6 42.2 91.2 62.8 577.8 Source: Monthly Average rainfall data for the Hunter Region Hunter Valley Research Foundation, Bureau of Meteorology http://www.hvrf.com.au/hunter_climate.htm Last updated May 27th 2002. Accessed 22nd August 2002.

Results and discussion The tree growth trial data needs to be viewed as a combination of survival and growth rates. Growth rates can vary with age, for example some species are classified as “bolters”, that is they grow very quickly in the first couple of years but then their rates slow down, others start slowly but gain momentum often catching the early leaders (i.e. bolters), whilst other species are consistently slower growing (Clarke, 1998). Some of the best growers have had poor survival, giving a false indication of the success of these species.

The trial was monitored on both occasions for survival and growth rates, with a subjective ranking system used to assess the individual tree health and vigour for the 1st monitoring. This subjective ranking was subsequently dropped for the 2nd monitoring in favour of an assessment of the tree health, using apical dominance/form and level of insect herbivory.

The first monitoring of the trial was conducted on the 19th-20th of February 2003, 14 months after planting (2nd-5th Oct 2001), and again on the 11& 12th April 2004, at approximately 42 months. The results of the first, 15 month monitoring are presented below in Tables 2.3 and Figures 2.3 and 2.4. The results for the second monitoring (42 months) are presented in Table 2.4 and in Figures 2.5-2.10.

Table 2.3 Bengalla species trial results at 15 months

Number Seedlot Height (m) s.e % survivals.e Vigour scos.e Form scor s.e Drought scs.e 1C. maculata 20397* * 00****** 2C. maculata 3UH * * 00****** 3 E. tereticornis 3Si 0.86 0.052 76.5 5.89 1.61 0.09 1.45 0.08 1.45 0.13 4 E. tereticornis Coxs gap13309 1.03 0.053 78.5 5.92 1.43 0.09 1.53 0.08 1.26 0.13 5Cas cunn Singleton 15004* ********* 6 Ecamaldulensis x E grandis #20 clone 1.15 0.053 17.5 5.9 1.19 0.09 1.24 0.08 1.21 0.13 7 E.crebra 1UH 0.73 0.053 64 5.9 1.32 0.09 1.53 0.08 1.24 0.18 8 E. microcarpa UH 0.83 0.052 72.8 5.9 1.34 0.09 1.75 0.08 1.01 0.15 9 E camaldulensis 2De 0.98 0.052 67 5.9 1.53 0.09 1.54 0.08 1.57 0.13 10 Acacia salicina Jambin 17738 0.59 0.053 59.2 5.9 1.52 0.09 1.6 0.08 1.11 0.13 11 E sideroxylon Glen Alice 20316 0.86 0.052 59.5 5.9 1.27 0.09 1.44 0.08 1.03 0.15 12 E argophloia Chinchilla 0.76 0.053 51.4 5.9 1.3 0.09 1.7 0.08 1 0.26

X2 probability <0.001 <0.001 0.004 <0.001 0.03 Wald statistic 80.88 267.91 22.38 29.43 17.05 degrees of freedom 8 10 8 8 8

Bengalla Species Survival (14mth)

90 80 70 60 50 40 30

% Survival (14mths) 20 10 0 i 6 S 9 e H 8 lla 0 n UH De 3 i UH 3 3 lo 1 2 7 031 is 3 c 7 3 ra s 1 2 rn 0 b n ap1 2 nsi i ice Chinch g # le b l .cre rocarpau U A retico xs c d am n culata 20397 E l J e a te Co andis a m . r . mi ma n Gl C. maculata E is g E a n rn E c lici C. E ylo x sa x E argophloia tico is a re s i n ac te le idero u Ac s E. ld E

Ecama

Figure 2.3 Bengalla Species Survival Results (14 months old)

The results reflect the difficulty of the season, with two species, Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) and the hybrid (E. camaldulensis x E. grandis) failing to survive the initial establishment phase. Spotted Gum where killed by the severe frosts in the winter of 2002, with the hybrid failing to make the minimum 30% survival to be left in the trial. Interestingly the surviving hybrids recorded the best 14mth growth figures of 1.15 metres, but this may have been due to a lack of competition. The single tallest individual specimen at the second monitoring stage was a River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) at 4.1 metres tall.

Both provenances of Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) had the highest survival rate with no statistical differences between the two, followed by Inland Grey Box (E. microcarpa) 72.8%, River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) 67%, Narrow Leafed Ironbark (E. crebra) 64%, both Mugga Ironbark (E. sideroxylon) and Cooba (Acacia salicina) on 59%, Chinchilla White Gum (E. argophloia) 51%, Eucalyptus camaldulensis x Eucalyptus grandis hybrid 17.5% and Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) with 0% survival.

Bengalla height (@ 14mths)

1.4

1.2

0.8

0.6 Height (m)

0.4

0.2

i H e 8 6 7 H e 3 1 3S UH D U s lon a 2 77 03 039 3 c ra 1U s 1 2 2 a rni 0 b si e a at e n c t l ico gap13309 r le li a t s #2 .c u cu re xs i E d a e o acul m t C nd a Jambin len A phloia Chinchillam . . ra . microcarp n G o . C E g E amal g C c lici r E E a lon a icornis x s xy E t is a o re r e ns ci t e a ide E. ul Ac s d E mal ca E

Figure 2.4 Bengalla Species Growth Rate Results (14 months old) Considering the harsh climatic conditions of the establishment year (i.e. severe frosts followed by drought) these results represent good indications of the species survival rates (i.e. ‘Best Bet’ survival species), but growth rates are not indicative of the species or provenances full potential in average seasons.

Monitoring and measurement 2005 (42 months) Species trials at Bengalla were measured on the 14th and 15th of October 2005. On this date we measured height and bole using a height pole and DBH tape for all replications and plots. Survival rates, overall health of trees, stem form and branching habit were all recorded. A subjective score was applied to each individual tree on a scale of 1-6 with 6 being optimal and 1 being very poor (McLeod et al., 2009). Note that no trees were given a rating of 6.

Table 2.4 Results for Bengalla species trial at 42 months after planting

Species Species Height 42 Survival 42 DBH 42 Health Stem Branch 42 number months months months 42 42 months months month s 11 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 2.64 60.20 3.64 4.34 3.13 3.04 4 Eucalyptus tereticornis (Cox's Gap) 2.56 74.00 3.76 4.07 3.19 3.16 9 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 2.51 66.80 3.42 4.06 3.29 3.26 12 Eucalyptus argophloia 2.34 51.50 3.23 4.82 3.23 3.32 3 Eucalyptus tereticornis (Singleton) 2.17 74.50 3.19 3.73 3.13 3.21 8 Eucalyptus microcarpa 2.02 73.50 3.03 4.32 3.27 3.34 7 Eucalyptus crebra 1.54 62.20 2.86 4.22 3.61 3.52 6 Eucalyptus camaldulensis X grandis 1.54 53.60 * * * * 10 Acacia salicina 1.52 26.00 2.54 3.81 2.72 2.46 5 Casuarina cunninghamiana 0.50 14.80 * * * * 2 Corymbia maculata (Muswellbrook) 0.40 23.00 * * * * 1 Corymbia maculata (Curryall) 0.36 10.20 * * * *

Var ratio 7.82 8.01 2.44 10.78 2.65 3.09 d.f 11,44 11,47 8,31 9,33 9,33 9,33 f prob <0.001 <0.001 0.05 <0.001 0.032 0.016 lsd 0.88 24.52 1.029 0.3806 0.4012 0.4904

• Overall health – Good growth with little or no evidence of insect attack, browsing or fungal infections. • Stem form – straight trees with good form for forestry trees (no bends, butt sweep, etc). • Branching habit – straight with one leader and no evidence of lower branches, double leaders, occluded bark etc.

Bengalla species trial - Height 42 months

4.00 F=7.82; df=11,44; p<0.001 Error bars represent lsd 3.50

3.00

2.50

2.00 (m)

1.50

1.00

0.50

0.00

) is a ) a a a ll) lon ap s oi p in na a y ton red ic a y G len hl e gl ocar c al brook) op n r s s ami l du rg derox al ptu X grandis ia gh si a (Si mic ly is in ta (Curr is s a n uswel a tus cam tus n ns Acac M ul p yp or ptu uc le un ( c y ornis (Cox's us al ly E u c al c pt c a ld na ata ma c y u a ri a u al E uc E c teretic E am ua acul bi tereti u s s m E s c m y tus ptu Ca ia r p ly tu b ly a Co ca uc alyp u E c E Eu Corym

Figure 2.5 Bengalla species trial height (m) at 42 months

Bengalla species trial - DBH 42 months

6.00 F=2.44; df=8,31; p=0.05 Error bars represent lsd

5.00

4.00

3.00 (cm)

2.00

1.00

0.00 Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus creda Acacia salicina sideroxylon tereticornis (Cox's camaldulensis argophloia tereticornis microcarpa Gap) (Singleton)

Figure 2.6 Bengalla species trial dbh (cm) at 42 months

Bengalla species trial - Survival 42 months

Eucalyptus sideroxylon 80.00 Corymbia maculata (Curryall) Eucalyptus tereticornis (Cox's Gap)

60.00

Corymbia maculata (Muswellbrook) 40.00 Eucalyptus camaldulensis

20.00

Casuarina cunninghamiana 0.00 Eucalyptus argophloia

Acacia salicina Eucalyptus tereticornis (Singleton)

Eucalyptus camaldulensis X grandis Eucalyptus microcarpa

Eucalyptus creda

Figure 2.7 Bengalla species trial survival (%) at 42 months

Bengalla species trial - Health 42 months

6.00 F=10.78; df=9,33; p<0.001 Error bars represent lsd

5.00

4.00

3.00 Score 1-6

2.00

1.00

Figure 2.8 Bengalla species trial health score at 42 months

Bengalla species trial - Stem 42 months

4.50 F=2.65; df=9,33; p=0.032 Error bars represent lsd 4.00

3.50

3.00

2.50

Score 1-5 2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

Figure 2.9 Bengalla species trial stem score at 42 months

Bengalla species trial - Branch 42 months

4.50 F=3.09; df=9,33; p=0.016 Error bars represent lsd 4.00

3.50

3.00

2.50

Score 1-5 2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

Figure 2.10 engalla species trial branch score at 42 months

The results indicate the importance of choosing appropriate species and seedlots for farm forestry, with some species having very poor survival and growth. On the basis of the survival results (Fig 2.7), Corymbia maculata, Eucalyptus camaldulensis x grandis, Casuarina cunninghamiana and Acacia salicina can be ruled out of consideration for similar sites. Eucalyptus argophloia despite having the best height growth after 42 months, had poor survival. Under better conditions, however, this species may perform better.

Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. microcarpa, E. camaldulensis and E. sideroxylon had the best survival and growth with E. crebra close behind. Eucalyptus crebra had the best stem and branch form at 42 months, reflecting its naturally good form as a species and supporting results in other trials (Carr, 2009). The results for E. microcarpa also support the results from the Wee Waa trial reported by Carr (in press) from a site with heavy clay soil. All of these species have potential for similar sites and have proved to be very hardy species under the conditions of this trial.

Block Design (indicates replicate: block: plot numbers)

N Dead tree

1:1:1 1:1:2 1:1:3 1:2:1 1:2:2 1:2:3 1:3:1 1:3:2 1:3:3

2:1:1 2:1:2 2:1:3 1:4:1 1:4:2 1:4:3 3:1:1 3:1:2 3:1:3 Profile 1 2:2:1 2:2:2 2:2:3 2:3:1 2:3:2 2:3:3 3:2:1 3:2:2 3:2:3 Profile 2 2:4:1 2:4:2 2:4:3 4:1:1 4:1:2 3:4:1 3:3:1 3:3:2 3:3:3 dead tree Denman Rd 4:2:1 4:2:2 4:3:1 4:3:2 4:1:3 3:4:2 3:4:3 Dead tree

4:3:3 4:2:3 4:4:1 Profile 3 4:4:2 4:4:3

Bengalla Entrance Road

Treatment/Species number

10 12 5 4 9 8 1 2 7

4 3 11 6 3 11 7 11 8

1 6 2 10 5 7 10 9 6

12 8 9 8 5 4 12 3 1

10 4 12 2 6 2 5

11 1 9

7 3

Figure 2.11 Bengalla trial design and layout

Table 2.5 Bengalla treatment allocation

Treatment Number Botanical Name Common Name 1 Corymbia maculata Curryall SF Spotted Gum 2 Corymbia maculata Upper Hunter Spotted Gum 3 Eucalyptus tereticornis Singleton Forest Red Gum 4 Eucalyptus tereticornis Coxs Gap Forest Red Gum 5 Casuarina cunninghamiana River She-oak Singleton 6 E. camaldulensis x E. grandis Hybrid 7 Eucalyptus crebra Upper Hunter Narrow-leaved Ironbark 8 Eucalyptus microcarpa Upper Inland Grey Box Hunter 9 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Denman River Red Gum 10 Acacia salicina Jambin Cooba 11 Eucalyptus sideroxylon Glen Alice Mugga Ironbark 12 Eucalyptus argophloia Chinchilla QLD Western White Gum

2.2 Morton

Introduction The Morton species and provenance trial was established to assess the performance of species for the production of timber and timber products on sandstone-derived soils of the lower Hunter Valley. The intention was to provide information to allow farm foresters to have more confidence in establishing farm plantations and timberbelts. The species selected for the trial (and associated demonstration plots) were those likely to grow under the site conditions and that would produce a valuable, marketable product (Kater, 2002, 2003).

The trial is located in Quorrobolong which is located on the western side of the Watagan mountains, west south-west on Newcastle. Figure 3, shows the topography and locality of the trial site. The trial was established on the mid slope of a cleared, north-western facing slope of a round conical knoll. The demonstration plantings were planted on the steeper slopes above the trial.

Source: NSW Natural Resource Atlas Figure 2.12 Topography and Locality of the Morton Farm Forestry Site

Species Provenance trial

The trial design uses a randomized, replicated block design that allows geographic variation and statistical analysis (Whitaker et al., 1999; Williams et al., 2002). The trial contains 9 different species, with 3 species testing the differences between a locally sourced provenance against the same species but from an out of area provenance (i.e. Provenance trial). The local provenance seed was collected by Greening Australia staff, selecting trees with good ‘forestry form’ and in accordance with the Florabank Guidelines (Australian Tree Seed Centre and Mortlock, 1999; Mortlock and Australian Tree Seed Centre, 1999). Out of area/provenance seed was supplied by the CSIRO Australian Tree Seed Centre.

Trial types:

• Species Provenance Trial • Elimination Trial • Plantation Demonstration

Total Area:

• 12ha total • 3.1 ha spp./prov trials • 8.9ha demonstration

Figure 2.13 Trial design and block layout (rep:block:plot numbers)

A0m 21m 42m 63m 84m 105m 126mTop of slope

2:1:3 1:1: 1:1:2 1:1:3 2:1:1 2:1:2 1 Profile 1 Row direction (4m apart)

28m 1:2: 1:2:2 1:2:3 2:2:1 2:2:2 2:2:3 1

1:3: 56m 1:3:2 1:3:3 2:3:1 2:3:2 2:3:3 1

1:4: 84m 1:4:2 1:4:3 2:4:1 2:4:2 2:4:3 1

112m 3:1: 3:1:2 3:1:3 4:1:1 4:1:2 4:1:3 1 NORTH Profile 2

3:2: 140m 3:2:2 3:2:3 4:2:1 4:2:2 4:2:3 1

3:3: 168m 3:3:2 3:3:3 4:3:1 4:3:2 4:3:3 1

196m 3:4:3 3:4: 3:4:2 4:4:1 4:4:2 4:4:3 1 Profile 3 B Bottom of slope

224m

Site Description • Rainfall: 900mm • Elevation: 140-195m A Block allocation within replicates

Replicate 1 Block 1 Block 1 Replicate 2

Block 2 Block 2

Block 3 Block 3

Block 4 Block 4

Replicate 3 Block 1 Block 1 Replicate 4

Block 2 Block 2

Block 3 Block 3

B Block 4 Block 4

A Treatment allocation to plots

Replicate 1 1 3 7 2 8 4 Replicate 2

5 6 12 10 7 1

8 4 10 12 11 9

11 9 2 3 5 6

Rep 3 9 10 5 7 12 4 Rep 4

8 1 12 9 8 3

2 7 6 11 6 10

B 11 4 3 2 5 1

Treatment /Species Numbers 1 E. tereticornis 13308 Wallaroo SF 2 E. tereticornis GTD Grahamstown Dam 3 C. maculata 20397 Curryall SF 4 C. maculata 2LH Lower Hunter 5 E. moluccana 1AL Allynbrook 6 Casuarina cunninghamiana2LH Lower Hunter 7 E. saligna 19453 Styx River

8 E. saligna 13314 Bulahdelah 9 E. paniculata 1GTD 10 E. punctata 2WO Wollombi 11 E. microcorys 15610 Bulahdelah 12 E. agglomerata 15284 Bateman’s Bay

• Slope: 6-120 • Landform: Northern facing side of a knoll, sloping down to river flats. • Original Vegetation: Mix of native and introduced pasture grasses. • Erosion: Some small gully erosion outside the trial area.

Soil Three soil samples were conducted across the trial site, with their locations spread across the trial site. Profile 1 was located in plot 2:1:3 the most upslope corner of the trial, Profile 2 in 3:1:2, and Profile 3 in 3:4:3. Profile located furthest down slope towards the riparian flats, was water logged and consisted of a heavy clay that couldn’t be penetrated beyond 50cm (i.e. through B1 horizon).

The site is dominated by duplex soils are dominated by the heavy clay B horizons. The A horizon consists of a clay loam varying in depth down slope, from 300-200mm, grey to grey-brown in colour, pH 6, and no mottling. The B1 horizon consists of red heavy clay, 350-550mm in depth, pH of 6-5.5 and with weak grey mottling. The B2 horizon extended beyond the depth of the auger (i.e. 1.0m), was orange in colour, quite acidic with a narrow range of between pH 4-4.5, and exhibited a fair to high amount of grey mottling.

Establishment • Establishment Date: Spring 2001 (15-17th Oct). • Site preparation: Standard (alteration: not deep ripped, site agro-ploughed to a depth of ~ 30cm).

Table 2.6 Morton-Farm Forestry Species and Provenances Lists Species/Provenance Trials Botanical Name Common Name Provenance No. E. tereticornis Forest Red Gum 13308 196 E. tereticornis Forest Red Gum GTD 196 C. maculata Spotted Gum 20397 196 C. maculata Spotted Gum 2LH 196 E. moluccana Grey Box 1AL 196 Casuarina cunninghamiana River She Oak 2LH 196 E. saligna Sydney Blue Gum 19453 196 E. saligna Sydney Blue Gum 13314 196 E. paniculata Grey Ironbark 1GTD 196 E. punctata Grey Gum 2WO 196 E. microcorys Tallowwood 15610 196 E. agglomerata Blue-leaved Stringybark 15284 196 TOTAL 2352

Plantation Demonstration Botanical Name Common Name Provenance No Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum 13308 800 Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum 2LH 800 Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum 13314 800 Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood 15610 800 Eucalyptus agglomerata Blue-leaved Stringybark 15284 800 Eucalyptus acmenoides White Mahogany 1AL 600 Eucalyptus paniculata Grey Ironbark 1LH 480 Eucalyptus moluccana Grey Box 1AL 120 Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum 1WO 120 Eucalyptus deanei Round leaved gum 10524 120 Eucalyptus cloeziana Gympie messmate 12196 40 Biodiversity mix Mixed shrubs /trees Lower Hunter 440 TOTAL 5920

Maintenance All trees were watered initially after planting. The trial was watered again at three weeks. The survival rates are good, and the trees were strong enough to withstand the severe drought in 2002/2003. Trial maintenance has consisted of inter-row slashing.

The site is an isolated paddock that is non-contiguous with any bush. Rabbits and wallabies/kangaroos have not been a problem. The plantation is surrounded by an electric fence, to allow for future plantation expansion as planned by the landholder.

Monitoring The first monitoring of the trial was conducted on the 4-7th of February 2003, 16 months after planting (15-17th Oct 2001), and again on the 11& 12th April 2004, approximately 30 months.

The trial was monitored on both occasions for survival and growth rates, with a subjective ranking system used to assess the individual tree health and stem and branch form (McLeod et al., 2009).

The trial data was pre-processed using Data Plus software (Williams et al., 2000) to remove outliers and ensure equality of variance before analysis. The unbalanced nature of the trial meant that a REML analysis had to be used following the methods recommended by Williams et al (2002).

Results and discussion The tree growth trial data needs to be viewed as a relationship between survival and growth rates. Growth rates can vary with age, for example some species are classified as “bolters”, that is they grow very quickly in the first couple of years but then their rates slow down, others start slowly but gain momentum often catching the early leaders (i.e. bolters), whilst other species are just slow to start (Clarke, 1998).

Table 2.7 shows the results and statistics for survival, growth, form and health. The results are presented graphically below in figures 2.14 to 2.19.

Table 2.7 Results and statistics for Morton species trial at 16 and 54 months after planting

Height Survival Vigour Height Health Stem Species 16 16 16 30 Survival DBH 30 30 30 Branch 30 no. Species months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. 30 months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. months s.e.

7 Eucalyptus saligna 19453 1.10 0.03 91.89 7.60 1.69 0.11 3.70 0.11 92.82 5.10 4.40 0.22 4.23 0.15 3.79 0.13 4.00 0.14 10 Eucalyptus punctata 2WO 1.26 0.03 85.81 7.59 1.38 0.11 3.63 0.11 87.68 5.10 4.56 0.22 4.30 0.15 3.56 0.13 3.79 0.14 11 Eucalyptus microcorys 15610 1.00 0.03 86.68 7.60 1.50 0.15 3.46 0.11 85.55 5.10 3.98 0.23 4.34 0.15 4.01 0.13 3.89 0.14 12 Eucalyptus agglomerata 15284 1.08 0.03 91.88 7.59 1.34 0.11 3.46 0.11 91.90 5.10 4.20 0.22 4.65 0.15 3.86 0.13 3.92 0.14 8 Eucalyptus saligna 13314 1.04 0.03 96.31 7.61 1.50 0.12 3.41 0.11 91.45 5.11 3.99 0.22 4.02 0.15 3.65 0.13 3.79 0.14 2 Eucalyptus tereticornis GTD 1.12 0.03 99.64 7.59 1.59 0.12 2.92 0.11 96.77 5.10 3.71 0.22 3.39 0.15 2.79 0.13 3.23 0.14 1 Eucalyptus tereticornis 13308 1.21 0.04 73.57 7.60 1.61 0.16 2.80 0.11 98.29 5.10 3.58 0.22 3.69 0.15 3.06 0.13 3.32 0.14 4 Corymbia maculata 2LH 0.83 0.03 93.18 7.60 1.48 0.11 2.33 0.11 88.80 5.10 3.03 0.22 3.70 0.15 3.39 0.13 3.52 0.14

23 3 Corymbia maculata 20397 0.79 0.03 91.04 7.60 1.51 0.11 1.78 0.11 82.83 5.10 2.62 0.23 3.33 0.15 3.07 0.13 3.11 0.14 9 Eucalyptus paniculata 1GTD 0.53 0.04 78.61 8.90 1.86 0.16 1.26 0.12 77.20 5.94 1.81 0.26 3.77 0.17 3.11 0.15 3.37 0.16 5 Eucalyptus moluccana 1AL 0.40 0.03 97.07 7.60 1.18 0.12 1.20 0.11 90.39 5.10 2.30 0.23 3.28 0.15 3.04 0.13 3.03 0.14 Casuarina cunninghamiana 6 2LH 0.50 0.03 83.33 7.60 1.23 0.11 0.60 0.11 51.10 5.10 1.38 0.44 3.54 0.22 3.19 0.19 3.30 0.20

Sigma2 0.00492 257.9 0.0555 0.0503 93.4 0.13 0.0854 0.0496 0.0559

Wald statistic 797.74 10.56 25.54 1111.48 66.41 193.28 96.6 105.91 70.14

d.f 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

Chi-sq prob <0.001 0.481 0.008 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

s.e.d. 0.04853 10.99 0.1763 0.1533 7.233 0.3269 0.2219 0.1862 0.1975

4.50

4.00

3.50

3.00

2.50 Height 16 months Height 30 months 2.00 height (m)

1.50

1.00

0.50

0.00

53 O 10 D W 6 314 308 397 94 3 GTD a 1AL 15 s 13 20 1GT n a 1 ta 2 s ta ta na 1 orni nis la ign c ig c r u l l ti c a un ocory e s p r r ni te s molucca tus tus mic tus sa s ia maculata yp p s yp l y l ptu yptu ca al ptu ca ly ymb yptus pa u c y u a yptus tereticoCorymbia maculata 2LH E u E al or al E uc c C c ucal ucal E u u E E E E Eucalyptus agglomerata 15284 Casuarina cunninghamiana 2LH

Figure 2.14 Morton species trial, mean height at 16 and 54 months after planting (error bars indicate sed)

6.00 Wald statistic=193.28; df=11; p<0.001 E b t d 5.00

4.00

3.00 DBH 30mths) (cm) 2.00

1.00

0.00

4 7 53 610 308 LH 39 LH 94 5 3 2 s 1 1528 20 na 2 y ta ta 1GTD a na 1 r a ornis GTD ata a ig o r ligna 13314 c l mi al a ornis 1 u s c icul ha punctata 2WO roc ac n s ic tereti ing tus pa p gglome ia m s y a lyptus s tus ptus moluccana 1ALunn al s a p tus tereti mb ptu y c c ptus m ly p y u y ptu ly Corymbia maculata E Euc ca na Eucalyptu aly u ca Cory ucal ari ucal c E u Eucal u E E E Eu Cas

Figure 2.15 Morton species trial, mean dbh at 16 and 54 months after planting (error bars indicate sed)

Eucalyptus saligna 19453 100.00 Casuarina cunninghamiana 2LH 90.00 Eucalyptus punctata 2WO 80.00 70.00 60.00 ucalyptus moluccana 1AL 50.00 Eucalyptus microcorys 15610 40.00 30.00 20.00 10.00 tus paniculata 1GTD 0.00 Eucalyptus agglomerata 15284

Survival 16 months Survival30months

Corymbia maculata 20397 Eucalyptus saligna 13314

Corymbia maculata 2LH Eucalyptus tereticornis GTD

Eucalyptus tereticornis 13308

Figure 2.16 Morton species trial mean survival to 16 and 54 months after planting

Growth rates between species showed higher degree of variation than did the results for survival. After 16 months the fastest growing species was Grey Gum (E. punctata) at 1.22 metres, followed by Forest Red Gum 1.2m (no statistical difference between the provenances), Sydney Blue Gum 1.1m (no statistical difference between the provenances), Tallowwood (E. microcorys) and Blue Leaved Stringy Bark (E. agglomerata) at 1m, Spotted Gum (C. maculata) at 0.83 metres in height, with Grey Iron Bark (E. paniculata), River She Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) and Grey Box (E. moluccana) all under 0.6m in height.

Interestingly at the first monitoring there is no statistical difference between any of the species for the three provenance trials. By 30 months however, there were significant differences in growth between species, with a group of five species being taller than the remaining species. Eucalyptus saligna (2 seedlots), E. agglomerata, E. punctata and E. microcorys had reasonable growth. At this age there was a significant difference between the two seedlots of E. saligna, as well as between the seedlots of Corymbia maculata while the two seedlots of E. tereticornis were not significantly different. The differences in height were supported by differences in dbh after 30 months, although the two seedlots of E. tereticornis could not be separated from the top group.

Considering the extreme climatic conditions of the establishment year (i.e. severe frosts followed by drought) these results represent good indications of the species survival rates (i.e. ‘Best Bet’ survival species), but growth rates are not indicative of the species or provenances full potential in average seasons.

All species and provenances showed good survival in the first 16 months with the highest, 98% (Local Provenance) and lowest rate 74% (Out of area Provenance) exhibited by Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis). Five of the nine species were above 90% survival, Forest Red Gum, Grey Box (E. moluccana), Sydney Blue Gum (E. saligna), Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) and Blue Leaved

Stringy Bark (E. agglomerata). Three were above 80%, Grey Gum (E. punctata), Tallow Wood (E. microcorys), and River Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana), with 77% survival for Grey Ironbark. Survival to 30 months was similar for all species except for C. cunninghamiana which declined to 40% survival as a consequence of the drought. The difference between the two provenances of E. tereticornis was more pronounced after 30 months with the non-local Wallaroo SF provenance declining to 75%.

6.00 Wald statistic=96.6; df=11; p<0.001 5.00 E b t d

4.00

3.00 Health Score 1-5 Score Health 2.00

1.00

0.00

4 53 10 H L 397 LH 94 56 528 GTD a 1AL 1 s 20 n a 2 a 1 s a 1 an at ulata 2 i ign ory r corni c l c ti ornis 13308 ulata am a o me e c c iculata 1GTD s r o r n ic molucca ingh tus te s p m ggl s tereti ia ma y s a unn l s ptu tus rymbia ma yptu c ca ptu ly p ymb u y ptu a Co a E Eucalyptus saligna 13314 or ucal Eucalyptus punctata 2WO aly uc C E arin ucal c E u E Eucaly Eucalyptus pa Eu Cas

Figure 2.17 Morton species trial, mean health score (1-6) after 16 months

4.50 Wald statistic=105.91; df=11; p<0.001 4.00 E b t d

3.50

3.00

2.50

2.00 Stem Score 1-5 1.50

1.00

0.50

0.00

Figure 2.18 Morton species trial, mean stem, score (1-6) after 16 months

4.50 Wald statistic=70.14; df=11; p<0.001 4.00 E b t d

3.50

3.00

2.50

2.00 Branch Score 1-5 1.50

1.00

0.50

0.00

Figure 2.19 Morton species trial, mean branch score (1-6) after 16 months

Health, stem form and branch form were assessed at 16 months but not at 30 months. While E. agglomerata was clearly the healthiest species, E. microcorys, E. saligna and E. punctata also had high mean health scores. This is also reflected in their relative growth rates and survival. The Lower Hunter provenance of C. maculata was significantly healthier than the Upper Hunter Curryall SF provenance, indicating better adaptation to the site conditions. There was a converse relationship between the two seedlots of E. tereticornis, with the local provenance being less healthy than the Walleroo SF provenance.

Stem and branch form measured at a young age in trees around 1m tall is not likely to be a good indicator of long term performance. The form factors shown at this age are best in those species with the fastest growth as would be expected. There is a clear difference at this age in both variables between the two provenances of C. maculata with the Lower Hunter provenance being better.

Growth of the four best species in this trial is good when compared to other trials. For E. saligna dbh and height growth compare favourably to trees in trials in northern NSW (Carr, 2004; Johnson and Stanton, 1993), but less than the growth at Dorrigo at a similar age (Carr, 2009). Eucalyptus saligna Styx River provenance, which had the best growth in this trial was also the best provenance in a trial on the Northern Tablelands (Carr, 2004).

Eucalyptus microcorys is not widely grown in trials, but growth at Dorrigo at a similar age was slightly better than in this trial, probably due to the higher rainfall (Carr, 2009). For this species, survival is very good when compared to other trials in Australia and overseas (CAB International, 2000).

Recommendations from the Hunter trials These trials are still too young to give a clear indication of the long term performance of the species they include. They do however, give an indication of the potential of some of these species, particularly as they have endured very dry conditions during their early growth. The two sites reported here are very different in rainfall and soil type and cannot be compared directly. Where the same species and provenance has been used on both sites, there is much faster growth and better survival on the higher rainfall Morton site compared to Bengalla.

For lower rainfall sites in the Hunter Valley, this trial indicates that Eucalyptus sideroxylon, E. microcarpa, E. camaldulensis and E. tereticornis have good early survival and growth. These should be considered for farm forestry plantings in the region. On the other hand, Corymbia maculata, E. argophloia, E. camaldulensis x grandis and Casuarina cunninghamiana are not suitable for low rainfall sites due to poor survival at the Bengalla site.

For parts of the Hunter Valley with higher rainfall, E. saligna, E. microcorys, E. punctata and E. agglomerata have the best early growth and form, but E. tereticornis and C. maculata are not far behind them. All of these species indicate potential as farm forestry species with sufficient growth and survival to produce commercial crops of timber products. Only Casuarina cunninghamiana could be ruled out on the basis of poor survival at this site. This species is more suited to deeper sandy and alluvial soils in riparian zones (Boland et al., 1992).

Both trials indicate that there are differences in growth, survival, health and form between provenances of the same species. This is more pronounced for some species and traits than others. Further monitoring of these trials will give better indications of the value, or otherwise, of choosing local provenances for farm forestry plantations.

3. Birchip, Victoria

3.1 Birchip Agroforestry and Alley Farming Trial Aim

• To compare the performance of four ALRTIG core low rainfall timber species (Eucalyptus cladocalyx, E. camaldulensis, E. occidentalis and E. tricarpa) (Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group et al., 2002) in both alley farming/belt and traditional forestry block layouts. • To compare four local timber species (Buloke, Yellow Gum, Slender Cypress-pine, Belah) to these species in a block trial were also included in the Block trial. • Demonstration of the integration of alley farming of native trees and shrubs into Mallee dryland farming systems for multiple benefits. The Birchip trials are designed to determine whether commercial agroforestry can be carried out in low rainfall mallee environments, what are the best configurations for agroforestry and whether agroforestry can complement existing agricultural enterprises.

The trial was established in 2001 and measured in 2002 and 2005. JVAP supported the 2005 monitoring and the reporting of all results.

Trial type • Randomised alley farming/belt and complete block layouts.

Location • "Windarra", north of McClellands Rd, approx 500 m west of intersection with the Berriwillock- Birchip Rd, 30 km north of Birchip in the southern Victorian Mallee. • Map reference: VicRoads map 18 H6. The nearest town is Birchip. Figure 1 shows the precise location. • Latitude: 35o 55’ ; Longitude 142 o 55’

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two wheel drive vehicle. It is intended in future years to incorporate the site into the annual Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) research field day in September each year.

Figure 3.1 Map of the Birchip district showing the location of the trial site

Site Description The elevation of the site is 100m a.s.l. It is a very slightly undulating to flat cropping paddock. The alleys (timberbelts) run north to south.

The original vegetation at the site had an overstorey of mallee eucalypts, including E. calycgona and E. dumosa. Remnants of this vegetation type occur on the roads and boundary fences of most paddocks in the vicinity of the trial site. The light sandy soils are prone to wind and water erosion in the area

The paddock was laid out with three north-south belts of vegetation, each nearly 150 metres apart. The western and central belts are fourteen metres in width, and comprise two inner rows of planted timber species and two outer rows of locally native shrub species that were direct seeded successfully in August 2001. The total paddock length is 1,700m with openings between and at the ends of the tree belts allowing for the movement of seeding and harvesting equipment.

The western belt is a demonstration belt, planted randomly with a mix of the ALRTIG ‘best bet’ timber species, plus Eucalyptus leucoxylon (Yellow gum), Allocasuarina leuhmannii (Buloke) Casuarina cristata (Belah) and Callitris preissii (Slender Cypress Pine).

The central belt is the timber species research trial belt, with the two inner rows pegged out in eight plots of eight random replicates of the ‘best bet’ species using several different provenances. The eastern belt has some scattered Mallee eucalypts along its length and has been fenced ten metres in from the existing boundary fence on both sides, to allow for regeneration. This was to be enhanced by direct seeding with locally native trees and shrubs in 2003, but the seeding failed and the site is to be completed in 2007.

A traditional forestry block trial is located in the northeast corner of the paddock. The block is in a low-lying part of the paddock and is approximately 50 x 200m.

The north-western corner of the paddock is unprotected from prevailing westerly winds. This is the control area for comparison of yield measurements.

It is intended that crop yield mapping data from the paddocks adjacent to the timberbelts is to be collected by the BCG to determine the effects of the belts on yields.

Climate (based on Birchip PO)

Mean annual rainfall is 373mm. Note that from 1996 to 2006, the region has had lower than average rainfall with a 1-in-100 year drought in 2002.

Table 3.1 Long term climate records for Birchip PO. Source: Bureau of Meteorology website

Month Jan Feb MarApr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of raindays 3.4 3.2 3.4 5.3 8 10 10.8 10.8 8.8 7.7 5.4 3.9 Mean monthly rainfall 20.5 24.7 23.1 25.2 38.5 38 38.1 38.5 39.2 38.2 26.5 23.6 10th percentile rainfall 0.4 0.3 0.9 1.7 9.8 9.1 11.7 11.1 10.6 6.1 3.3 3 90th percentile rainfall 49.2 59.4 60 55.5 77.5 74.1 61.9 64.5 80.8 80.5 58.6 56 Mean daily max temp 30.7 30.4 27.2 22 17.6 14.2 13.7 15.3 18.6 21.9 25.8 29.2 Mean daily min temp 14 14.3 12 8.6 6.3 4.1 3.6 4.3 5.9 7.8 10.2 12.5 Highest max temp 46 43.7 40 33.1 28.7 21.3 25.5 28.2 31.4 37.5 41.6 43 Lowest min temp 4.2 6.1 3.4 1.7 0.3 -2.8 -2.9 -0.7 -1.1 0 2 4.7

Soil The soil at the Birchip site is sandy with a loose surface, lying at various depths over a sandy clay loam subsoil on top of highly calcareous limestone. The sandy surface soil is highly mobile in wind and accumulates around plants and along fence lines.

Belt Soil tests were carried out at 5 locations in the belt trial on 6/8/01.

Test1 – In plot 1 of replicate 1 on the upper slope of a slight rise. 4 distinct horizons. A1 (0-100mm) is a brown sand, with a loose surface, fine roots present and a pH of 7. The A2 horizon (100-300mm) is an orange-brown sand, with a pH of 8.5. The B1 horizon (300-600mm) is an orange sandy clay loam with a pH of 9. The B2 horizon (600-1100mm) is an orange sandy clay loam with 2-10% coarse

fragments. The coarse fragments are 3-10mm in diameter and are highly effervescent with 2M HCl acid. The pH of the horizon is 9.5. When tested all horizons were moderately moist.

Test 2 – is located in plot 1 of rep 3 and 3 distinct horizons were detected to 1200mm. The A1 horizon (0-250mm) is a brown sand with a loose surface, fine roots present and a pH of 8.5. The A2 horizon (250-550mm) is an orange-brown clay loam –sandy. The pH is 9. The B horizon (550-1200mm) has 10-20% highly calcareous coarse fragments 2-25mm in diameter in an orange brown clay loam – sandy, with a pH of >10 (see photo).

Test 3 – is located in plot 2 of rep 4 and there are 4 distinct horizons to 1000mm. Horizon A1 (0- 100mm) is a brown sand with a loose surface, fine roots and a pH of 7. The A2 horizon (100-350mm) is a brown sandy clay loam with a pH of 8.5. The B1 horizon (350-800mm) is an orange-brown sandy clay loam with a pH of 10. The B2 horizon (800-1000mm+) is a pale orange clay loam-sandy, with 2- 10% highly calcareous coarse fragments of limestone (2-15mm diam). The pH is >10. This horizon was dry at testing.

Test 4 – is located in plot 2 of rep 6 and has 3 distinct horizons to 1100mm. The A horizon (0-300mm) is a pale brown sand with a loose surface and fine roots present. The pH is 7. Te B1 horizon (300- 650mm) is a yellow-brown sandy loam with a pH of 8.5. The B2 horizon (650-1100mm) is a clay loam – sandy, orange in colour and with a pH >10. There are 2-10% coarse fragments of highly calcareous limestone, 2-10mm in diameter. The soil in all horizons was moderately moist.

Test 5 – is located in plot 7 of rep 7 and was sampled to 1500mm deep. There are 3 distinct horizons. The A1 horizon (0-200mm) is a light brown sand with a loose surface and fine roots present. The pH is 7.5. The A2 horizon (200-500mm) is a light orange-brown clayey sand with a pH of 8.5 and moderately effervescent particles. The B horizon (500-1500mm+) is an orange sandy clay loam with a slight (<2%) light brown mottle and a pH >10. There are no coarse fragments, but the fine particles are very highly calcareous.

There are slight differences between soils in the samples taken in the belt trial site. The variation in the site will be picked up adequately in the blocking structure of the design. Most variations are in the depth of the different profiles and these reflect the undulations of the site.

Block Soil tests were carried out at 3 locations in the block trial on 6/8/01. Three auger holes were dug at the site of the block trial to determine if there were intra-site differences in soil. The soil was moderately moist for all horizons of all samples. As for the belt trial, samples were collected for each horizon and these are held at the GAL office in Canberra, ACT.

Test 1 - Three distinct horizons were detected in this sample, in plot 10 of rep 1, taken to 1000mm deep. The A1 horizon(0-350mm) is a brown sand with a loose surface, a pH of 4, some fine roots and no coarse fragments. The low pH probably indicates localised accumulation of acidic fertiliser. The A2 horizon (350-700mm) is a pale brown clay sand with a pH of 8.5. The B horizon (700-1000mm+) is a grey, tightly packed, clay loam-sandy, with a pH in excess of 10. This horizon was very difficult to auger in all three samples. The A2 and B horizons show very strong effervescence in 2N HCl acid.

Test 2 - In three distinct horizons, this sample was taken in plot 7 of rep 3. The A1 horizon (0-300mm) is a brown sand with a pH of 5, a loose surface and some fine roots. A2 (300-700mm) is a pale brown clay sand with a pH of 8.5. B horizon (700-1100mm+) is a grey, tightly packed, clay loam-sandy with a pH in excess of 10. The A2 and B horizons show very strong effervescence in 2N HCl acid.

Test 3 - In three distinct horizons, this sample was taken in plot 2 of rep 4. The A1 horizon (0-300mm) is a brown sand with a pH of 6, a loose surface and some fine roots. A2 (300-800mm) is a pale brown clay sand with a pH of 8.5. B horizon (800-1400mm+) is a grey, tightly packed, clay loam-sandy with

a pH in excess of 10. This horizon has a slight pale mottle. The B horizon shows slight effervescence in 2N HCl acid.

The soil tests in the block trial site do not show any major differences in soil across the site. The very hard, highly alkaline B horizon may prove to be a barrier to deep root development of some species at this site.

Preparation and establishment

Seedlings

Table 3.1 Species used in the Birchip trials and their source and attributes as seedlings

Species used Provenance Treatment Seed source Size at Health at Block trial number planting planting Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail 1 NRE Horsham small healthy Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabara 2 GA SA small healthy Eucalyptus occidentalis SPA Bundaleer 3 CSIRO medium healthy (20444) Eucalyptus occidentalis Truslove (15416) 4 CSIRO medium healthy Eucalyptus camaldulensis Lake Albacutya 5 CSIRO medium healthy (19708) Eucalyptus camaldulensis Silverton (19868) 6 CSIRO medium healthy Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo (15201) 7 CSIRO medium healthy Eucalyptus cladocalyx Yando 8 Vens Creek small healthy Eucalyptus leucoxylon 9 GAV small healthy Allocasuarina luehmannii 10 GAV small healthy Casuarina cristata 11 GAV small healthy Callitris preissii 12 GAV small healthy Species used Provenance Treatment Seed source Size at Health at Belt trial number planting planting Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail 1 NRE Horsham small healthy

Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabara 2 GA SA small healthy Eucalyptus occidentalis SPA Bundaleer 3 CSIRO medium healthy (20444) Eucalyptus occidentalis Truslove (15416) 4 CSIRO medium healthy Eucalyptus camaldulensis Lake Albacutya 5 CSIRO medium healthy (19708) Eucalyptus camaldulensis Silverton (19868) 6 CSIRO medium healthy Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo (15201) 7 CSIRO medium healthy Eucalyptus cladocalyx Yando 8 Vens Creek small healthy

Site preparation Prior to the trial establishment the site was cultivated for cereal farming and grazed by sheep (crop stubbles and in fallow years).

On 1st March 2001, Ron Dodds, Jim Robinson, John Reed (NRE Horsham) and BCG staff pegged out fence and planting lines to be ripped. The belts and the block were ripped to a depth of approx 400mm in March-April 2001. The riplines run north to south. The riplines were levelled using tractor rear wheels on 23rd May 2001.

Weed control was undertaken on 29th June (the break in the season occurred on 6-7th June with 12.5 mm of rain. In June 2001, the site received a total of 23 mm of rain). This involved the application of a tank mix of Glyphosate and Simazine (4 litres/ha.) approximately 1.5-2 metres wide to the rows to be planted . The outer rows that are to be direct seeded were sprayed with Glyphosate alone – no residual. Strip spraying was undertaken to minimize wind soil erosion potential on the site.

Marking out of the trial plots was done on 19th July 2001 by Liam Lenaghan and other BCG staff, Ron Dodds, Jim Robinson, Peter Campbell (NRE Charlton) and Dave Carr.

Establishment Direct Seeding The direct seeding of the outer rows along the alley belts was carried out in the week prior to planting in early August with the assistance of Ken Harrison, NRE Birchip using a 4WD ute and Rodden 11direct seeding machine. The residual herbicide oxyflouren (GoalTM) was applied as part of this operation. CoopexTM was used for ant control. Note that direct seeding was not carried out along the eastern remnant Mallee belt in 2001 as there was a significant rabbit problem and rabbit control was required. After rabbit control measures were undertaken, this belt was subsequently unsuccessfully seeded in 2003. It is proposed to re-seed in 2007.

Planting Seedlings were grown by Vens Creek Nursery at Boort, in Hikos. Planting was mainly undertaken on 6-7th August by BCG, GA and Shire of Buloke staff using Potti-putkis and kidney-shaped planting boxes. A shortfall in Ironbark seedlings meant that Ron Dodds and Gary Aitken from Horsham finished the planting on the 16th August. Greening Australia delivered trees and guards to the site, and provided ‘Potti-Putki’ planting tubes and kidney trays. Site fence posts had been rammed prior to planting but not wired.

The soil had moisture to depth at the time of planting and there was light rain immediately after planting. Milk carton tree guards and 5-7 mm diameter x 450mm stakes were used on the site because of the evident rabbit problem in the area. The trees were not watered in immediately after planting, but were subsequently watered in by BCG staff in the week after planting. This entailed the application of approx half a litre of water per plant, poured into the carton, ensuring the root ball and surrounding soil is fully wet.

No mulch, anti-transpirant or fertiliser was used.

Rabbit control Harbour destruction by ripping was undertaken after the planting in late August 2001 along the McClelland Rd roadside reserve and along the eastern and northern boundary of the paddock. Rabbit control measures have been carried out each year since 2001.

Fencing BCG staff completed fencing in September 2001. Southern end of eastern side of the remnant Mallee stand was fenced in 2002. The fencing cost $1.20 per metre, plus GST

Labelling and design The design of both trials is a randomised complete block. The ‘belt’ trial uses 8 replicates of 8 plots, each plot being 2 rows of 4 trees. The ‘block’ trial uses 4 replicates of 12 plots, each plot having 6 rows of 6 trees. Figure 3.2 shows the trial designs and their location at the site.

Figure 3.2 Trial design for the Birchip belt and block trials and their relative locations at the trial site

Pig tail pins were placed in the corner of each trial replicate plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (RepNo/PlotNo). There is also a plasticised paper tag with the species name, provenance/seedlot name and treatment number written on it. Note that the treatment (or species) number is not the same as the plot number.

There is a pig tail pin at the end of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No/Row No).

Tree layout within plots The numbers within the cells indicate tree numbers that are then used on monitoring sheets. Note that in the block trial the pin is in the southeast corner of the plot.

Belt In the belt trial the pin is in the southwest corner of the plot. The trees in the second row are not directly opposite those in the first row.

Belt

X 1 2 3 4

8 7 6 5

Block

21 22 23 24 25

20 19 18 17 16

11 12 13 14 15

10 9 8 7 6

1 2 3 4 5

Figure 3.3 Tree layout within plots for the Belt and Block trials

Monitoring and Measurement The site has been monitored a number of times since establishment in August 2001 to identify any issues or need for management. This monitoring led to a number of actions since August 2001, including: rabbit control work by the landholders, spraying of weeds within the fenced tree areas, replanting in 2003 of plots within the block planting that had greater than 50% deaths, and within the belt planting where there were significant gaps in the belts that would have lead to reduction in the shelter benefits of the belt alleys, and the (unsuccessful) direct seeding on 12th September 2003 along each side of the eastern remnant Mallee belt.

The site was officially monitored and measured at 12 months of age for survival, tree height and health in August 2002 by Mark Phelan (BCG); Ron Dodds, Jim Robinson, Rae Talbot (Greening Australia Victoria(GAV)) and Dave Carr (Greening Australia Limited, Canberra).

It was re-measured at 24 months for survival, tree height and health by Dave Carr and Jim Robinson on 24-25th July 2003 with also some measurement of diameter at breast height (DBH) where warranted and some form pruning was undertaken where considered worthwhile on good tree specimens.

The trial site was re-measured a third time at 50 months on 11th- 13th October 2005, by Jim Robinson and Justine Watt (the latter on 11th October only) from GAV. Diameter at Breast Height (where possible), Axis persistence, Stem form and Branching habit assessments were added to the assessments of survival, height and health which had previously been measured in August 2002 and in July 2003 (with some DBH measurement in the latter year).

Scoring for Health, Axis persistence, Stem form and Branching habit was on a scale of 1-6, with 6 being the best possible score. The methods used to determine the score in each scored criteria was based on the assessment characteristics as described in (McLeod et al., 2009).

In the analysis of the results after one year, the belt trial was analysed as a randomised complete block, with 8 replicates of eight plots of eight trees. Initially I used ANOVA for the analysis, but could not continue after deleting one plot from the analysis. This was plot 7 in replicate 7, which showed a very high residual in the analysis of survival. Inspection of the data sheets showed that there was a rabbit burrow in the middle of this plot and the plot had been affected by severe browsing. The removal of this plot left the design unbalanced.

The unbalanced design was analysed using a mixed model approach (REML) which estimates missing values in the data. The resulting means are estimates from REML.

The block trial was analysed as a randomised complete block trial with three replicates with 12 plots of 25 seedlings each. I did not include replicate four in the analysis due to the severe rabbit browsing and wind erosion that has occurred in parts of the replicate. As the trial is still a balanced design with three replicates, I used ANOVA to compare seedlots.

Results and discussion Tables 3.3 and 3.4 show the results for both the block and belt trials after 12 and 49 months for the full range of variables measured.

Table 3.3 Results and statistics for all variables measured for the Birchip block trial

Axis Persist Stem Branching Species Height 12 Survival 12 Health 12 Survival Height 49 Survival 49 DBH 49 49 Form 49 Habit 49 Health 49 no. Species months months months Height 03 03 Health 03 DBH 03 months months months months months months months

10 Allocasuarina luehmannii 0.29 78 4.123 * 0 * * * * * * * * * 12 Callitris preissei 0.248 34 4.273 * 0 * * * * * * * * * 11 Casuarina cristata 0.308 80 4.427 * 0 * * * * * * * * * 9 Eucalyptus leucoxylon 0.678 73 4.003 1.368 67 3.938 1.389 3.918 70 4.93 2.965 2.525 3.035 5.42 1 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail 0.293 55 2.873 * 0 * * 1.925 25 2.57 4.723 2.814 2.828 4.87 2 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra 0.418 33 2.653 * 0 * * 3.112 21 3.75 4.132 3.04 3.142 5.123 3 Eucalyptus occidentalis SPA Bundalee (20444) 0.758 56 4.263 1.802 50 4.11 2.16 4.488 55 5.95 4.205 3.483 3.842 5.183 4 Eucalyptus occidentalis Truslove (15416) 0.827 60 4.345 2.06 55 4.23 2.323 5.128 57 7.03 3.977 3.093 3.842 5.338 5 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708) 0.64 65 4.143 1.397 53 3.772 1.636 2.545 62 3.21 3.327 2.9 3.33 4.45 6 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Silverton (19868) 0.923 79 4.9 1.635 77 4.105 1.493 3.47 79 4.24 3.667 3.165 3.077 4.8 7 Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo (15201) 0.753 75 4.373 * 0 * * 3.08 72 3.55 3.322 2.79 3.153 4.73 8 Eucalyptus tricarpa Anglesea (15210) 0.275 54 2.47 * 0 * * 2.62 31 2.6 4.282 3.3 3.59 5.09

Var ratio 10.49 3.38 6.01 4.48 27.79 1.29 10.16 21.97 8.41 17.12 4.37 1.98 3.61 9.03 d.f 11 11 11 4 11 4 4 11 11 10 8 8 8 11 f prob <0.001 0.003 <0.001 0.022 <0.001 0.332 0.008 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 0.096 0.007 0.001 lsd 0.2238 25.61 0.9191 0.4258 17.38 0.4889 0.4519 0.8828 21.79 1.309 0.7888 0.6034 0.5605 0.7687 40 Table 3.4 Results and statistics for all variables measured for the Birchip belt trial Axis Persist Stem Branching Species Height 12 Survival 12 Health 12 Height Survival Health DBH Height 49 Survival 49 DBH 49 49 Form 49 Habit 49 Health 49 No. Species months months months 2003 2003 2003 2003 months months months months months months months

1 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail 0.506 62.5 4.669 1.086 60.9 4.159 1.578 3.32 60.9 4.15 4.355 3.721 3.269 5.372 2 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra 0.6 87.5 4.951 1.27 82.8 4.115 1.384 3.464 79.7 4.67 4.884 3.527 2.944 4.876 3 Eucalyptus occidentalis SPA Bundalee (20444) 0.797 82.8 4.996 1.749 81.2 4.31 1.987 4.535 81.2 6.48 4.491 3.506 3.991 5.539 4 Eucalyptus occidentalis Truslove (15416) 0.934 84.4 5.164 1.895 82.8 4.324 1.744 4.326 82.8 5.95 3.921 2.937 3.961 5.495 5 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708) 1.205 93.7 4.595 1.966 90.6 3.837 1.555 3.532 90.6 4.97 3.959 3.22 3.906 4.287 6 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Silverton (19868) 0.82 100 5.175 1.339 100 3.845 1.092 2.654 100 2.92 3.787 2.984 3.469 4.564 7 Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo (15201) 0.881 100 5.159 1.302 98.4 3.761 1.054 3.128 95.3 3.92 3.716 3.082 3.631 4.734 8 Eucalyptus tricarpa Anglesea (15210) 0.551 85.9 4.96 1.194 81.2 4.401 1.695 3.629 79.7 4.72 4.342 3.466 2.995 5.332

Var ratio 24.09 3.75 2.97 10.16 3.8 4.02 7.41 16.16 3.32 12.27 3.94 4.53 16.48 10.69 d.f 7 7777777 7777 7 7 f prob 0.001 0.003 0.011 <0.001 0.002 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.006 <0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 lsd 0.1341 17.63 0.3671 0.3038 17.88 0.3542 0.3458 0.4322 18.7 0.914 0.576 0.3859 0.296 0.4108

Results after one year of growth.

Belt trial The data shows significant differences between the seedlots in height, health and survival (Table 3.4).

Height There is a probability of less than 0.1% that the differences between the seedlots is due to chance. The standard error of the difference between seedlots puts the seedlots into three distinct groups. The seedlots within these groups cannot be considered significantly different to each other.

Group a. E. camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708).

Group b. E. occidentalis Truslove (15416), E. tricarpa Bendigo (15201), E. camaldulensis Silverton (19868) and E. occidentalis SPA Bundalee (20444).

Group c. Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra, E. cladocalyx (Yando) and Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail.

Health There is a probability of less than 0.1% that the differences between the seedlots is due to chance. The standard error of the difference between seedlots puts the seedlots into three overlapping groups. The seedlots in group a are distinct from those in group c, but neither group is distinct from group b.

Group a. E. occidentalis Truslove (15416), E. tricarpa Bendigo (15201), E. camaldulensis Silverton (19868) and E. occidentalis SPA Bundalee (20444).

Group b. Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra and E. cladocalyx (Yando).

Group c. Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708).

Survival There is a probability of less than 0.1% that the differences between the seedlots is due to chance. The standard error of the difference between seedlots puts the seedlots into two distinct groups. The seedlots in group a are distinct from those in group c. The seedlots within group a cannot be considered significantly different to each other.

Group a. E. occidentalis Truslove (15416), E. tricarpa Bendigo (15201), E. camaldulensis Silverton (19868), E. occidentalis SPA Bundalee (20444), Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708)and E. cladocalyx (Yando).

Group b. Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail.

Block trial The data shows significant differences between the seedlots in height, health and survival (Table 3.3).

Height There is a probability of less than 0.1% that the differences between the seedlots is due to chance (F = 9.66; d.f = 22,11). The standard error of the difference between seedlots puts the seedlots into two

distinct groups. The seedlots within these groups cannot be considered significantly different to each other.

Group a. E. camaldulensis Silverton (19868), E. occidentalis Truslove (15416), E. occidentalis SPA Bundalee (20444), E. tricarpa Bendigo (15201), E. camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708), E. leucoxylon.

Group b. Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra, Casuarina cristata, Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail, Allocasuarina luehmannii, E. cladocalyx (Yando) and Callitris preissei.

Health There is a probability of less than 0.1% that the differences between the seedlots is due to chance (F = 9.79; d.f = 22,11). The standard error of the difference between seedlots puts the seedlots into two distinct groups. The seedlots within these groups cannot be considered significantly different to each other.

Group b. Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra, Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail, E. cladocalyx (Yando).

Survival There is a probability of only 0.1% that the differences between the seedlots is due to chance. The standard error of the difference between seedlots puts the seedlots into three overlapping groups. The seedlots in group a are distinct from those in group c, but neither group is distinct from group b.

Group a. E. camaldulensis Silverton (19868), Allocasuarina luehmannii, E. tricarpa Bendigo (15201), E. camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708), E. leucoxylon and Casuarina cristata.

Group b. Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail, E. occidentalis Truslove (15416) and E. occidentalis SPA Bundalee (20444)

Group c. E. cladocalyx (Yando), Callitris preissei and Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra.

Comparison of the belt trial and the block trial. Of the 12 species that occur in the block trial, seven also occur in the belt trial. Comparison between these species (Table 3.5) shows that all species have performed considerably better in the belts, in height growth, health scores and survival.

There are several reasons for the differences between the trials. The principal reasons are the high numbers of rabbits present near the block trial and the high levels of wind erosion and sandblasting in the block trial. The block trial also had higher levels of weeds, due to reduced spraying to try to maintain cover to prevent erosion. The rabbit browsing has been severe in the block trial compared to the belt trial where only one plot was affected.

Height – A two sample paired t-test shows that there is a significant difference between the two trials (P = 0.009, t=3.83 on 6 d.f). The confidence interval for the mean is (7.643, 34.67).

Health – A two sample paired t-test shows that there is a significant difference between the two trials (P = 0.012, t=3.53 on 6 d.f). The confidence interval for the mean is (0.4497, 2.485).

Survival – A two sample paired t-test shows that there is a significant difference between the two trials (P = 0.013, t=3.47 on 6 d.f). The confidence interval for the mean is (7.586, 44.04).

Table 3.5 Comparison of results for the belt and the block trial for common species after 12 months growth Treatment Species/Provenance Mean Mean % % Mean Mean number height height survival survival Health Health (cm) (cm) Belt Block score score Belt Block belt block 1 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail 50.6 29.1 62.5 70.7 4.67 2.5 2 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra 60 31.3 87.5 33.3 4.95 2.24 3 E. occidentalis SPA Bundalee (20444) 81.4 79.7 93.3 54.7 5.16 4.24 4 E. occidentalis Truslove (15416) 93.2 82.1 84.4 61.3 5.16 4.39 5 E. camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708) 120.5 75.2 93.75 77.3 4.6 4.57 6 E. camaldulensis Silverton (19868) 82 100 5.18 7 E. tricarpa Bendigo (15201) 88.1 77.1 100 78.7 5.16 4.35 8 E. cladocalyx (Yando) 55.1 26.3 85.94 50.7 4.97 2.11

Results of 2005 monitoring (49 months) and general discussion Figures 3.4 to 3.7 show the results for height, dbh, survival and health, for both the belt and the block trials for the seven common species.

Belt vs Block - Height 49 months

4 Belt

(m) Block 3

0 Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail cladocalyx occidentalis SPA occidentalis camaldulensis camaldulensis tricarpa Bendigo tricarpa Wirrabarra Bundalee Truslove (15416) Lake Albacutya Silverton (19868) (15201) Anglesea (20444) (19708) (15210)

Figure 3.4 Comparison of the height of trees in the Birchip belt and block trials after 49 months

Block vs Belt - DBH 49 months

5 Belt Block 4

0 Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail cladocalyx occidentalis SPA occidentalis camaldulensis camaldulensis tricarpa Bendigo tricarpa Anglesea Wirrabarra Bundalee Truslove (15416) Lake Albacutya Silverton (19868) (15201) (15210) (20444) (19708)

Figure 3.5 Comparison of the dbh of trees in the Birchip belt and block trials after 49 months

Belt vs Block - Survival 49 months

120

100

Belt 60 (%) Block

0 Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail cladocalyx occidentalis occidentalis camaldulensis camaldulensis tricarpa Bendigo tricarpa Wirrabarra SPA Bundalee Truslove Lake Albacutya Silverton (15201) Anglesea (20444) (15416) (19708) (19868) (15210)

Figure 3.6 Comparison of the survival of trees in the Birchip belt and block trials after 49 months

Belt vs Block - Health 49 months

4 Belt Block

Score 1-6 3

Figure 3.7 Comparison of the health of trees in the Birchip belt and block trials after 49 months Many trees, especially in the belt trial, had grown leaning away from the prevailing south-westerly winds, suffering “wind-tilt” and indications are that at 49 months of age, the consequent "butt sweep" in many of the trees will not grow out. This butt-sweep particularly of the taller specimens, reflects the very exposed windy nature of the site but also may be at least in part, a result of the ripping as part of the preparation of the site (this and the benefits or otherwise of ripping and mounding in forestry planting are discussed in Agroforestry News, 54, June 2006). Butt-sweep, if it persists, will significantly reduce sawn wood recovery.

This, along with the relatively low measurement scores for Axis of Persistence, Stem Form and Branching Habit leads to the conclusion that generally, there did NOT appear, at this age, to be many trees in the trials with excellent saw log potential. Growth rates have been excellent for several species, in particular the two provenances of Eucalyptus occidentalis. Similarly, E. leucoxylon and some E. camaldulensis have also grown tall. Unfortunately, the form of these two species especially E. leucoxylon is generally poor and will require considerable remedial pruning to correct.

Allocasuarina luehmannii, Casuarina cristata and Callitris preissii while appearing reasonably healthy in 2005, have not grown quickly where they have survived, particularly in comparison with any of the Eucalypts. The Cypress Pines were grown in the nursery in "crack-pots" and the incorrect ‘cracking” of these pots at planting may have contributed to their initial slow growth rates.

However, after 49 months, the only conclusion possible is that all three of these species appear to have little future in farm forestry sites in the southern Mallee in comparison with low rainfall eucalypts.

A number of E. occidentalis had achieved more than 7 metres height over the four years in the block trial, which height was not achieved in the belt trial by any trees.

However, while the tallest trees were located in the block trial, there were mixed height results across all the trial species between the block and belt trials. Intuitively, species in the block trial uniformly would be expected to have grown to a greater height than the belt trial. The block trial is low in the landscape whereas most of the measured belt trial was on predominantly higher land subject to wind pruning. However, tree heights compared between the block and belt trial do not reflect this, with 6 of the 8 trial species being on average taller in the belt trial than in the block trial!

Similarly, DBH was greater in the same 6 species that were taller in the belt trial compared with the block trial! As with the tree height assessments, the 2 odd species out were the Truslove provenance of the Swamp Yates and the Silverton provenance of Red Gums.

Swamp Yate (E. occidentalis) is the standout species at 49 months, achieving the greatest average height and DBH and the highest average health and branching habit scores when compared with the other species in both belt and block trial.

Oddly, Yellow Gum (E. leucoxylon)(only in the block trial) was the next best performer in height and DBH but the relatively low Axis persistence and Stem form scores suggests that significant form pruning or perhaps some initial selection would be required to realise their potential as a low rainfall species. These “defects” may grow out as the trees age, as is evident with old straight Yellow Gum specimens in the region.

Nearly all trees that survived to 24 months were still alive at 49 months. The higher survival of all species in the belt trial compared with the block trial that was noted in the 12 and 24 month assessments continued. The Silverton Red Gums had the highest survival rate of all species in both belt and block trials. This feature, though some of the other assessment criteria were average, may have increasing significance if the climate in low rainfall areas Victoria (and Australia) become dryer (and hotter) as scientists forecast. Also notable about the performance of the Silverton Red Gums is that while their height and DBH were 4th best performing in block trials, they were the poorest performer of all in these criteria in belt trials, namely, they appreciate the shelter of being established in a block configuration.

Many of the Sugar Gums grown from Wail seed died or put on very little growth and were replaced in the block planting and in larger gaps in the belt planting in August 2003 to maintain consistency of the belts and avoid gaps for shelter purposes. Seed from Wail Sugar Gums does generally have a very good reputation for producing trees with forestry potential and it is assumed that the seed provided for this project was of poor quality (most unfortunate as this Wail Sugar Gum seed was also used in low rainfall species trials by Greening Australia in other states.)

Weeds including Skeleton Weed, Wild Turnip, Couch Grass, Capeweed, Heliotrope and in particular, Amsinckia, in the fenced tree belts and the block continue to be a problem and require extra work by the landholders who are now unable to control them as part of their broad-acre boom spraying activities of the paddocks adjoining the trial.

Control involves either slashing if the space between the fence and the trees is wide enough (eg, along the eastern belt) or shielded spraying of suitable herbicides using small scale manual herbicide applicators. This presents as an extra task (involving time and costs) for landholders. Indeed, Ian McClelland had previously spoken publicly of the extra work involved in spraying weeds within the fenced areas of the trial.

These weeds can infest adjoining crops outside of the fenced tree trial areas

Note that where the direct seeding had been very successful along the belt trials, there were very few weeds present between the shrubs and the fence as the shrub “hedges” were consuming all the resources (and were reducing herbaceous plant growth about a metre or two into the paddock outside the belt fenced area at a reducing rate the further away from the belts.)

The northern end of the remnant Mallees/eastern alley of the site has been incorporated into a Federal Government-funded Buloke Biolink Project being managed by the Buloke Shire Council and was fenced and planted in 2001.

Two signs have been produced identifying the project and acknowledging sponsors and assistance. These were erected by Mark Phelan and other BCG staff in August 2006, one off the Berriwillock Rd south of the junction with McClellands Road, the other off McClellands Road in front of the site.

In 2003, it was decided after discussion with Ian McClelland, the landholder, to replant a number of replicate plots of the Yando and Wirrabara Sugar Gums, Slender Cypress Pines and Bundalee Swamp Yates where survival less than 50% and to fill any larger gaps in the alley belts to maintain their practical shelter benefits (gaps in belts create wind tunnelling and increase wind speed).

This was undertaken on 26-27th August 2003 using Inland Red Gums (BMSF) and Swamp Yates (VCN) in the forestry block trial (located in a low flat area in the paddock) and using Swamp Yates, Sugar Gums and Red Ironbarks (from both BMSF and VCN) in the generally higher/ridge top belts trials-alley layouts. Hiko grown seedlings were supplied from Vens Creek Nursery (VCN) at Boort and the Bacchus Marsh Seedling Farm (BMSF). Tough seasonal condition have lead to high mortality rate of these replants since 2003. These replants have not been officially assessed and measured in the various categories but their continued or otherwise survival was noted by “RP” on the assessment sheets.

Ian McClelland, the landholder of the trial site and Chairman of the Birchip Cropping Group, is very happy with the site and said in a recent email, “A fantastic result. A real pleasure to go there and enjoy the scene. I take all our visitors there.” These visitors have included Bob Cameron, current Victorian Minister For Agriculture and Doug Rathbone, Managing Director of Nufarm who was guest speaker at the BCG Expo in 2005.

Ian has also used the trial site for lambing ewes in previous years so the site has a recognised usefulness, regardless of any scientific results from it.

Another “success” of the site was the demonstration of the ease of establishing tree and shrub seedlings on the site (eg, planting into sprayed riplines with Potti-putkis and planting trays, the success of the initial direct seeding) which prompted the BCG to support two successful Drought Envirofund alley farming applications in the district on light sandy soils prone to wind erosion.

Generally, the growth and survival of the trees has been incredible given that the region has continued the lower-than-average rainfall evident every year from 1996 including a one-in-a- hundred year drought in 2002. Similarly, the direct seeded shrubs in the belt trial alleys have put on excellent growth though some were smothered by wind-blown sand during the 2002 drought.

Generally, all surviving trees appeared healthy with very few pests evident. A few very small “clumps” of sawfly larvae were noted in the block trial and there was a leaf gall noted on many new growth tips of many of the Sugar Gums which otherwise were putting on much new thick luxuriant foliage growth at the time of the 2005 assessment.

Many Eucalypts had the health and sexual maturity to start reproductive cycles with buds and often buds and capsules produced on many trees.

During the 2005 assessment, five nests of small birds were noted in the block trial and one in the section of the belt trial that was assessed. Similarly, a number of larger birds used both the block and the belts (more in the block) as roost sites and at dusk, walking through the trees “got a number of birds up” including parrots.

4. Northern Agricultural Region SA

4.1 Willowie Species Trial

Trial type Timber species comparison and Santalum and host trial.

Aim The aim of the timber trial is to compare six species to find some suitable for speciality timber production in similar environments.

The aim of the Santalum trial is to determine whether these species can be grown commercially at this and similar sites, which host is most suitable, and whether or not the hosts can produce timber.

Location • Latitude 32 36.445S; longitude 138 21.684E

Nearest town • Willowie - See Regional, district and property maps.

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Figure 4.1 Trial site after planting

Site Description Elevation

• 100m Slope

• 2% Landform

• Forms part of a generally flat alluvial plain. Aspect

• South

Original vegetation • Overstorey: Scattered Casuarina pauper, Acacia oswaldii, Alectryon oleifolius • Understorey: Senna artemisioides, Templetonia egena, Acacia victoriae

Erosion • Evidence of movement of sand by wind and water.

Figure 4.2 One aim of the trial is to test Quandongs on 2 different host, using seed from these trees growing at Quorn

Climate (based on Port Augusta) • 242.8mm MAR

Rainfall • Willowie rainfall can be expected to be 100mm higher than Port Augusta (Table 4.1)

Table 4.1 Port August Rainfall data

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of raindays 2.5 2.4 2.6 4.2 6.0 8.2 8.0 7.9 6.1 5.8 4.3 3.2 Mean monthly rainfall 15.2 16.8 16.8 19.0 26.4 27.2 19.6 22.5 22.3 23.2 18.1 15.9 10th percentile rainfall 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 2.5 5.8 4.4 5.3 4.9 4.1 1.3 0.5 90th percentile rainfall 46.0 43.4 45.0 40.1 63.7 60.4 37.4 45.4 55.7 49.1 43.3 35.9 Mean daily max temp 32.2 21.4 29.9 25.2 21.1 17.7 17.1 19.1 22.6 25.4 28.3 30.5 Mean daily min temp 18.8 18.7 17.0 13.4 10.1 7.7 6.8 10.0 12.6 15.1 17.3 12.9 Highest max temp 48.3 42.8 39.4 36.1 29.4 26.4 23.9 27.8 36.7 40.0 42.2 46.1 Lowest min temp 12.2 12.2 10.6 7.8 3.3 0.0 1.1 2.2 3.9 7.2 7.2 10.6

Soil The soil at the trial site is a slightly alkaline clay loam, with a sandy clay loam subsoil. There is evidence that a sandy surface layer has blown away.

In July 2000 by David Carr of Greening Australia Ltd tested the soil at the site by digging three auger holes to a depth of around 1000mm each.

Test 1 (NE corner, 10m from fence) – Two horizons, A and B were found. The A horizon (0-500mm) is a dark orange brown clay loam with a pH of 7. The surface is firm with many small rocks present.

The B horizon (500-1000mm+) is an orange-red sandy clay-loam with a slight cream mottle and a pH of 8.

Test 2 (Centre of paddock) - – Two horizons, A and B were found. The A horizon (0-500mm) is an orange brown clay loam with a pH of 7. The surface is firm with many small ironstone and quartz rocks (5 to 50mm) present. The B horizon (500-1100mm+) is an orange-red sandy clay-loam with a slight cream mottle and a pH of 7.

Figure 4.3 Digging auger holes for soil sampling, Quorn SA

For tests 1 and 2, the A horizon was moderately moist and the B horizon was dry.

Test 3 (SW corner, near the sand heap) - Two horizons, A and B were found. The A horizon (0- 800mm) is an orange brown clay loam with a pH of 6.5. The surface is firm with many small ironstone and quartz rocks (5 to 50mm) present. The B horizon (800-1000mm+) is an orange-red clay-loam with a slight cream mottle and a pH of 7.5.

The soil at the site appears to be fairly uniform with no obvious impediments to tree growth.

Site preparation Ground preparation • The site is generally flat. Rows were ripped at a depth of 0.3m in a North to South direction. Rows are 4m apart. The plants are spaced at 4m intervals. • Prior to site establishment the site was cropped for wheat and barley with the stubble being grazed by sheep. Fencing • The site was fenced with a wire sheep mesh fence.

Figure 4.4 Quorn Site at 8 August 2001

Weed Control • The site was grazed heavily by sheep then sprayed with Roundup at 3 l/ha on July 17 2001.

Establishment Planting date • The Acacia hosts for the Santalum trial were planted on July 23 2001. The Santalum will be planted as seeds when the hosts reach a mean height of 1m. • The Timber trial was planted on August 1 and 8, 2001. • The seedlings were planted into the rip lines at 4-m intervals. • The soil was moist and each tree was planted after a 30cm hole had been dug with a spade. The trees were hand planted and a shallow dish was formed around each stem. • A 30 cm rigid plastic tree guard was placed around all trees in the Timber trial. These are held in place by two plastic stakes. They were used to protect the trees from frost and hares. No mulch or fertilizer was used. The trees were watered after planting.

Timber Trials The species selected for the trial are either species recommended by the ALRTIG program (Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group et al., 2002), or are species that occur in similar environments in the region. Each species has some previously demonstrated value for timber, principally for craft, furniture, turning or joinery (Doran and Turnbull, 1997).

Table 4.2 Seedling details

No Species used Provenance Treatment Nursery Seed Size at Health at Container number source planting planting 6 Acacia aneura Cobar Districts E Jamestown CSIRO 5cm Good Forestry tube 5 Acacia cyperophylla Mt Dare SA E Jamestown GA 10cm Good Forestry collection tube 2 Eucalyptus Devil’s Peak SA A Jamestown GA 15cm Good Forestry cladocalyx collection tube 4 Eucalyptus Wail A Jamestown NRCL Vic 15cm Some Forestry cladocalyx No 2000252s powdery tube mildew 1 Eucalyptus Bundaleer SPA A Jamestown 15cm Healthy Forestry occidentalis tube

3 Casuarina pauper Kerang Vic A Jamestown GA 5-10cm Healthy Forestry collection tube

7 Acacia acuminata Greenough Rv Jamestown CSIRO 12cm Healthy Forestry tube

Labelling and design Pig tail pins were placed in the North east corner of each plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number (Rep no/ Plot no) stamped on it. There is a plasticized paper tag with the species name, provenance number and species number on it.

There is a pin at the northern end of each replicate number and the row number (Rep no/ Row no).

Figure 4.5 Trial design for Quorn study

3 2 2 1 1 1 6 5 4 3 2 3 2 2 1 1 2 5 6 3 4 1 3 2 2 1 1 3 4 7 2 5 0 3 2 2 1 9 4 3 8 1 6 3 2 2 1 8 5 2 9 0 7 3 3 1 1 7 6 1 0 9 8 Figure 4.6 Tree layout within plots

Maintenance Weed control post planting The trial area has been sprayed on 10 January 2002 with Roundup using a shielded boom. This was to control grasses and broadleaf weeds.

Monitoring The trial was monitored for height and survival on February 1 2002.

The timber trial was monitored for height and health on August 9 2002. At this monitoring the Santalum trial was not measured due to sheep damage to the Acacia salicina seedlings. While most of the A. salicina seedlings were eaten back to the stem, very few appear to have been killed and should recover once the sheep are kept out. Results for the timber trial are given below.

A second measurement was carried out in December 2005. As survival was poor for most species, only height and survival was recorded. At this stage the Acacia salicina seedlings in the Santalum trial had not survived, due to the effects of sheep grazing and drought. Even though the A. acuminata trees were growing strongly, the Santalum trial was abandoned at this point.

General comments The trial site was fenced but this did not prove to be sheep proof. All Acacia salicina plants were eaten to stumps or stems at both monitoring times. Hares have also been present but no specific damage could be attributed to them at the second measuring. Most of the seedlings were in good health at the time of planting. Some “Wail” Eucalyptus cladocalyx were infected by powdery mildew. The Casuarina pauper were very small at planting time. Drought conditions have prevailed at the site from the first year of growth, until at least the 2006 measurement. Acacia acuminata was represented in only two plots as it was not originally included as a trial species, but planted as a buffer. As a result this species was not measured in 2002.

Results and discussion Timber trial

Table 4.3 Height, Survival and Health for seedlings at 12 and 60 months

Treatmen Species Mean % Mean Mean % t height survival health height survival (cm)12 12 mths score 12 (cm) 60 60 mths mths mths mths 1 Eucalyptus occidentalis 0.69 92.4 3.8 0.95 4.9 2 Eucalyptus cladocalyx 'Devils Peak' 0.41 93.8 3.8 0.45 2.7 3 Casuarina pauper 0.45 99.3 4.5 0.36 87.5 4 Eucalyptus cladocalyx 'Wail' 0.48 97.2 3.7 0.55 2 5 Acacia cyperophylla 0.27 100 4.4 0.21 45.8 6 Acacia aneura 'Cobar' 0.24 83.8 4.9 0.28 70.8 7 Acacia acuminata * * * 1.09 52.8 s.e.d 0.04 4.9 0.103 * * P <0.001 0.048 <0.001 * *

1.20

1.00 Eucalyptus occidentalis

Eucalyptus cladocalyx 0.80 'Devils Peak' Casuarina pauper

) Eucalyptus cladocalyx 0.60 (m 'Wail' Acacia cyperophylla

0.40 Acacia aneura 'Cobar'

Acacia acuminata

0.20

0.00 020406080 months since planting

Figure 4.7 Height in metres of species in Willowie timber trial after 12 and 60 months growth

100

80 Eucalyptus occidentalis

70 Eucalyptus cladocalyx 'Devils Peak'

60 Casuarina pauper

Eucalyptus cladocalyx

% 50 'Wail' Acacia cyperophylla 40

Acacia aneura 'Cobar' 30 Acacia acuminata 20

0 0 20406080 months since planting

Figure 4.8 Survival percentage of species in Willowie timber trial after 12 and 60 months

The Willowie timber trial has highlighted how difficult it is to grow trees in arid environments, and the importance of species selection. 2002 was a relatively wet year for the region, which allowed the trees of all species to get a good start. Conditions at the trial site have been extremely dry from 2003, and this has really tested the drought tolerance of the species. Associated with the drought has been increased kangaroo grazing pressure on the trees as a result of a lack of alternative feed in the district.

Early survival was excellent for all species (Figure 4.8), but by 60 months after planting, survival of the three eucalypt species was extremely poor (<5%). The three Acacia species have had better survival, although this is only moderate for Acacia cyperophylla and A. acuminata. Acacia aneura and Casuarina pauper have had much better survival over the course of the trial. These species naturally occur in regions with similar rainfall averages and patterns of distribution. Their growth occurs in response to sporadic rainfall events and their physiology is geared around survival. As a result they are long-lived, slow-growing species.

The growth rates shown in Figure 4.7 demonstrate the impact of both the drought and kangaroo browsing and are almost meaningless as a measure of the success of the different species in this trial. Under the conditions, survival is a much more useful measure of success.

The four species with moderate to good survival (Casuarina pauper, Acacia aneura, A. cyperophylla and A. acuminata) certainly have value as commercial species in similar environments. In arid forestry, any commercial returns will be a long term bonus. The real benefits will be derived from other factors such as shade and shelter, stabilising soils, nutrient cycling and even fodder. While each

of these species has commercially-valuable timber, it will be a very long time before this value can be realised as the growth rates in this trial demonstrate.

The trial also shows that this sort of environment and climate is too extreme for the three ALRTIG eucalypts: E. cladocalyx ‘Devils Peak’, E. cladocalyx ‘Wail’ and E. occidentalis ‘Bundaleer SPA’.

Figure 4.9 Acacia aneura

Figure 4.10 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail

Trial and Site Maps

Trial site

Figure 4.11 Site Map

Figure 4.12 Trial location within site

4.2 Melrose Acacia and Eucalypt Trials

Trial type • Eucalyptus provenance and species comparison trial. • Acacia provenance and species comparison trial.

Aim • The overall aim is to select species to recommend for farm forestry in similar environments in South Australia. • Other aims are to test ALRTIG recommended provenances and to assess the performance of local provenances in comparison.

Figure 4.13 Landholder Trevor McCullum and Anne Brown of GASA

Location • Latitude: 32o 46’95” S; Longitude: 138 o 10’ 06” E

Nearest town • Melrose - See Regional, district and property maps. Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two wheel drive vehicle.

Site Description Elevation: 350m asl

Slope: 10% Landform: Piedmont; trial is located at the base of Mt Remarkable in the southern Flinders Ranges.

Figure 4.14 Trial site looking toward Mt Remarkable

Aspect: East Original vegetation Overstorey: Eucalyptus leucoxylon, Eucalyptus cladocalyx, Eucalyptus microcarpa, Eucalyptus odorata

Understorey: Dodonaea viscosa, Acacia victoriae, grasses.

Erosion There is no evidence of erosion

Figure 4.15 Trial at 15 months. E. cladocalyx

Figure 4.16 Mulch applied at planting time

Climate (based on Bundaleer Forest Reserve)

Rainfall 555mm MAR. Bundaleer

The average rainfall for the site, between 1993 &2001, is 457mm. The hundred-year average is approximately 500mm. The planting site would receive less severe frosts than the forest site.

Table 4.4 Average rainfall for Bundaleer Forest Reserve 1993 to 2001

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of raindays 3.3 3.1 3.5 6.3 9.9 11.6 12.8 13.3 10.7 8.1 5.7 4.6 Mean monthly rainfall 22.3 21.6 20.4 37.7 59.8 71.3 70.6 72.5 64.1 53.8 34.3 27.4 10th percentile rainfall 0.1 0.0 1.6 5.9 14.2 13.7 30.0 28.3 21.3 13.5 4.3 4.8 90th percentile rainfall 44.3 61.1 43.5 84.6 117.8 129.8 111.0 117.3 113.4 98.6 75.9 51.1 Mean daily max temp 30.2 29.8 26.7 22.7 17.4 13.3 13.7 15.3 16.7 21.4 25.2 28.3 Mean daily min temp 13.9 14.5 11.6 8.9 5.6 4.2 3.4 3.5 4.1 6.8 9.5 12.0 Highest max temp 42.9 41.7 40.5 35.5 27.4 21.4 25.6 28.0 30.9 35.0 40.0 40.9 Lowest min temp 3.1 5.6 0.0 1.4 -1.7 -3.4 -4.0 -2.8 -1.9 -0.5 0.7 2.5

Soil Soil tests were carried out in July 2000, to look for variation within the site and to identify any impediments to tree growth. Five auger holes were dug across the site with a 100mm hand auger. David Carr of Greening Australia Ltd conducted the soil tests.

The soil across the site appears to be derived from granitic parent material from the Mt Remarkable range directly behind the site. All auger holes were limited to a maximum of 600mm deep by loose rock.

Test 1 (NE corner) – Due to large rocks, this auger hole was only taken to 350mm deep, all within the A horizon. The soil is a dark brown sandy loam with a loose surface and a pH of 5. There are many coarse fragments throughout, up to a diameter of 100mm.

Test 2 (NE corner) – This auger hole is 600mm deep and shows distinct A and B horizons. The A horizon (0-300mm) is a brown sandy loam with a soft surface and a pH of 5.5. The B horizon (300- 600mm) is an orange-brown light clay with a pH of 6.5. There are coarse fragments (to 50mm) scattered infrequently throughout both horizons and on the surface.

Test 3(Centre) – To a depth of 600mm there are two distinct horizons present, A1 and A2. The A1 horizon (0-300mm) is a brown loamy sand with a soft surface and a pH of 6. The A2 horizon (300- 600mm) is light brown loamy sand with a pH of 5.5 and rock fragments to 50mm throughout.

Test 4 (SW corner) – Two distinct horizons are present, A1 and A2. The A1 horizon (0-150mm) is a brown loamy sand with a soft surface and a pH of 5.5. The A2 horizon (150-300mm) is a brown loamy sand with a pH of 6 and frequent coarse fragments (20-100mm) below 150mm.

Test 5 (NW corner)- Two distinct horizons occur in the top 500mm, A1 and A2. The A1 horizon (0- 450mm) is a brown loamy sand with a soft surface and a pH of 6. The A2 horizon (450-500mm+) is a brown loamy sand with a pH of 5.5. There are large coarse fragments (to 100mm) below 400mm.

Overall it appears that there is a duplex soil at the site with a deeper surface soil up the slope and a thinner soil over the clay down the slope. There are no obvious impediments to tree growth. The design of the trial will be able to accommodate the variation up and down the slope of the site.

Figure 4.17 Acacia trial in August 2002

Site preparation • The site was fenced using 5line cyclone and one plain wire.

Ground preparation • The ground was ripped to 40cm across the slope in August 2000. • Each tree planting site was dished to a depth of 17cm ready for planting. • The site was sprayed with roundup in October 2000, 5 months before planting at a rate of 1.2l/ha.

Establishment • Each plant was hand planted and watered at time of planting. The early plantings were watered once a month until the break of season in May. • A plastic film tree guard was placed around each tree and each tree was mulched with a 10cm deep layer of straw.

Figure 4.18 Mulch and guards applied to trees at planting

Eucalypt trial • Planting commenced March 1 2001. • The Eucalyptus cladocalyx “Wail” Plots 1.1,3.1 and 2.1 were planted in June. This was due to late arrival of the seed and small seedlings.

Acacia trial • Treatments 1,3 and treatment 5 replicate 1 and 2 were planted on Feb 26 2001. Treatment 5 rep3 was planted on May 8. • Treatment 2 and 4 were planted in June 2001. • This was due to late arrival of seed and the seedlings took a long time to reach an acceptable size for planting.

Table 4.5 The Eucalyptus trial – plant sources and condition

Species used Provenance Treat Nursery Seed source Size at Health at Container ment planting planting number Eucalyptus McCallum 2 Jamestown GA 15cm Good 15cm tube cladocalyx Eucalyptus Grass patch 3 Jamestown GA 15cm Good 15cm tube occidentalis Eucalyptus Wail 1 Jamestown CSIRO 10cm Some mildew 15cm tube cladocalyx

Table 4.6 The Acacia trial – plant sources and condition

Species used Provenance Treat Nursery Seed source Size at Health at Container ment planting planting number Acacia salicina Rocky River 1 Jamestown GA 20 cm Good 15cm tube

Acacia Greenough 2 Jamestown CSIRO 10cm Good !5cm tube acuminata Acacia Narrogin 3 Jamestown GA 20cm Good 15 cm tube acuminata Acacia salicina Jambin 4 Jamestown 10-15cm Good 15cm tube

Acacia pendula Jerilderie 5 Jamestown GA 10-15cn Good 15cm tube

Labelling and design The marker stake is placed in the North East corner of each plot. There is a metal tag stamped with the replicate number and the plot number on each marker stake (e.g.1/3 is rep 1, plot 3). Note that the plot number is not the same as the treatment number. Consult the layout files in the appendix to see which treatment is allocated to each plot number. There is also a paper tag with the treatment name and number.

Figure 4.19 Labelling for Acacia trial Rep 3, Plot 5, Treatment 2 (Acacia acuminata Greenough Rv)

Figure 4.20 Trial design for Harrow. Trial design shown has been slightly altered. Refer to text for correct species/seedlots

Tree layout within plots The marker stake is placed in the North east corner of each plot. Trees are numbered 1 to 36 according to the diagram. Rep1, Plot 1 (E. cladocalyx Wail) in the Eucalypt trial has 38 trees, with 7 trees in the last two rows. In this case the last tree in row 5 and the first tree in row 6 are disregarded. Rep 1 Plot 2 (E. occidentalis) in the same trial has 8 trees in the last row. The last two trees in this row are to be disregarded. In some plots, where there were insufficient trees to complete the plot, seedlings of Acacia salicina have been planted.

31 32 33 34 35 36 30 29 28 27 26 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 17 16 15 14 13 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 5 4 3 2 1

X Stake

Figure 4.21 Tree layout within plots for Melrose trial

Maintenance

Weed control post planting Spraying was carried out at a rate of 1.5 l/ha with Roundup, in August 2001 and June 2002. This gave excellent weed control on both occasions.

Monitoring The trial was assessed for height and survival in June 2002 and further monitored for form and diameter in August 2002. Anne Brown (GASA) carried out the monitoring, assisted by Chris Brown in June and David Carr (GAL) in August. The results are presented below.

Height was measured with a measuring pole. Diameter was measured approximately 5cm above the ground using forestry callipers. Form was measured using a subjective score from 1 (poor) to 6 (excellent) based on a combination of stem straightness and branching habit.

Figure 4.22 Anne Brown (GASA) measuring 15 month old E. cladocalyx Wail at Melrose

Results and discussion

Table 4.7 Acacia trial results: Height, Survival, Diameter, Stem Height Height Survival Survival Species (m) 12 (m) 48 (%) 12 (%) 48 DBH (cm) No. Species mths mths mths mths 48 mth Stem 1 Acacia salicina local 1.49 4.15 93 89.8 6.15 3.44 4 Acacia salicina Jambin 1.19 3.91 99 97.2 5.8 3.23 3 Acacia acuminata Narrogin 1.84 3.627 97 94.4 4.32 2.8 2 Acacia acuminata Greenough 0.95 3.12 74 69.4 3.51 3.19 5 Acacia pendula Jerilderie 0.69 2.147 97 90.7 2.8 *

Var ratio 38.72 21.61 6.06 2.86 41.36 1.04 d.f 4,14 4,14 4,14 4,14 4,13 4,12 f prob <0.001 <0.001 0.015 0.096 <0.001 0.458 lsd 0.1023 0.5571 5.93 21.16 0.75 0.853

Of the three species included in the Acacia trial, Acacia salicina clearly displays the best growth and survival after 48 months (Table 4.7). This is consistent with (Maslin and McDonald, 2004) who rank this species in their Category 1-2: as one of the best of the temperate Acacias for growth and biomass production. Acacia salicina is recommended as a suitable species for reconstituted wood products, firewood and specialty timber and craft wood uses (Doran and Turnbull, 1997; Maslin and McDonald, 2004). Growth rates in this trial compare well with those reported by (Doran and Turnbull, 1997).

Acacia salicina is a widely distributed species, growing naturally in all mainland states. Of the two provenances trialled here, the local one has grown faster than the Jambin provenance from Queensland. It is obviously better adapted to the site conditions, particularly the rainfall distribution.

Acacia acuminata has also grown well at the site with significant differences between the two provenances trialled (Table 4.7). In this trial the Narrogin provenance had faster growth and better

survival than the Greenough provenance. This species is ranked in Category 3 by (Maslin and McDonald, 2004). This species is widely used as a host for sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) production in Western Australia (Woodall and Robinson, 2002). There are some sandalwood plantations in South Australia, for which this species would appear capable of growing as a host.

The height growth of Acacia pendula in this trial is slow, but this is a species with a naturally spreading habit that takes a long time to develop a stem and an upright form. Survival in this trial has been excellent. Over time this species may develop well on this site. Trials in northern NSW show similar growth rates to those achieved here (Carr, 2009).

Table 4.8 Eucalypt trial results: Height, Survival, Diameter, Stem

Stem DGH Form form Species Height12 Height Survival Survival 12 DBH Score 48 Branch Forks no. Species mths 48 mths 12 mths 48 mths mths 48 mths 12 mths mths 48 mths 48 mths

Eucalyptus occidentalis 3 (Truslove) 2.3 6.7 98.1 96.7 4.5 9.14 3.39 3.1 3.98 0.817 Eucalyptus cladocalyx 2 (Melrose) 1.9 5.5 100 100 4.9 8.86 3.77 3.69 3.45 0.523 Eucalyptus cladocalyx 1 (Wail) 1.1 5.2 70.4 65.6 2.7 8.2 3.52 3.65 3.46 0.527

72 Var ratio 23.31 95.03 5.6 4.77 58.88 3.62 6.53 3.02 35.04 2.03 d.f 2,8 2,8 2,8 2,8 2,8 2,8 2,8 2,8 2,8 2,7 f prob 0.006 <0.001 0.069 0.087 0.004 0.127 0.055 0.159 0.003 0.277 lsd 0.1676 0.3211 9.92 34.17 0.307 0.997 0.107 0.739 0.2011 0.5318

Table 4.8 shows that each of the three eucalypt seedlots trialled have performed very well on growth, survival and form. Eucalyptus occidentalis (Truslove) was significantly taller than the two E. cladocalyx seedlots. It also had the largest diameter after 48 months. Survival was excellent. The two E. cladocalyx seedlots were clearly different from each other on survival and from E. occidentalis on growth. Most of the losses in the Wail seedlot of sugar gum occurred in the first year. This is attributed to poor quality of the seed attained from the Wail stand as this poor survival was also seen in the Birchip trial. The excellent survival of the Melrose seedlot demonstrates the local adaptation to the soils and climate.

The form scores (including branch, stem and fork scores) are moderately good, but indicate that the trees are of sufficient average form to provide a crop of individuals with desirable product characteristics. Good silvicultural practices, particularly early form pruning, thinning and clearwood pruning (Bird, 2000), are likely to improve the number of species with good form at harvest time.

The two eucalypt species tested here were grown on the recommendation of the ALRTIG program (Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group et al., 2002). The Melrose site and the management practices of the land owner are ideal for these species, and as a result they have thrived. This trial demonstrates that commercial farm forestry in low rainfall environments is very viable, providing good species selection is carried out. These species under these conditions are very good options for farm foresters.

Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group, Harwood, C., and Bush, D. (2002) Breeding trees for the low rainfall regions of southern Australia Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra, ACT.

Bird, P.R. (2000) Farm forestry in Southern Australia Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne, Vic.

Doran, J.C. and Turnbull, J.W.E. (1997) Australian Trees and shrubs: Species for land rehabilitation and farm planting in the tropics. ACIAR Monograph No 24. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research., Canberra.

Maslin, B.R. and McDonald, M.W. (2004) Acacia Search: Evaluation of Acacia as a woody crop option for southern Australia. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation., Canberra.

Woodall, G.S. and Robinson, C. (2002) Direct seeding Acacias of different form and function as hosts for Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum). Conservation Science Western Australia, 4, 130-134.

Figure 4.23 Trevor McCullum with (L) E. cladocalyx ‘Melrose’ and (R) E. occidentalis ‘Truslove’ at 12 mths of age

Figure 4.24 Anne Brown (GASA) measures E. occidentalis trees after 15 months growth

Trial site

Figure 4.25 Location Maps for Harrow trials

Figure 4.26 Location Map for Melrose trial site

4.3 Port Augusta Species Trial

Trial type • Species elimination trial.

Aim • To compare and measure the performance of 8 species suitable for farm forestry in arid environments.

Location • Arid Lands Botanic Garden • Stuart Highway 1km from the Eyre Hwy. (The trial is located on the western side of the highway away from the main gardens.) • Latitude: 137.73788°; Longitude: 32.46719° • The nearest town is Port Augusta

Access • Permission is required from the site manager before entering the property. This must be arranged before arrival, as the site manager is often not present. Keys are required. The site is accessible all year round in a two wheel drive vehicle.

TRIAL LOCATION

Figure 4.27 Location of Trial Sites, Port Augusta Trial

Figure 4.28 Location of Port Augusta species trial site, relative to Arid Lands Botanic Gardens

Site Description • The site is 7 m above sea level on a gently sloping plain with a 5% slope and a westerly aspect. There are gently undulating sandhills present on the sit. The original vegetation at the site (still present all around) is Acacia papyrocarpa open shrubland with an understorey of Atriplex, Maireana and Stipa.

Climate • The mean annual rainfall is 242.8mm.

Table 4.9 Long-term climate averages for Port Augusta, SA

Soil Generally, the soil is a deep, neutral pH sand.

We conducted soil tests at the trial site in July 2000, prior to site preparation. Three auger holes were dug to a depth of 1m. The soil moisture content in all test holes was ‘moderately moist’. Each test hole showed two distinct horizons, A and B.

Test 1 (SE corner) – The A horizon (0-500mm) is an orange-coloured sand with a loose surface and a pH of 6. There are fine roots present in the top 150mm. The B horizon (500-1000mm+) is an orange- brown sand with a pH of 7 and sand “peds” present below 500mm.

Test 2 (Centre) – The A horizon (0-300mm) is a pale orange sand with a loose surface and a pH of 7. There are fine roots throughout. The B horizon (300-1000mm+) is an orange sand with a pH of 7. Again, sand ‘peds’ are present below 400mm.

Test 3 (NW corner) - The A horizon (0-300mm) is a pale red sandy loam with a loose surface and a pH of 6.5. There are fine roots throughout. The B horizon (300-1000mm+) is an orange-brown sandy loam with a pH of 7. Again, sand ‘peds’ are present below 300mm.

The sandy ‘peds’ have a pH of 8 and are approximately 1cm in diameter.

Preparation and establishment

Ground preparation • The planting lines were scalped to a width of 1m to control pre-existing ‘weeds’. • The site was ripped to a depth of 50cm. • Irrigation lines were placed in the rip lines and drippers placed at each planting site.

• The irrigation is automatic and turns on once a week. The drippers work for one hour at a rate of 4litres per hour.

Establishment The trees were hand planted in June 2001. They were guarded with 2 litre milk cartons pegged with 2 bamboo stakes.

Figure 4.29 Port Augusta trial – Newly planted and guarded Eucalypt seedlings with dripline installed

Table 4.10 Species and their sources, Port Augusta trial

Species used Provenance Treatment Nursery Seed Size at Health at Container number source planting planting Casuarina 1 Jamestown 10cm Good 15cm pauper forestry tube Allocasuarina Old gun barrel 2 Jamestown ATSC 5cm Slightly 15cm tube decaisneana hwy brown Acacia aneura Cobar 3 Jamestown ATSC 10cm Good 15cm tube Acacia Greenough rv 4 Jamestown ATSC 10cm Good 15cm tube acuminata

Acacia Port Augusta 5 Jamestown GASA 10cm Good 15cm tube papyrocarpa Eucalyptus Vander Linden 6 Jamestown ATSC 15cm Good 15 cm tube socialis lakes

Eucalyptus Gutha 7 Jamestown ATSC 10cm Good 15cm tube horistes

Eucalyptus West Wyalong 8 Jamestown ATSC 10cm Good 15cm tube polybractea

Labelling and design The marker stake is placed in the South West corner of each plot. There is a metal tag stamped with the replicate number and the plot number on each marker stake (e.g.1/3 is rep 1, plot 3). Note that the plot number is not the same as the treatment number. Consult the layout files in the appendix to see which treatment is allocated to each plot number. There is also a paper tag with the treatment name and number.

The trial is a randomised complete block design with 3 replicate blocks, each containing 8 plots of 16 trees. All 8 seedlots are represented in each replicate. The plots are arranged in a 4 x 4 square, with rows 4m apart and trees at 4m spacings within the rows.

1 8 9 16 2 7 10 15 3 6 11 14 4 5 12 13 Figure 4.30 Tree numbering in plots, Port Augusta trial. The stake is adjacent to tree number 1

Figure 4.31 Trial design for Port Augusta species trial

Maintenance and monitoring Planting lines were weeded using a whipper snipper and trees were hand weeded in December 2001. Trees were again hand weeded in August 2002. This site was irrigated until March 2004.

Figure 4.32 Greening Australia staff hand weeding and slashing around trial trees in December 2001

Survival and plant height were recorded in December 2001 and August 2002.

In August 2002, the height of the trees was measured with a flexible tape measure. The trees were also given a score for health (1=poor, 6=excellent). The results of this monitoring are presented below. The trial site was again measured in September 2005 by Paul Slattery and Ann-Louise George for Greening Australia. Survival and height were measured. In 2005 only the survival, height and form of the eucalypts were analysed.

Figure 4.33 Neville Bonney and Melissa Horgan from GASA measuring the trial

Results and discussion

Table 4.11 Results and statistics for all variables for Port Augusta species trial after 12 and 48 months

Survival Species Height 12 Height (m) 48 12 Health 12 Survival (%) Stem Form 48 Branch 48 no. Species months months months months 48 months months months

8 Eucalyptus polybractea 0.72 1.25 91.7 5.48 79.2 4.78 4.91 7 Eucalyptus horistes 0.69 0.95 97.9 5.68 89.6 3.83 3.68 6 Eucalyptus socialis 0.68 0.94 89.6 5.81 87.5 2.84 3.18 1 Casuarina pauper 0.55 0.85 97.9 4.68 93.7 4.02 3.29 5 Acacia papyrocarpa 0.24 0.52 89.6 4.42 27.1 * * 2 Allocasuarina decaisneana 0.24 * 54.2 4.06 0 * * 4 Acacia cyperophylla 0.38 * 100 3.8 10.4 * * 3 Acacia aneura 0.10 * 85.4 3.88 2.1 * *

Var ratio 24.37 14.62 6.94 11.93 42.34 13.47 5.96 d.f 7,23 6,18 7,23 7,23 7,23 3,11 3,11 F prob <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.004 0.031 lsd 0.0692 0.2471 7.88 0.34 19.79 0.7532 1.124

In 2005 survival was poor in most non-eucalypt species. The most successful non-eucalypt was local Casuarina pauper, but the individual plants were very small. After 12 months survival was reasonably high for all species except Allocasuarina decaisneana, most likely due to the supplementary watering they received (Figure 4.10). The seedlings of the Allocasuarina were small at planting and appear to have been selectively grazed by rabbits. There was no significant difference in survival among the other species after 12 months.

After 48 months of growth, with supplementary watering stopped at 20 months, there were major losses in Acacia aneura, Acacia cyperophylla, Allocasuarina decaisneana and Acacia papyrocarpa. There were some losses among the other 5 species, but these were not significantly different from each other. Acacia aneura is slow to start and requires wetter than average conditions to establish and survive (Doran and Turnbull, 1997). The below-average rainfall at the site and rabbit browsing are likely to have caused the high mortality in this species. Similarly, Acacia cyperophylla and A.

papyrocarpa are arid zone species that are slow to establish, and are prone to high mortality during drought. The slightly higher survival of A. papyrocarpa is most likely because it occurs naturally on the site and is better adapted to the conditions. Allocasuarina decaisneana continued to decline due to poor early growth and rabbit browsing. Establishment of these species in arid environments is likely to be best from direct seeding during high rainfall seasons, with high seedling attrition to be expected. Alternatively, growing seeds in large pots or bags may allow the necessary tap root and lateral root system to develop before transplanting (Doran and Turnbull, 1997).

Survival among the three eucalypts and Casuarina pauper was high most likely due to the supplementary watering for the first 20 months. Casuarina pauper is also a very hardy species and naturally grows in areas of extremely low rainfall (Doran and Hall, 1981).

Survival (%) 48 months Eucalyptus polybractea 100 Survival 12 months 90 80 Acacia aneura 70 Eucalyptus horistes 60 50 40 30 20 10 Acacia cyperophylla 0 Eucalyptus socialis

Allocasuarina decaisneana Casuarina pauper

Acacia papyrocarpa

Figure 4.34 Survival of species in the Port Augusta trial after 12 and 48 months

The four species with survival greater than 70% after 48 months have grown very poorly, as indicated by the height (Figure 4.11). As they are all arid zone species, they are adapted to slow growth during tough conditions, with periods of rapid growth when moisture is available. For these species, the first four years of growth have been under very tough conditions, so it is still too early to dismiss them as unsuitable species for farm forestry. One or two years of above-average rainfall may see them grow rapidly.

Eucalyptus socialis has potential for fuelwood, biomass, and small roundwood products (Doran and Turnbull, 1997; Zorzetto and Chudleigh, 1999), while E. horistes and E. polybractea are oil producing species (Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group et al., 2002). These uses require plants with high biomass, for which height is a reasonable indicator. They do not require good stem and branch form, unless they are to be used for craft or specialty timber purposes. Of the four species, E. socialis had the best form (Table 4.3). Casuarina pauper is used for fuelwood or specialty timber and requires a reasonable form for both these purposes. The results indicate that it has reasonable stem straightness but moderate branching habit.

Monitoring of this trial should continue to provide an indication of the likely value of these species for biomass and oil crops. Some destructive sampling may be necessary to measure oil chemistry and yield and average biomass.

1.60 Height 12 months Height (m) 48 months 1.40 Error bars = lsd

1.20

1.00

0.80 (m)

0.60

0.40

0.20

0.00 Eucalyptus polybractea Eucalyptus horistes Eucalyptus socialis Casuarina pauper Acacia papyrocarpa

Figure 4.35 Height of 5 species in the Port Augusta species trial after 12 and 48 months

Figure 4.36 E. polybractea Figure 4.37 Casuarina pauper Figure 4.38 E. socialis

5. Tasmanian midlands

The Midlands region on the east coast of Tasmania receives relatively little rainfall compared to the rest of the island. Agriculture in this region is predominantly sheep grazing. The area is also cold in winter with a high number of severe frosts. As a result there is a high need for shelter for livestock after shearing and during lambing. These trials are designed to find species suitable for shelterbelts in this region, that also have potential for commercial timber production. The cold, dry climate makes conditions for tree growing particularly difficult and specific research has been carried out in the area to determine the best establishment methods for successful tree growing (Close and Davidson, 2003). Farm foresters should refer to this report before embarking on commercial plantings in this region. One of the findings of this report is that newly planted trees need to grow fast if they are to out- compete vigorous perennial pasture plants (such as Phalaris aquatica) and survive frosts. One of our trials (York Plains) failed completely as a result of dry conditions and poor follow-up weed control, with nine out of eleven species having less than 10% survival after 2 years.

Rainfall was the most significant factor in the growth of most species as Figure 5.1 shows. The growth at the wetter Swansea site was much higher than at Kempton. Frost was a significant factor for a number of species, particularly E. cladocalyx. Possum browsing restricted the growth of several species in the Kempton trial, but did not affect E. cladocalyx or Allocasuarina verticillata.

From the four trials the most promising species are E. globulus, E. globulus x camaldulensis, E. nitens and Pinus radiata providing the site can be protected from possum browsing. Eucalyptus cladocalyx is also a promising species for frost protected sites. Allocasuarina verticillata is the most promising of the ‘specialty’ timber species.

The trials also showed that the ALRTIG core species E. camaldulensis, Corymbia variegata and Pinus pinaster are not suited to the midlands of Tasmania. Surprisingly E. argophloia a species from the Darling Downs of Queensland, performed moderately well at all the trial sites.

Sw ansea Kempton

0 a 3 h ig o c le W d V W w A n u M i n ir x le B d L y l d l g Ch Be a a n ST CA c I a a m wy a i a r o a t o p e G d t a l r c t i a s a la h x s i l il d p c a s c a ri s c r o t n n . ti u i e r . rg . l p l E u e P a E . u v b . o P ld . E l a A . g m a E c . E

Figure 5.1 Comparison of heights (m) of 8 species common to both Swansea and Kempton trials after 48 months growth

5.1 Kempton Species Trial

Aim To assess the potential of 8 species for low rainfall farm forestry in exposed upper slope positions in the midlands of Tasmania.

Location

Map reference • Tasmap 1:25,000; Kempton 5029; Easting: 519500; Northing: 5295600

Nearest town • Kempton (5km to SW) on the midlands highway, north of Hobart, Tasmania.

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are required. The site is only accessible by four wheel drive vehicle.

Site Description The site is at 320 m asl on the edge of a valley, in a mid to upper slope position (Fig 5.1). The trial site is gently sloping (5o) with a westerly aspect. The trial site is cleared, but retains predominantly native pastures. The original vegetation at the site was grassy woodland forest, predominately Eucalyptus pauciflora and E. viminalis.

Trial

Figure 5.2 Trial site and surrounding landscape at Kempton, Tasmania

Figure 5.3 Map of trial site and surrounding landscape at Kempton, Tasmania

Climate • Based on “Oakmore” Kempton • Temperatures based on “North Stockman” Melton Mowbray • Mean annual rainfall is 505 mm for 102 years, but only 422 mm for past 22 years.

Table 5.1 Long term climate averages for the trial site district

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of rain days 10.0 8.5 8.8 8.8 11.2 12.3 14.7 12.4 14.8 17.6 15.2 11.7 Mean monthly rainfall 40.1 33.5 37.2 45.1 39.6 43.5 42.0 41.1 40.5 50.5 41.9 51.2 10th percentile rainfall 8.6 5.0 11.0 11.8 10.6 14.8 11.6 16.3 16.2 22.0 12.0 14.0 90th percentile rainfall 89.2 73.6 78.5 79.6 68.7 75.6 69.9 75.7 69.5 89.5 69.7 103.7 Mean Daily Pan 6.7 6.6 4.9 3.0 1.8 1.3 1.2 1.8 2.9 4.1 5.2 6.9 Evaporation (mm) Mean daily max temp 23.7 24.0 20.8 17.4 14.4 12.1 11.4 12.6 15.2 16.6 19.3 21.3 Mean daily min temp 10.2 10.7 8.1 5.6 4.1 1.9 2.4 2.3 4.7 5.6 7.0 8.8 Highest max temp 39.2 37.3 35.6 27.6 25.1 17.5 16.3 21.5 24.8 29.2 33.6 37.8 Lowest min temp 0.4 3.4 1.0 -4.0 -4.8 -7.0 -4.1 -3.8 -3.6 -2.9 -1.0 1.6

Soil The soils are predominately well-structured sandy loam with sandstone rock and pebble. The pH is 5.5 to 6.0 across the soil profile.

Six auger holes were dug at the trial site to determine soil properties and variations. The proposed trial site is undulating so samples were taken in the hollows and on the rises. Test holes were dug with a hand auger and David Carr (GAL) and Rob Downie (GAT) conducted the tests.

Test 1 on the lower slope showed three distinct horizons (A1, A2 &B) in an auger hole 750mm deep. The A1 (0-150mm) is a black loam with a soft surface and a pH of 4.5. The A2 (150-600mm) is a black clay loam with a pH of 4.5. The B-horizon (600-750mm+) is white sand with a pH of 5.5.

Test 2 on the crest of a slope shows 2 distinct horizons (A and B) in the test hole to a depth of 750mm. The A horizon (0-150mm) is a light-brown sandy loam with a firm surface, coarse fragments up to 50mm diameter and a pH of 4.5. The B-horizon (150-750mm+) is an orange light clay, with a pH of 5 and a slight grey mottle below 650mm.

Test 3 on a similar lower slope position to Test 1 revealed a very similar soil description. On this basis it was decided that the lower slope soils were too dissimilar to the upper slope soils and should not be included in the trial.

Tests 5 and 6 on upper slope soils revealed very similar soils to Test 2. On this basis it was decided to locate the whole trial on the upper slope part of the site.

Preparation and establishment The trial is laid out with rows 3m apart and trees planted at 3m spacing within rows. The rows were ripped to a depth of 500mm and mounded prior to planting. The rip lines run east to west.

Prior to the trial establishment the site had a history of pasture production. As possums and rabbits are major predators of young seedlings in this area, the site was fenced with ringlock with an electric plain wire on the top.

Establishment

Table 5.2 Species, Common Names, Provenance, Source, Plot and number planted

Species Common Name Provenance Nursery Plot Number E. cladocalyx Sugar Gum Wail Wail 1 75 E. tricarpa Iron Bark Bendigo Benalla 2 75 E. glob x camaldulensis Hybrid 6.5 (DeLittle) Gunns 3 75 E. argophloia Western White Gum Chinchilla Inverell NSW 4 50 E. argophloia Western White Gum Chinchilla (15504) Pulchella 4 25 Pinus pinaster Maratime Pine CALM W.A. Calm WA 5 75 Pinus radiata Radiata Pine STBA 3.1 Lemarna 6 75 E. camaldulensis River Red Gum Gwydir Valley Woodlea 7 50 E. camaldulensis River Red Gum Lake Albacutya Pulchella 7a 25 Allocasuarina verticillata She Oak "Inglewood" D. Burbury 8 75 600

The trial was planted on 26-27 July 2001. The seedlings were planted into the rip-lines in weed-free, bare soil. The soil was moderately moist at the time of planting. The trees were planted with Potti- Putkis, to a depth where the root ball was just covered with soil. All trees were protected with guards and mulch mats (Fig 5.2).

Figure 5.4 Kempton trial site showing fencing, mounding and tree guards

Labelling and design Pig tail pins were placed in the southwest corner of each plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (Rep No / Plot No).

There is a pig tail pin at the start of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No / Row No).

The trial is a randomised incomplete block design with 3 replicates of 8 plots. There is one species / provenance to each plot with 5 rows of 5 trees (25 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (Fig 5.6)

Figure 5.5 Trial design for Kempton species trial

Figure 5.6 Tree numbering within plots at Kempton species trial

Maintenance Within each plot 20 trees (excluding trees 1, 10, 11, 20, 21) were fertilised with 100gms of 18:20:0 on 28 September 2001. Trees were not watered after planting. The trial site was strip sprayed for weeds in March 2002 using Round-Up at 2 l/ha.

Monitoring Rob Downie inspected the site on 28 Sept 2001 at the same time that the fertilising was done and all the surviving trees appeared in good health with at least 95% survival across all species. Growing conditions at planting and through spring, summer and autumn were ideal for most species. Most trees appeared to be well established. In July 2002 Dave Carr and Rob Downie measured the site for

survival, health, any insect or possum damage. Health and possum damage were scored on a subjective scale of 1 to 6. On this scale a score of 6 indicates best health and least possum damage.

The trial was also measured in July 2004 after 48 months growth. Results from the monitoring were analysed using the ANOVA procedure in Genstat 5.4.2. F statistics were calculated and used to make comparisons among species for each variable.

Results

Table 5.3 All results and statistics for Kempton species trial after 12 and 48 months growth

Mean Mean Mean possum Mean Mean height @ Survival health damage height @ Survival Stem Branch health 12 mths @ 12 score @ score @ 48 mths @ 48 mths form @ form @ score @ Number Species (m) mths (%) 12 mths 12 mths (m) (%) 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 1 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail 0.84 100 5.28 6 2.08 86.7 4.38 4.23 4.67 8 Allocasuarina verticillata Inglewood 0.84 100 5.83 6 1.97 100 3.59 3.47 4.08 6 Pinus radiata STBA3.1 0.69 100 5.39 5.4 1.35 77.3 3.88 3.24 3.78 4 Eucalyptus argophloia Chinchilla 0.55 100 5.35 5.85 0.97 80 2.92 2.79 2.6 2 Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo 0.71 98.7 5.78 4.49 0.94 78.7 2.31 2.68 2.18 3 Eucalyptus globulus x camaldulensis 6.5 DeLitle 0.42 100 5.28 2.16 0.77 76 1.88 1.91 1.71

95 5 Pinus pinaster CALMWA 0.47 97.3 5.05 5.93 0.65 50.7 3.25 2.03 1.84 7 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Gwydir River 0.51 100 5.28 1.55 0.6 41.3 2.56 1.55 1.03

F. pr. <0.001 0.57 0.046 <0.001 <0.001 0.04 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 variance ratio 29.07 0.84 2.83 350.75 89.36 2.96 14.82 13.16 23.82 s.e.d 0.04 1.533 0.22 0.14 d.f = 14,7 14,7 14,7 14,7 14,7 14,7 14,7 14,7 14,7 14,7 standard error of means 0.06 11.02 0.22 0.25 0.27 l.s.d. 0.19 33.44 0.66 0.75 0.8

6 P<0.001, Error bars = sed

0 Eucalyptus Allocasuarina Pinus radiata Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Pinus pinaster Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail verticillata STBA3.1 argophloia tricarpa Bendigo globulus x CALMWA camaldulensis Inglewood Chinchilla camaldulensis 6.5 Gwydir River DeLitle

Figure 5.7 Possum damage scores after 12 months growth

Figure 5.8 Possum damage to E. globulus x camaldulensis

Kempton species trial (12 and 48 months) - Survival

Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail 100

80 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Gwydir River Allocasuarina verticillata Inglewood 60

Pinus pinaster CALMWA 0 Pinus radiata STBA3.1

Eucalyptus globulus x camaldulensis 6.5 DeLitle Eucalyptus argophloia Chinchilla

Survival @ 12 mths (%) Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo Survival @ 48 mths (%)

Figure 5.9 Survival of species in Kempton trial after 12 and 48 months

2.5

2 Mean height @ 12 mths (m) Mean height @ 48 mths (m)

Error bars 1.5 12 mths = s.e.d 48 mths = l.s.d (m)

0.5

0 Eucalyptus Allocasuarina Pinus radiata Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Pinus pinaster Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail verticillata STBA3.1 argophloia tricarpa globulus x CALMWA camaldulensis Inglewood Chinchilla Bendigo camaldulensis Gwydir River 6.5 DeLitle

Figure 5.10 Height (m) of species in Kempton trial after 12 and 48 months

7 Error bars Mean health score @ 12 mths 12 mths = s.e.d Mean health score @ 48 mths 48 mths = l.s.d 6

3 Mean health score 1-6

0 Eucalyptus Allocasuarina Pinus radiata Eucalyptus Eucalyptus tricarpa Eucalyptus Pinus pinaster Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail verticillata STBA3.1 argophloia Bendigo globulus x CALMWA camaldulensis Inglewood Chinchilla camaldulensis 6.5 Gwydir River DeLitle

Figure 5.11 Mean health of species in Kempton trial after 12 and 48 months

6 Stem form @ 48 mths Branch form @ 48 mths

Error bars = l.s.d 5

0 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Allocasuarina Pinus radiata STBA3.1 Eucalyptus argophloia Eucalyptus tricarpa Eucalyptus globulus x Pinus pinaster Eucalyptus Wail verticillata Inglewood Chinchilla Bendigo camaldulensis 6.5 CALMWA camaldulensis Gwydir DeLitle River

Figure 5.12 Mean branch and stem form scores for species in Kempton trial after 48 months

Discussion With the best species (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) having a mean height of only just over 2 m after 4 years of growth, it is apparent that growth on this site is poor compared to what could be expected in traditional forestry areas, or even in better areas of the Tasmanian midlands (see Swansea trial report below). Eucalyptus cladocalyx and Allocasuarina verticillata were the best species for height and survival during the trial and were the only species not to be affected by possum browsing after 12 months (Fig 5.4). For E. cladocalyx this may be due to the high concentrations of cyanide in new shoots (Gleadow and Woodrow, 2000), which deter mammalian browsing.

In the early stages of growth, E. cladocalyx was moderately affected by frost, but this was not enough to kill the trees outright, as occurred in the York Plains trial, because the Kempton site has some cold air drainage. Both of these species have performed consistently over the four years of the trial with high rankings for growth, survival, health and form.

The results show that on sites like this, where there is some amelioration against frost, E. cladocalyx has potential as an agroforestry species. The results, do not give any indication yet of how great this potential might be and the trial will need to be monitored for many more years to see if the growth of this species can be maintained.

Figure 5.13 Adjacent to the trial site are mature trees of Allocasuarina verticillata (centre) and Eucalyptus viminalis (left) Allocasuarina verticillata is a local species with mature trees present close to the trial site. It is well adapted to the conditions and may well have benefited from the presence of micro-symbionts such as Frankia from these mature neighbours. The wood of this species is highly regarded by furniture makers and for wood craft as it is strongly featured (Doran and Hall, 1981). Farm foresters have had requests for supplies of this species from overseas that they could not get enough wood to fill (Rob Downie, pers. comm.) indicating that there is potential for plantation grown supplies. It is likely that the habit of this species, with its long terminal branchlets, has given it an advantage in height measurements over other species in the trial because of the way measurements were carried out. Nevertheless its overall performance ranks it over most species. Like E. cladocalyx, this species does not appear to be affected by possum browsing at this site, yet it is often heavily browsed by rabbits (Doran and Hall, 1981).

Pinus radiata is commonly grown in the district as a shelterbelt and amenity species. There was some early possum damage to this species but it does not seem to have greatly affected its growth, survival or health. This species is often slower in the early stages of growth than some species, but often catches up as these species slow down (Andrews, 2000). After 48 months, this species had excellent stem form and good branching habit, indicating that it is likely to be a viable farm forestry species for the district over time. P. pinaster on the other hand had poor growth, survival and health after 48

months, indicating that the environment is not favourable for this species. It is less tolerant of cold than P. radiata (CAB International, 2000). While it is more drought tolerant than P. radiata (Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group et al., 2002),the cold is likely to be too limiting for this species to be successfully grown in the Tasmanian midlands.

Eucalyptus globulus x camaldulensis and E. camaldulensis had poor growth over the course of the trial, most likely due to possum browsing in the first 12 months, which affected these species more than others. While the hybrid appears to have survived this browsing, E. camaldulensis had poor survival after 48 months. This supports other trials from similar cold environments on the Northern Tablelands of NSW(Carr, 2004), where E. camaldulensis has poor survival and growth. The natural temperature range for this species has a mean minimum in the coldest month between 0o and 22o C (CAB International, 2000). The conditions at the Kempton site would be at the cold extreme of this range and appear to have affected growth and survival.

Eucalyptus argophloia is growing outside of its natural range and climate at this site, yet it has reasonably good health, growth and survival. Its performance in this trial has been very similar to that of E. tricarpa, although E. argophloia typically has better stem straightness (Allworth, 2000).

While these results are too preliminary to make recommendations for farm foresters in the Tasmanian midlands about which species they should plant for commercial and environmental outcomes, the trial indicates a number of species that are worth trialling in small plots on other farms through the midlands. In addition, it is apparent that E. camaldulensis, E. globulus x camaldulensis and Pinus pinaster are growing too far outside of their preferred environment to be successfully grown for agroforestry and cannot be recommended.

5.2 Swansea Species Trial

Aim To assess the potential of 14 species for low rainfall farm forestry in coastal districts in the midlands of Tasmania.

Location • Mayfield Jetty Rd; Tasmap 1:25,000, 5832 • Easting: 583142; Northing: 5321213 Nearest town • Swansea (18km to the North)

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Access Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two wheel drive vehicle.

Figure 5.14 View of the Mayfield trial site and surrounds

Site Description

Elevation • 15m i.e.

Slope • 3% Landform • Mid slope towards a minor drainage line

Aspect • East

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Original vegetation • Coastal forest of Eucalyptus globulus and E. viminalis, probably with Callitris rhomboidea and Allocasuarina verticillate

Figure 5.15 Map of the Mayfield dry area species trial site

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Climate

Table 5.4 Long-term climate averages for Swansea Post Office. Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of rain days Mean monthly rainfall 51.2 48.1 53.0 52.7 49.3 56.9 48.6 45.0 42.7 57.6 57.3 63.2 10th percentile rainfall 11.7 6.6 11.8 11.6 8.4 13.8 11.1 14.4 14.6 18.0 16.6 18.0 90th percentile rainfall 100.0 107.9 92.3 104.5 97.9 115.5 81.2 84.2 76.0 110.8 105.1 131.7 Mean Daily Pan 4.9 4.5 3.3 2.3 1.4 1.0 1.1 1.6 2.5 3.3 4.0 4.7 Evaporation(mm) Mean daily max temp 22.1 22.2 20.9 18.7 15.9 13.8 13.2 14.1 15.9 17.7 18.9 20.5 Mean daily min temp 11.6 11.7 10.3 8.2 6.2 4.4 3.6 4.3 5.7 7.1 8.9 10.4 Highest max temp 39.2 39.2 36.2 29.3 27.0 21.1 24.0 24.3 29.6 33.9 36.0 38.1 Lowest min temp 2.7 1.3 0.0 -1.3 -3.1 -4.0 -5.0 -4.2 -4.0 -1.9 -1.4 1.0

• Based on “Kelvedon” Swansea the mean annual rainfall is 630 mm for 126 years, but only 554 mm for past 15 years. Temperatures based on Swansea Post Office.

Table 5.5 Rainfall recorded at the trial site for the first 12 months of the trial

Monthly Rainfall Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Year 2001 34.2 10.6 51.0 75.4 49.3 27.0 64.0 71.8 54.8 97.2 95.0 37.8

Year 2002 39.6 41.4 7.8 31.4 9.6 36.0

Soil • The soils are predominately clay loam over clay. The clay layer is at a depth of 400mm on the upper slopes and at 300mm on the lower slopes. The pH is 5.5 to 6.0 across the soil profile. There are coarse fragments throughout the soil.

Preparation and establishment

Prior to the trial establishment the site had a history of cropping for barley and for pasture production. The site was cultivated several months before planting and any remaining weeds were sprayed just prior to planting.

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Establishment

Table 5.6 Species and source for seedlings used in the Swansea trial

Species Common Name Provenance Nursery Plot No E. cladocalyx Sugar Gum Wail Wail 1 100 E. cladocalyx Sugar Gum Wirrabara Murray Bridge 2 100 E. tricarpa Iron Bark Bendigo Benalla 3 100 E. glob x camaldulensis Hybrid 6.2 (DeLittle) Gunns 4 100 E. globulus Blue Gum Boral Orchard Woodlea 5 100 E. camaldulensis River Red Gum Gwydir Valley Woodlea 6 100 E. argophloia Western White Gum Chinchilla Inverell NSW 7 75 E. nitens Shinning Gum Forestry Tas Pulchella 8 100 Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine CALM W.A. Calm WA 9 100 Pinus radiata Radiata Pine STBA 3.1 Lemarna 10 100 Allocasuarina verticillata She Oak "Inglewood" D. Burbury 11 100 Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum Curryall SF Pulchella 12 75 Callitris rhomboidea Oyster Bay Pine "Lilla Villa" Pulchella 13 100 Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood "Brambletye" Woodlea 14 100 Corymbia variegata Spotted Gum Paddy's Land Pulchella 15 75 E. camaldulensis River Red Gum Lake Albacutya Pulchella 16 25 1450

Figure 5.16 Guards, mulch mats, stakes and plot labels The trial was planted on 26-27 July 2001. The seedlings were planted into the rip-lines in weed-free, bare soil. The soil was moderately moist at the time of planting. The trees were planted with Potti- Putkis, to a depth where the root ball was just covered with soil. All trees were protected with guards and mulch mats (Fig 5.16).

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Labelling and design Pig tail pins were placed in the southwest corner of each plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (Rep No / Plot No).

There is a pig tail pin at the start of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No / Row No).

The trial is a randomised incomplete block design with 4 replicates of 12 plots, 3 replicates of 3 plots and one spare plot (Figs. 5.17 and 5.18). There is one species / provenance to each plot with 5 rows of 5 trees (25 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (Fig. 5.19)

Figure 5.17 Swansea trial design, showing location of the trial at the site

Figure 5.18 Swansea species trial allocation of treatments

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Figure 5.19 Swansea species trial numbering within plots

Figure 5.20 Swansea trial site shortly after planting, July 2001

Growing conditions at planting and through spring, summer and autumn were ideal for most species although the Pinus pinaster, P. radiata and Callitris rhomboidea all appeared to suffer to some extent from waterlogging due to the prolonged wet season. Most trees appeared to be well established.

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In July 2002 Dave Carr (GAL) and Rob Downie measured the site for survival, health and any insect damage. The site was measured again in July 2005.

The results were analysed using the REML procedure in Genstat 5.4.2. Wald statistics were used to calculate the probability that differences among species for each variable were due to chance. Standard errors of difference were calculated to enable comparison between individual species for any significant variable.

Figure 5.21 Growth at the Swansea trial after 12 months

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Results

Table 5.7 All results for Swansea species trial, 12 and 48 months Mean Mean Mean height @ Survival Health height @ DBH @ Survival Health 12 Mean @ 12 score @ 48 48 @ 48 score @ months DGH02 months 12 months months months 48 Number Species (m) (cm) (%) months (m) s.e (cm) s.e (%) s.e Stem05 s.e Branch05 s.e months s.e 15 Corymbia variegata Paddys Land 0.95*885.63************ 5 Callitris rhomboidea Lilla Villa 0.67 * 99 5.84 1.5 0.18 * * 70 4.34 4.63 0.17 4.35 0.12 5.24 0.18 4 Allocasuarina verticillata Inglewood 1.23 * 96 5.93 2.61 0.18 * * 96 4.34 3.93 0.17 3.54 0.12 4.4 0.18 2 Eucalyptus globulus Boral Orchard 1.85 3.39 100 5.47 5.36 0.18 7.42 0.47 87 4.34 4.53 0.17 4.21 0.12 4.62 0.18 1 Eucalyptus globulus x camaldulensis 6.2 De Little 1.84 3.08 100 5.51 4.55 0.18 7.14 0.47 100 4.34 4.24 0.17 4.43 0.12 5.18 0.18 8 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail 1.45 2.42 100 5.96 4.08 0.18 6.06 0.47 94 4.34 4.37 0.17 4.06 0.12 5.7 0.18 10 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra 1.4 2.28 100 5.96 4.09 0.18 5.99 0.47 97 4.34 4.44 0.17 3.98 0.12 5.88 0.18 12 Pinus radiata STBA3.1 0.8 * 97 5.63 3.61 0.18 5.4 0.47 91 4.34 5.12 0.17 4.42 0.12 5.85 0.18 3 Eucalyptus nitens Forestry Tas 1.58 3.15 99 5.93 3.61 0.18 5.19 0.47 91 4.34 4.52 0.17 3.62 0.12 4.5 0.18 11 Corymbia maculata Curryall SF 1.23 2.04 86.35 5.88 3.05 0.21 4.56 0.55 81 5.06 4.83 0.2 4.02 0.14 5.13 0.21 6 Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo 1.19 1.7 99 5.98 2.9 0.18 4.09 0.47 98 4.34 3.93 0.17 3.61 0.12 4.66 0.18 14 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Gwydir Valley 1.37 2.39 100 5.86 2.45 0.18 3.65 0.98 99 4.34 4.82 0.17 3.63 0.12 4.33 0.18 7 Acacia melanoxylon Brambletye 1.07 1.97 99 5.48 2.4 0.18 3.36 0.98 97 4.34 4.92 0.17 3.69 0.12 4.71 0.18

108 9 Pinus pinaster CALMWA 0.58 * 100 5.26 1.79 0.18 2.53 0.98 92 4.34 4.6 0.17 4.5 0.12 5.45 0.18 13 Eucalyptus argophloia Chinchilla 0.88 1.45 99.2 5.72 2.08 0.21 2.03 0.98 98 5.06 4.13 0.2 3.59 0.14 5.32 0.21

χ2 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Wald statistic 43.16 15.47 2.44 6.65 491.93 69.98 44.9 53.95 114.67 118.29 df 139131313 11 13 13 13 13 σ2 0.01 0.08 16.63 0.03 0.13 0.87 75.2 0.12 0.06 0.13 se 0 0.03 3.87 0.01 0.03 0.28 17.48 0.03 0.01 0.03 Average s.e.d 0.09 0.15 2.95 0.13 0.26 0.94 6.28 0.25 0.17 0.26

Note 1: Diameter was not measured on the smaller, slower growing, species. Note 2: Health is a scale 1 to 6, (1 = poor, 6 = excellent). Note 3: The Corymbia’s suffered some root damage prior to planting and this reduced survival. Note 4: Some trees had suffered from wind damage and insect attack.

Swansea species trial (12 and 48 months) - Survival

Corymbia variegata Paddys Land 100 Callitris rhomboidea Lilla Villa Eucalyptus globulus Boral Orchard 80 Pinus pinaster CALMWA Eucalyptus globulus x camaldulensis 6.2 De Little 60

40 Eucalyptus argophloia Chinchilla Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra 20

0 Acacia melanoxylon Brambletye Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Gwydir Valley Eucalyptus nitens Forestry Tas

Allocasuarina verticillata Inglewood Pinus radiata STBA3.1

Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo Corymbia maculata Curryall SF

Survival @ 12 months (%) Survival @ 48 months (%)

Figure 5.22 Survival of species in Swansea trial after 12 and 48 months growth

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Mean height @ 12 months (m) Mean height @ 48 months (m) 5 Error bars = Avg. sed

3 (m)

d d il a 1 y la illa ar ttle a rr 3. il V Tas h Lan h Li W y alle s a ewood rc e x r endigo V LMWA nc y gl O D y raba B r A d n l al di Chi I c Wir a STBA rest ea Lill ra o x t o a id s 6.2 F ata Bo ly dia s lon Brambletye ill si clad a hloi n s c ra en p gata Pad lus u t ie ombo bu us ni ar rh vertic in ulensis Gwy argo v aldule P d inus pinaster Cs glo m s clado melanoxy tu ia rina s a ucalypt tu P p b u c p ia E ly Eucalyptus tricarpa c ly m Callitris x ucalyptus a a ry ca c c o u E Corymbia maculata Curryall SF A C ocasua ucalypt E Eu All E lobulus g tus Eucalyptus camal

Eucalyp

Figure 5.23 Height of species (m) in Swansea species trial after 12 and 48 months growth

7 Health score @ 12 months Health score @ 48 months 6

3 Mean health score health Mean 2

a e il s o ll l .1 a g and i itt rra SF i L a L x Wa b nd lla V y ry T e irra st B STBA3 urryall al Orchard .2 De a re rambletye r 6 t C B docal a Fo a rpa n idea Li s a yx W i s t a ster CALMWA ta Paddys si al n la a bo us Bo n c e u tric ylo l e it s sis Gwydir Valleyx m do s rad n n pin riega ul a u s a lobu ld cl s mac g Pin ia lyptu ldule elano ris rho ma calyptus cl m ia v it u lyptu ca Pinu b ca E lyptus ca Eu ama cia Call x c s ca Eu ca orym lu Corymb A C u Eu Eucalyptus argophloia Chinchilla Eucalyptus b Allocasuarina verticillata Inglewoodo s gl tu Eucalyptus lyp ca Eu

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Figure 5.24 Mean health scores (1 = poor, 6 = excellent) of species in Swansea species trial at 12 and 48 months

χ2 < 0.001 8 Error bars = Avg. sed

4(cm)

d ar tle igo tye it arra Tas d WA hilla ch Wail b y ble M ra L inc Or De L str Ben m alyx e a ra CA ral Curryall SF r Ch o 6.2 oc x Wir rp B y a Gwydir Valley n te loia B lad l ic h s sis ca is as s c o xylo in op len o p g u tu aculata lens lobulu m u lan us ar ald alyp clad Pinus radiata STBA3.1 lyptus tr e in m a tus s g us lyptus nitens For m P u ia Euc lypt ca Euc lypt x ca ac s ca c calyp ca Eu Corymbia A u Eu Eu E obulu lyptus camald l ca s g u Eu lypt ca u E

Figure 5.25 Mean dbh (cm) of species in Swansea species trial after 48 months

Discussion As figure 5.22 shows, the survival of most species in this trial has been very good. Table 5.4 shows that the rainfall during the first winter and spring of this trial was much higher than the long term average, which is likely to have given the trees a good start, ensuring good survival. The exceptions are Corymbia variegata which was killed by frost in the second winter and Callitris rhomboidea which appears to have been set back by waterlogging in the first season, leading to poor survival after 48 months. This species also had the slowest growth, making it more vulnerable to weed competition and moisture stress due to a smaller root system.

The good growth of Eucalyptus globulus reflects its suitability for the site as it occurs naturally in the immediate vicinity at the lower end of its rainfall range (Boland et al., 1992).The growth at this site compares favourably to growth in other trials at a similar age, but on sites with higher rainfall (CAB International, 2000; Carr, 2004; Metro, 1979), most likely due to the high rainfall at the start of the trial. The hybrid of E. globulus with E. camaldulensis has also grown well in this trial, although its growth has not exceeded that of the E. globulus species.

The two seedlots of E. cladocalyx survived the frost that killed the C. variegata and have grown well. There is no distinction between the two seedlots on any variable at this site. The site is well outside the natural range for this species, and it is outside the area defined as

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climatically suitable by (Jovanovic and Booth, 2002). The results from this trial should be treated with caution until the trial has experienced a few more years of the local climate. It is possible that a more severe frost than the ones experienced during this trial will damage this species as occurred in the York Plain trial.

Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus nitens are two species commonly used in plantations in Tasmania, usually in the higher rainfall areas in the north of the state. Pinus radiata is commonly used in farm forestry in the midlands of Tasmania because of its tolerance for lower rainfall, although the site of the Swansea trial puts it just outside its preferred climatic envelope (Jovanovic and Booth, 2002). Eucalyptus nitens prefers higher rainfall than that received at this site (Boland et al., 1992; Jovanovic and Booth, 2002),but is tolerant of the temperature regime. The performance of both these species was very similar at 48 months after establishment, with both having excellent survival and moderate growth compared to E. globulus. Pinus radiata was slightly healthier than Eucalyptus nitens and had better branch and stem form. Poor branching habit is a characteristic of E. nitens (Waugh, 1987). Mycosphaerella was present on the juvenile leaves of the E. nitens at 48 months, which resulted in the lower health score and which may have slowed its growth in previous years (Lundquist and Purnell, 1987). Eucalyptus nitens is known to display a large amount of variation between provenances (Pederick, 1979), so provenances suitable for lower rainfall environments should be selected for on-farm use (CAB International, 2000).

The growth of Corymbia maculata was moderate in this trial compared to E. globulus, but poor when compared to other trials in similar environments (CAB International, 2000). It had much better survival than C. variegata, most likely because of its greater tolerance to low temperatures (Jovanovic and Booth, 2002). While this species is likely to be the most suitable of its genus for low rainfall areas in Tasmania, there are likely to be other species that will perform better. It should not be planted based on the results of this trial to date, although it may improve over time. Similarly, E. tricarpa is growing at a moderate rate, but with better survival. It is unlikely to be limited by rainfall at this site (Boland et al., 1992),but may be slowed by a shorter growing season. This species also displayed poor stem and branch form, characteristics typical of the species (Metro, 1979). Any plantings of this species will need to be carefully form-pruned at an early age (Bird et al., 1996).

Three species: E. camaldulensis, Pinus pinaster and E. argophloia are growing outside their preferred climatic range (Jovanovic and Booth, 2002) and their growth reflects this. All three species have grown slowly (< 60 cm height per year) although survival and health are excellent. At this stage they cannot be recommended for farm forestry in the region.

Acacia melanoxylon occurs naturally in the area of the trial site, but reaches commercial sizes in areas with much higher rainfall. In this trial growth has been moderate for the species, with good survival and form, but the trial should be observed for a few more years before results can be used to recommend this species for local agroforestry.

After four years of growth, the species that are clearly performing the best are E. globulus and E. globulus x camaldulensis. Together with P. radiata and E. nitens (selected provenances) they could be further trialled in farm forestry plots in the district. While it is likely that E. cladocalyx will also be a useful farm forestry species, based on its performance in this trial, but severe frost is a real risk for this species.

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5.3 York Plains Species Trial

Aim To assess the potential of 11 species for low rainfall farm forestry in the midlands of Tasmania.

Location

Map reference • Tas 1:25,000; Oatlands 5231; Easting: 538629; Northing: 5318823

Nearest town • Oatlands (5km to the SW)

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two wheel drive vehicle.

Figure 5.26 York Plains Trial site in August 2001 after planting

Site Description The elevation of the site is 370m asl. The site is in the lower slope of a broad valley (York Plains), with a 3o slope and a westerly aspect. It is possible that the original vegetation at the

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site was Leptospermum ssp. and grasslands. (Henry Burbury: personal comment) although it has been managed as a pasture for nearly 200 years.

Figure 5.27 York Plains Trial site map

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Climate

Rainfall Based on “Handroyd” York Plains: 566 mm MAR for 84 years; 496 mm MAR for past 10 years

Temperatures based on Oatlands Post Office

Table 5.8 Long-term climate averages for York Plains species trial

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of rain days 9.6 8.4 10.3 12.6 14.9 16 17.6 17.5 15.1 14.8 13.2 11.7 Mean monthly rainfall 42.9 38.4 40.9 49.8 43.3 44.1 47.9 47.5 42.9 56.4 53.2 58.7 10th percentile rainfall 11.4 10.2 13.5 12.5 11.7 18.3 22.4 19.8 20.5 22.2 21.1 17.9 90th percentile rainfall 79.6 70.0 70.9 93.7 80.6 76.0 75.2 75.5 67.3 92.5 84.8 105.3 Mean Daily Pan 5.3 4.8 3.3 2.1 1.2 0.7 0.9 1.3 2.2 3.2 4.2 4.6 Evaporation(mm) Mean daily max temp 21.7 21.8 19.4 16 12.5 10.1 9.4 10.6 12.8 15.2 17.5 19.5 Mean daily min temp 8.7 8.6 7.5 5.7 3.4 1.6 1.1 1.8 3.1 4.6 6.1 7.7 Highest max temp 37.0 39.0 34.0 25.7 22.8 17.2 16.4 19.5 28.3 28.6 32.2 35.6 Lowest min temp -1.5 -3.2 -2.2 -4.4 -7.1 -11.7 -7.4 -7.4 -5.6 -6 -2.9 -1.7

Table 5.9 Rainfall (mm) at the trial site around establishment

Monthly Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Rainfall Year 2001 22.6 11.6 79.6 61.6 17.8 31.0 71.4 63.8 45.2 92.8 81.4 48.4 Year 2002 56.8 18.6 15.4 16.8 18.4 54.4 20.8

Soil The upper slopes are predominately a sandy loam over clay and the lower slopes are loam over sand over clay. The clay layer is at a depth of 650mm and the pH is 5 to 5.5 across the soil profile.

Soil tests were carried out in August 2000 by digging 2 auger holes with a 100mm hand auger.

Auger hole 1 was located on the upper slope part of the site. This revealed a profile with distinct A horizon (0 to 150mm) and B horizon (150 to 750mm+). The A horizon is a light brown sand with a loose surface and a pH of 4.5. The B horizon is an ochre yellow sand with a pH of 5.

Auger hole 2 was located in the lower slope part of the site. Again there were two distinct horizons; an A (0 to 300mm) and a B (300 to 750mm+). The A horizon is a grey-brown fine sand with a loose surface and a pH of 4.5. The B horizon is a yellow sand with some clay present and a pH of 5.5.

For the purposes of the trial the soils are fairly uniform, with any variation being from upper to lower slope. The trial design will pick up this variation.

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Preparation and establishment

Ground preparation The trial is laid out with rows 3m apart and trees planted at 3m spacing within rows. The rows were ripped to a depth of 500mm and mounded prior to planting. The rip lines run southeast to northwest. Prior to the trial establishment the site had a history of cropping for wheat and barley and previously, for pasture production. The site was sprayed with glyphosate herbicide to kill weeds and grasses prior to planting.

Establishment

Table 5.10 Species used and their source, for the York Plains species trial

Species Common Name Provenance Nursery Treatment E. cladocalyx Sugar Gum Wail Wail 1 E. occidentalis Swamp Yate Rob Boughy 1A E. cladocalyx Sugar Gum Wirrabara Murray Bridge 2 E. grandis x E. camaldulensis Hybrid Salt Grow P.F.Tas. 2A E. tricarpa Iron Bark Bendigo Benalla 3 E. glob x camaldulensis Hybrid 10.6 (DeLittle) Gunns 4 E. globulus Blue Gum Boral Orchard Woodlea 5 E. camaldulensis River Red Gum Gwydir Valley Woodlea 6 E. argophloia Western White Gum Chinchilla Inverell NSW 7 E. nitens Shinning Gum Forestry Tas Pulchella 8 Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine CALM W.A. Calm WA 9 Pinus radiata Radiata Pine STBA 3.1 Lemarna 10 Allocasuarina verticillata She Oak "Inglewood" D. Burbury 11 Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood "Brambletye" Woodlea 12 Callitris rhomboidea Oyster Bay Pine "Lilla Villa" Pulchella 13

The seedlings were planted on 24-25 July 2001 into the rip-lines in weed-free, bare soil. The soil was moderately moist at the time of planting. The trees were planted with Potti-Putkis, to a depth where the root ball was just covered with soil. All trees were protected with guards and mulch mats.

Labelling and design Pig tail pins were placed in the north east corner of each plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (Rep No/Plot No). Note that the plot number and the treatment number are not the same thing (see trial design).

There is a pig tail pin at the start of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No/Row No).

The trial is a randomised incomplete block design with 4 replicates of 13 plots and two spare plots. There is one species / provenance to each plot with 5 rows of 5 trees (25 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (see diagram).

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Figure 5.28 York Plains trial design showing allocation of treatments (species)

Figure 5.29 York Plains trial design showing replicate, block and plot allocation

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Figure 5.30 York Plains trial tree numbering within plots

Maintenance and monitoring Within each plot 20 trees (excluding trees 1, 10, 11, 20, 21) were fertilised with 100gms of 18:20:0 on 28 September 2001. Trees were not watered after planting. The trial site was strip sprayed for weeds in March 2002 using Round Up at 2l/ha.

Frost damage to E. cladocalyx. Species 1 and 2 (both provenances of Eucalypt cladocalyx) were severely affected by frost (killed about 85% of the trees) soon after planting and these plots were replaced with two new species 1A and 1B on 28 September 2001

Rob Downie inspected the site on 28 Sept 2001 at the same time that the fertilising was done and all the trees appeared in good health with at least 95% survival across all species.

Growing conditions at planting and through spring until late January were ideal and most trees appeared to become well established.

From late January 2002 until June there was very high moisture deficit with daily pan evaporation rates averaging 3mm / day and the actual rainfall being less than 20mm / month.

Many of the trees that had grown very well (E. nitens up to 1.3m) in the good spring and early summer had failed to develop any significant root system. Because their root to crown ratio was badly out of balance they suffered rapid dehydration and suffered higher mortalities.

In July 2002 Dave Carr (GAL) and Rob Downie measured the site for survival, health and any insect damage (Table 5.9). The site was inspected in 2003 but not monitored as poor weed control, dry conditions and rabbit browsing had led to most species having less than 10 % survival. Survival of the two Pinus species was higher.

Overall growth of most species was poorer than at Swansea, largely due to the differences in rainfall at the two sites. Significantly, the two species which performed best at Swansea (E. globulus and E. globulus x camaldulensis) had the poorest survival at 12 months at York Plains. Growth and survival of E. nitens was similar at both sites. E. argophloia performed slightly better at the drier York Plains site, although growth was still poor.

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Rob Downie inspected the site again in 2005 and found survival to be very low for most species. Most remaining trees had been severely browsed and were smaller than when measured in 2002. We decided to abandon this trial at this point.

Despite the poor results from this trial there are two important messages to take from it. Firstly, it reinforces the importance of good weed control in low rainfall areas. When soil moisture is scarce it is absolutely critical to ensure that as much as possible goes to the tree crop and not to weeds. In this part of Tasmania, remnant pasture grasses such as Phalaris aquatica, are vigorous competitors and will compete with trees for moisture until the trees are well established. Secondly this trial highlights the vulnerability of E. cladocalyx to frost, with 100% losses in the first season at this site. The good survival and growth of this species in the Kempton and Swansea trials could easily be undone by one severe frost, although the risk is greatest in the first few years of growth.

Results (12 months only)

Table 5.11 Results for York Plains species trial after 12 months growth

Health No Species Av Height (1=poor) % survival E. cladocalyx E. cladocalyx 1 E. occidentalis 0.42 1.83 84 E. grandis x E. 2 camaldulensis 0.33 2.12 69 3 E. tricarpa 0.36 3.46 90 4 E. glob x camaldulensis 0.33 2.72 81 5 E. globulus 0.34 1.58 64 6 E. camaldulensis 0.41 2.12 78 7 E. argophloia 0.49 3.29 89 8 E. nitens 0.56 3.02 90 9 Pinus pinaster 0.38 3.76 98 10 Pinus radiata 0.49 3.72 98 11 Allocasuarina verticillata 0.43 2.59 96 12 Acacia melanoxylon 0.35 1.95 88 13 Callitris rhomboidea 0.28 2.72 100

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6. Western Australia

Through the Commonwealth government funded Farm Forestry Support program, Greening Australia (WA) established 12 species trials in agricultural areas of southern Western Australia. The results of the best six of these trials are reported here.

The aim of the trials is to assess the suitability and performance of several local WA species for their use in low rainfall farm forestry.

Eleven of the trials are located in areas receiving less than 450mm of annual rainfall, which includes a large area of the southern WA agricultural regions.

Sixteen species feature in the trials, including well know species such as sugar gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx), swamp yate (E. occidentalis) and brown mallet (E. astringens).

Several lesser known species have been used including an intergrade of river gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and flooded gum (E rudis) that has been given the common name of ‘moorditj’.

Six of the GAWA species trials feature the E. rudis / camaldulensis intergrade, with the aim of comparing the performance of this local taxon with Eucalyptus camaldulensis ‘Silverton’ and ‘Lake Albacutya’ provenances. These two eastern Australian provenances of E. camaldulensis are grown in WA for landcare situations, and for small scale timber production. However, GAWA is concerned about genetic pollution of local E. rudis populations, as E. camaldulensis hybridises freely with this closely related species. The timber properties of a 40-50 year E. rudis / camaldulensis intergrade tree have been assessed by the Forest Products Commission (FPC) Timber Technology Centre, at Greening Australia (WA)’s request. The results indicate that the intergrade offers considerable potential for value added use in furniture, building fitment, flooring and woodcraft.

Damage caused by Australian Ringneck parrots has been experienced in several of the trails, severely effecting tree form. The birds strip bark from portions of the stem, then scrape the exposed cambium and phloem sap with the base of their beaks. The parrots do not seem to have favoured one species or provenance over another in any of the trials. The trials also aim to test some of the ALRTIG species in WA: particularly E. cladocalyx, E. occidentalis, E. tricarpa and E. camaldulensis.

6.1 Bakers Hill

Trial type • Randomised complete block

Trial objectives To assess the performance and farm forestry potential of two WA endemic species, being two provenances of Eucalyptus astringens and a provenance of E. argyphea. These seedlots are being compared against two recognised provenances of known performing eastern state species, E. cladocalyx and E tricarpa.

Location

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• Map reference: See Regional, district and property maps. • Latitude: -31.7608 S; Longitude: 116.4767 E • Nearest town : Bakers Hill (4km south west of property)

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two wheel drive vehicle.

Site Description

Elevation • 330 m a.s.l (Bakers Hill)

Slope • 3%

Landform • Mid slope in undulating landscape.

Aspect • North

Original vegetation • Overstorey: E. wandoo, C. calophylla. A. huegeliana Understorey: Acacia acuminata, Acacia ssp. Melaleuca ssp.

Erosion • Evidence of movement of topsoil following periods of heavy rainfall events.

Climate (based on Bakers Hill – 4km south west of trial site - CSIRO Commenced: 1964 Last record: 2007)

Rainfall • 588.3 mm MAR ; www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_010244_All.shtml#rainfall

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Figure 6.1 Mean annual rainfall distribution for Bakers Hill, WA

Soil The soil was assessed in March 2007, by the Forest Products Commission using a mobile drill rig.

A+B+C/D (m) (m) 0.38 (Y/N) Y (m) (Y/N 1.9 1.24 SL 1.52 1.74 SCL ) Y

Simple description: Drilled depth = A+B+C/D (m) - not full depth due to hardpan Soil texture: A and B horizons - sandy to sandy clay loam, normally quite suitable for farm forestry BD = Bulk Density: BD =1.74 - a medium soil, good water holding capacity but readily penetrated by roots Structure: soil has a moderately well developed pedal structure enhancing water infiltration and root pentration No salinity test was done as there was no indication that this was likley to be a problem at the depths drilled.

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Site preparation

Ground preparation The trial is laid out with rows 4m apart and trees planted at 2 m spacings within rows. The rows were ripped to a depth of 600mm on the 25th of April 2002. No mound or scalp was constructed. The rip lines run north to south. Prior to the trial establishment the site consisted of annual pasture used for grazing, with a minimal fertiliser history.

The trial occupies one third of the paddock, which is fenced. The fence consists of 5-line ringlock with 1 plain wire on the bottom, on star pickets at 10-m spacings with wandoo strainers in each corner.

Figure 6.2 View of the Bakers Hill trial site looking south from the start of the trial, day of seedling establishment, 20th June 2002

Establishment

Pre-Plant weed control • Following ripping the site was sprayed with 1.5 litres per hectare of Glyphosate plus th wetter on the 12 of May 2002. The site was sprayed again with Sprayseed at 1.2 L/ha th plus 100 ml/ha of Talstar (insecticide) on the 8 of June 2002. • The soil was moist at the time of spraying, and there was a heavy germination of wild radish, cape weed and rye grass present. The knockdown herbicide successfully eliminated these weeds.

Planting date th • 20 June 2002 • The seedlings were planted into the rip lines in weed-free, bare soil. The top soil was moist at the time of planting. The trees were not watered following planting. The trees were planted with Potti-Putkis, to a depth where the root ball was just covered with soil. No tree guards were used and no mulch, antitranspirant or fertiliser was used.

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Seedlings, labelling and design

Table 6.1 Species and seedlots used at Bakers Hill

Species used Provenanc Treatment Nursery Seed source Size at Health Containe e at r number planting planting Eucalyptus CSIRO Tree Seed Centre Wirrabara 1 Wongan Trees Healthy Colmax cladocalyx Tall Eucalyptus CSIRO Tree Seed Centre Mt Nowa 2 Wongan Trees Healthy Colmax tricarpa Tall Nowa Eucalyptus Greening Australia (WA) West 3 Wongan Trees Healthy Colmax astringens Tall Beverley Eucalyptus CSIRO Tree Seed Centre Highbury 4 Wongan Trees Healthy Colmax astringens Tall Eucalyptus argyphea Dryandra 5 CALM Narrogin CALM Narrogin Medium Healthy Colmax

Steel droppers were placed in the north east corner of each plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (RepNo/PlotNo). There is also a plasticised paper tag with the species name, provenance/seedlot name and treatment number written on it.

There is a steele dropper at the beginning of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No/Row No).

The trial is a randomised complete block with 4 replicates of 5 plots. There is one treatment (seedlot) assigned to each plot in 5 rows of 6 trees (30 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (see diagram).

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Trial design Rep 4 Plot 5 Rep 4 Treatment 4

Plot 4 Treatment 5

Plot 3 Treatment 2

Plot 2 Treatment 3

Plot 1 Treatment 1

Rep 3 Plot 5 Rep 3 Treatment 2

Plot 4 Treatment 3

Plot 3 NORTH Treatment 5

Plot 2 Treatment 1

Plot 1 Treatment 4

Rep 2 Plot 5 Rep 2 Treatment 3

Plot 4 Treatment 5

Plot 3 Treatment 1

Plot 2 Treatment 4

Plot 1 Treatment 2

Rep 1 Plot 5 Rep 1 Treatment 5

Plot 4 Treatment 4

Plot 3 Ripline Treatment 3 direction Plot 2 Treatment 2

Plot 1 Treatment 1

Figure 6.3 Trial design for Bakers Hill species trial

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Tree layout within plots 6 7 18 19 30 5 8 17 20 29 4 9 16 21 28 North 3 10 15 22 27 2 11 14 23 26 1 12 13 24 25

Figure 6.4 Tree layout within plots for Bakers Hill species trial

Maintenance

Date Action Result 10 / 8 / 03 Site sprayed with 2 L / ha glyphosate (Roundup Excellent control powermax) to control a mixture of broadleaf and grass achieved. weeds. Sprayed inter-row 25 / 8 / 03 Every tree fertilised with 50 grams of DAP. Fertiliser applied by hand using potti pucki, placed 30 cm from base of tree, 2 cm deep on the downhill side.

20/9/05 Form Pruning conducted in replecates 1,2 and 3 using All trees in reps 1,2 bypass loppers. and 3 pruned back to one main leader

Results and discussion th A brief inspection on the 29 of July 2002 by Tim Emmott showed that nearly 100% of the trees had survived the planting.

th The trial site measured on the 28 of July 2003 by Tim Emmott, WA Species Trials Coordinator, and Dave Carr, National Species Trials Officer. Trial measured for Survival and Height (using a height pole). Results are shown in figure 6.5.

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Figure 6.5 Height and survival of species at Bakers Hill after 12 months

The trial was monitored in May 2007, trial age 59 months. Height in metres and DBH in centimetres were measured. Survival percentage was calculated from trees showing height values. A form score was assigned to each tree, with 1 indicating poor form and 6 indicating excellent form (McLeod et al., 2009).

Measurements were made for replicates 1-3 only as replicate 4 had previously had a different pruning treatment. The data was pre-processed in Data Plus and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was undertaken in GENSTAT. The results are shown in Table 6.2, and Figures 6.6 and 6.7.

Table 6.2 Results and statistics from Bakers Hill species trial after 59 months

Survival % DBH (cm) Form score Seedlot Ht (m) 2007 2007 2007 2007 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabara 9.08 98.9 12.38 5.54 Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt Nowa Nowa 7.05 95.6 8.24 3.79 Eucalyptus astringens West Beverley 7.38 96.7 9.67 3.81 Eucalyptus astringens Highbury 6.49 98.9 7.85 3.98 Eucalyptus argyphea Dryandra 6.78 56.7 7.76 3.16 Df = 2,8 lsd (5%) 0.52 11.57 0.7 0.71 v.r 40.84 26.65 81.45 16.82 p <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

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14 12 10

m 8 Ht (m) 2007

m/c 6 DBH (cm) 2007 4 2 0 Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus cladocalyx tricarpa Mt astringens astringens argyphea Wirrabara Nowa Nowa West Highbury Dryandra Beverley

Figure 6.6 Height and DBH of species in Bakers Hill species trial after 59 months

7 120 Form score 2007 Survival % 2007 6 100 5 80 4

60 % 3 40 2 1 20 0 0 Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Eucalyptus cladocalyx tricarpa Mt astringens astringens argyphea Wirrabara Nowa Nowa West Beverley Highbury Dryandra

Figure 6.7 Survival and form of species in Bakers Hill species trial after 59 months

Survival Survival measured in May 2007 trial age 59 months showed no significant difference between treatments 1,2,3 and 4. However there was a significant difference in the survival of treatment 5 (E agryphea) and treatments 1,2,3 and 4. The survival of E. argyphea has reduced by over 20% since the trial was initially measured in 2003, aged 12 months. The reduction of the survival of E.argyphea is due to numerous trees blowing over in the trial during autumn 2007. It is assumed that ‘j-rooting’ may be the main factor contributing to the E. argyphea blowing over. All the seedlings of E.argyphea used in this trial were sourced from the CALM nursery in Manjimup, and may be why other species, sourced from different nurseries, have not experienced this problem. (See pictures below)

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Figure 6.8 J-rooting in Eucalyptus argyphea at Bakers Hill species trial

Form From (scale from 1-poor to 6-excellent) measured in May 2007 trial age 59 months showed that only two species were significantly different from each other being treatment 1 (E.cladocalyx) and treatment 5 (E.argyphea), with E.cladocalyx exhibiting a far superior tree form.

Height Height (in metres) measured in May 2007 at age 59 months showed a significant difference between treatment 1 (E.cladocalyx) and all other treatments.

DBH DBH (measured in cm) measured in May 2007 trial age 59 months showed a significant difference between treatment 1 (E.cladocalyx) and all other treatments. There was also a significant difference between treatment 3 (E.astringens West Beverley) and treatments 2, 4 and 5. There was no significant difference in DBH with treatments 2,4 and 5.

At trial age 59 months treatment 1 (E.cladocalyx) is by far the best performing species, significantly superior in height and DBH than all other treatments. Treatment 5 (E.argyphea) is the worst performing species in the trial, exhibiting a significantly poorer survival that all other treatments. Whether the poor survival of this species can be directly related to the assumed J-rooting problem, or is an attribute of this species cannot be verified without further investigations.

Taking into account possible silvicultural prescriptions (form pruning, clear wood pruning, commercial or non-commercial thinning) that may be required to produce sawlog (single stem, large diameter, strait bole) in the shortest possible time frame, E.cladocalyx has the greatest potential of all treatments assessed in this trial.

The seedlot of E.cladocalyx used in this tial (Wirrabara) was chosen based on provenance information available from the Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group . It should be noted that apart from E. tricarpa, GA is not aware of any provenance work conducted on the other species used in this trial. Given that E. astringens (west Beverley) recorded a significantly greater DBH at 59 months compared to E.astringens (Highbry) there may be scope for further provenance work with this species, if there was significant product / market development potential.

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In summary, E.cladocalyx is by far the best performing species at this site, exhibiting excellent survival, form and growth rates and is recommended as the species of choice for eucalypt sawlog production on similar soils in the 400 – 600 mm rainfall zones of the western Avon River Basin.

Figure 6.9 Measuring trees of E. cladocalyx in the Bakers Hill species trial at age 59 months

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Figure 6.10 Location of the Bakers Hill species trial, WA

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6.2 Konnongorring species trial

Trial type • Randomised complete block

Trial objectives • To assess the performance of a range of species to determine farm forestry species suitable for the Konnongorring area.

Location

Location of Konnongorring species trial, WA

Map reference • See Regional, district and property maps. • Latitude: 30.8917 S; Longitude: 116.7186 E

Nearest town • Wongan Hills (24km north of property)

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two wheel drive vehicle.

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Site Description

Elevation • 283 m a.s.l (Wongan Hills)

Slope • 2%

Landform • Lower slope in slightly undulating landscape.

Aspect • South west

Original vegetation • Overstorey: Allocasuarina huegeliana • Understorey: Allocasuarina campestris, Acacia spp. Melaleuca spp. Erosion

• Nil.

Climate (based on Wongan Hills – 24km north of trial site – Commenced: 1907 Last record: 2001)

Rainfall • 390.6 mm MAR.

Table 6.3 Climate for Wongan Hills, WA

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of raindays 1.8 2.2 2.8 4.9 8.8 12.7 13.4 12.1 8.2 5.9 3.3 1.9 Mean monthly rainfall 12.8 15.5 20.4 23.1 53.7 73.9 70.3 51.8 28.5 19.4 11.7 9.5 10th percentile rainfall 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 16.5 29.9 32.5 22.5 8.2 4.8 0.0 0.0 90th percentile rainfall 41.3 47.1 55.6 56.0 105.2 121.2 107.8 85.1 53.9 40.2 27.6 30.2 Mean daily max temp 34.4 33.8 30.7 26.2 21.2 17.9 17.0 17.7 20.6 24.9 28.7 32.5 Mean daily min temp 17.8 18.2 16.3 13.4 9.9 7.9 6.7 6.7 7.7 10.0 13.0 15.9 Highest max temp 47.4 45.1 43.5 39.2 34.7 26.0 25.4 28.0 35.2 39.4 42.0 43.3 Lowest min temp 9.8 8.5 5.6 2.8 -0.6 -0.5 -0.9 -0.5 0.5 0.5 3.4 7.3

Soil • Soil has not yet been formally assessed. Preliminary assessments indicate a sandy loam over a gravelly base.

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Site preparation

Ground preparation The trial is laid out with rows 4m apart and trees planted at 2m spacings within rows. The rows were ripped to a depth of 500mm on the 14th of August 2002. The rip lines were scalped and a small mound was constructed on the 15th of August 2002 using a custom designed tree planter. The rip lines run east to west. Prior to the trial establishment the site was in a rotation of annual pasture and cereal cropping.

The trial is fenced. The fence consists of 5-line ringlock, on star pickets at 10-m spacings with stainers in each corner.

Establishment

Pre-Plant weed control Prior to ripping the site was sprayed with 2.5 litres per hectare of Roundup plus 2 litres per hectare of Diuron plus 500ml per hectare of Ester plus insecticide on the 25th of July 2002.

The soil was moist at the time of spraying, and there was a heavy germination of wild radish, cape weed and rye grass present. The knockdown herbicide successfully eliminated these weeds.

Planting date 15th August 2002

The seedlings were planted into the rip lines in weed-free, bare soil. The topsoil was moist at the time of planting. The trees were not watered following planting. The trees were planted with Potti-Putkis, to a depth where the root ball was just covered with soil. No tree guards were used and no mulch, anti-transpirant or fertiliser was used.

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Seedlings

Table 6.4 Seedlings used in the Konnongorring species trial and their source

Species used Provenance Treatment Nursery Seed source Size at Health at Container number planting planting Casuarina Uriarra 1 Wongan Trees CSIRO Tree Seed Tall Healthy Colmax cunninghamiana Crossing Centre ACT Casuarina glauca Nowra 2 West Grow Farm Kimseeds Tall Healthy 48 cell NSW Trees Environmental Pty Ltd Jiffy Casuarina obesa Lake Ninan 3 Wongan Trees Wongan Trees Tall Healthy Colmax Eucalyptus argophloia Dalby QLD 4 Wongan Trees Forest Products Tall Healthy Colmax Commission Eucalyptus astringens West 5 Wongan Trees Greening Australia Tall Healthy Colmax Beverley (WA) Eucalyptus cladocalyx Donnybrook 6 Wongan Trees Forest Products Tall Healthy Colmax Commission Eucalyptus occidentalis Grass Patch 7 Wongan Trees Forest Products Tall Healthy Colmax Commission Eucalyptus occidentalis Red Hill 8 Wongan Trees CSIRO Tree Seed Tall Healthy Colmax Centre Eucalyptus rudis / Bolgart 9 Wongan Trees Greening Australia Tall Healthy Colmax camaldulensis (WA) Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt Nowa 10 Wongan Trees CSIRO Tree Seed Tall Healthy Colmax Nowa Centre Eucalyptus wandoo West 11 Wongan Trees Greening Australia Tall Healthy Colmax Beverley (WA)

Labelling and design Steel droppers were placed in the north west corner of each plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number engraved on it (RepNo/PlotNo). The species is also engraved onto a metal tag.

There is a steel dropper at the beginning of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No/Row No).

The trial is a randomised complete block with 3replicates of 11 plots. There is one treatment (seedlot) assigned to each plot in 5 rows of 6 trees (30 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (see diagram).

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Trial desin Plot 11 Treat 10 Plot 10 NORT Treat 5 H Plot 9 Treat 11 Plot 8 Treat 6 Rep Plot 7 Rep Treat 7 2 Plot 6 2 Treat 8 Plot 5 Treat 9 Plot 4 Plot 11 Treat 3 Treat 6 Plot 3 Plot 10 Treat 2 Treat 5 Plot 2 Plot 9 Treat 1 Treat 8 Plot 1 Plot 8 Treat 4 Treat 7 Plot 11 Plot 7 Rep Treat Treat 3 Rep 11 Plot 10 Plot 6 3 Treat Treat 4 3 10 Plot 9 Plot 5 Treat 9 Treat 2 Plot 8 Plot 4 Treat 8 Treat 11 Rep Plot 7 Plot 3 Rep Treat 7 Treat 1 1 Plot 6 Plot 2 1 Treat 6 Treat 10 Plot 5 Plot 1 Treat 5 Treat 9 Plot 4 Treat 4 Plot 3 Treat 3 Plot 2 Rip Treat 2 Plot 1 Lines Treat 1

Figure 6.11 Trial design for Konnongorring species trial

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• Tree layout within plots

6 7 18 19 30 5 8 17 20 29 North 4 9 16 21 28 3 10 15 22 27 2 11 14 23 26 1 12 13 24 25

Figure 6.12 Trial design for Konnongorring species trial

Figure 6.13 Custom built tree planter conducting the ground preparation at the Konnongorring trial, 15th August 2002

Maintenance No post planting weed control or fertilising has been conducted.

Monitoring The trial was monitored in May 2007. Height, DBH and survival were recorded for all species. A form score was assigned to the trees based on a scale of 1 for poor stem and branch form and 6 for excellent form (McLeod et al., 2009). The results were pre-processed using Data Plus and analysed using ANOVA in Genstat.

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Results and discussion

Table 6.5 Results and statistics for Konnongorring species trial at 12 and 57 months

Heigh Heigh Surviva Surviva Surviva Species No t t l l l DBH F 12 57 0 12 57 57 5 Eucalyptus argophloia Dalby Qld 4 0.73 4.15 100 33.3 25.6 5.95 4 Eucalyptus astringens West Beverley 5 0.9 4.32 100 80 71.1 5.14 3 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Donnybrook 6 1.38 5.1 100 82.2 82.2 7.36 4 Eucalyptus occidentalis Grass Patch 7 1.62 5.28 100 73.3 73.3 7.36 3 Eucalyptus occidentalis Red Hill 8 1.58 5.81 100 58.9 57.8 8.57 4 Eucalyptus rudis-camaldulensis Bolgart 9 1.38 4.63 100 85.6 83.3 6.25 3 Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt Nowa Nowa 10 0.94 3.9 100 80 57.8 5.13 3 Eucalyptus wandoo West Beverley 11 0.77 3.24 100 80 76.7 4.56 3 df= 2,7 P <0.001 <0.001 * <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 < v.r 13.63 2.14 * 19.34 8.66 5.81 2 lsd 0.17 0.83 * 17.25 19.15 1 0

Survival Treatments 1,2 and 3 (Casuarina spp) recorded a nil survival% at age 12 months due to extreme browsing damage post establishment by western grey kangaroos.

Survival measured in May 2007 trial age 57 months showed that treatment 4 was had a significantly lower survival that all other treatments.

Treatments 6 and 9 recorded the highest survival % of all treatments within the trial, with a significantly higher survival than treatments 4, 8 and 10.

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120 Eucalyptus argophloia Dalby Qld 100 Eucalyptus astringens West Beverley 80 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Donnybrook 60 Eucalyptus occidentalis Grass Patch survival Eucalyptus occidentalis Red 40 Hill Eucalyptus rudis- 20 camaldulensis Bolgart Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt Nowa Nowa 0 Eucalyptus wandoo West 0 102030405060 Beverley months

Figure 6.14 Survival of species in Konnongorring trial after 12 and 57 months

Height

Height (measured in metres) measured in May 2007 trial age 57 months showed that treatment 11 recorded the lowest height measurement, with a significant difference in height between treatment 11 and treatments 4,5,6,7,8 and 9.

Treatment 10 was significantly different in height compared to treatments 6,7 and 8.

7 Eucalyptus argophloia Dalby Qld 6 Eucalyptus astringens West Beverley 5 Eucalyptus cladocalyx

m Donnybrook 4 Eucalyptus occidentalis Grass Patch 3 height ( Eucalyptus occidentalis Red Hill 2 Eucalyptus rudis- camaldulensis Bolgart 1 Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt Nowa Nowa 0 Eucalyptus wandoo West 0 102030405060 Beverley mont hs

Figure 6.15 Height of species in Konnongorring trial after 12 and 57 months

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DBH DBH (measured in cm) measured in May 2007 trial age 57 months showed that treatment 8 recorded the highest DBH. There was a significant difference between treatment 8 and treatments 4, 5, 9,10 and 11.

Treatments 5, 10 and 11 recorded the lowest DBH, and there was a significant difference between these treatments and treatments 6,7 and 8.

c 8

dbh 57 mths ( mths dbh 57 4

0 Q r H b lg No y ve y Pa d o ve n s e B a alb Be n s R is D o ra s ow a est lis n i D G le t N W x is u l d M caly o mal rpa d a a argophlo la occidenta ic s c s tr s occidenta tu s s astringens tu s p tu lyptu p u y p ly pt a y tus rudis-c c p Euca u Eucal y E al Eucaly Eucalyptus wandoo West Be Eucalyptu Eucal c Eu

Figure 6.16 Mean dbh of species at Konnongorring species trial after 57 months

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Form Form measured scale 1 – 6 in May 2007 trial age 57 months showed that treatment 6 recorded the best form score, significantly different that treatments 5 and 11. Treatment 8 recorded second best for score, significantly different to treatment 5 and 12, which recoded to lowest form score of the trial.

4 m

form score 57 2

0 Q e H lg e y v br Pa d o No v e y B e t B nn Re s B s o s st e e D lensi W x u s ly d n a dentali e i al g cc m n identalis Grass o andoo W ri c cladoc s w st tu tus s a s oc rudis-ca tu ptus tu al yp p ly p c y a ly u tus l E Eucalyptus argophloiaca Dalb ca ucalyp u Euc u Eucalyptus tricarpaE Mt Nowa E E ucalyp E

Figure 6.17 Mean form score of species at Konnongorring species trial after 57 months At trial age 57 months treatment 6 (E.cladocalyx), 7 and 8 (E.occidentalis) are the best performing species at this site in regards to form, height and DBH. Each of these seedlots could be used for farm forestry establishment based on these results. The survival of treatment 8 is of some concern, however would require further investigation to determine the cause of the lower survival of this treatment. While the Grass Patch provenance of E. occidentalis has much better survival, its growth is not as good as the Red Hill seedlot and it has a lower mean form score.

The poor survival of E. argophloia is most likely due to the differences between the soil at this site and that of its natural distribution, where it grows on heavy clay alluvial soils. Its poor survival would rule it out as a plantation species on light soils in WA.

The other species, while not having the same growth rate as E. cladocalyx and E. occidentalis nevertheless are showing reasonable growth and should be considered for further plantings.

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6.3 Calingiri species trial

Trial type • Species comparison trial - randomised complete block design

Trial objectives • To assess the performance and farm forestry potential of a local intergrade of Eucalyptus rudis and E. camaldulensis which naturally occurs in an isolated population 600 metres from the trial site. The intergrade is being compared against two commonly planted eastern state provenances of E. camaldulensis (Silverton and Lake Albacutya) and a provenance of E. occidentalis (Ravensthorpe).

Location

Map reference • See Regional, district and property maps. • Latitude: 31. 1345 S; Longitude: 116. 2760 E

Nearest town • Bolgart (12km south of property)

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two-wheel drive vehicle. If heavy rainfall events have been experienced, a 4WD will be required, otherwise the trial is accessible by short walk (200 meters) from the Wyening West road.

Site Description

Elevation • 283m a.s.l (Wongan Hills)

Slope • 1%

Landform • Lower slope / flat in gently undulating landscape. Adjacent to saline drainage line.

Aspect • South east

Original vegetation • Overstorey: E. loxophleba, E spathulata, and E. wandoo; Understorey: melaleuca ssp. Acacia ssp.

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Erosion • Evidence of movement of topsoil following periods of dry conditions and strong winds.

Climate (based on Wongan Hills – 35 km NE of trial site – commenced: 1907 Last record: 2001

Rainfall • 390.6 mm MAR.

Table 6.6 Climate averages for Wongan Hills, WA

Soil • Three auger holes were dug at the trial site to determine soil properties and variations. The auger holes were dug in: o Trial 1, Replicate 1, Plot 1, o Trial 2, Replicate 2, Plot 2 and o Trial 3, Replicate 4, Plot 2 • David Carr (GAL) and Tim Emmott (GAWA) conducted the soil inspection on the 17th of July 2001 • All auger holes were inspected to a depth of 1 metre. • The soil to the depth inspected in auger hole 1shows 4 distinct horizons (A1, A2, B1 and B2). The depth of the A1 horizon is between 0 and 100 mm and is sand, brown in colour. The pH is 5. • The A2 horizon is between 100 and 300 mm and is loamy sand, light brown in colour. The pH is 4.5 • The B1 horizon is between 300 and 850 mm and is sandy clay loam, orange in colour. The pH is 4. • The B2 horizon is continues from 850 mm to over 1000mm in depth and is a clay loam, sandy, and is grey in colour. The pH is 4.5 • The soil to the depth inspected in auger hole 2 shows 4 distinct horizons (A1, A2, B1 and B2). The depth of the A1 horizon is between 0 and 100 mm and is sand, brown in colour. The pH is 4.5.

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• The A2 horizon is between 100 and 300 mm and is sandy clay loam, light brown in colour. The pH is 4.5 • The B1 horizon is between 300 and 600 mm and is sandy clay loam, orange in colour. The pH is 5. • The B2 horizon is continues from 600 mm to over 1000mm in depth and is clay loam, sandy, and is orange – red in colour. The pH is 5 • The soil to the depth inspected in auger hole 3 shows three distinct horizons (A1, A2, and B2). The depth of the A1 horizon is between 0 and 100 mm and is sand, brown in colour. The pH is 4.5. • The A2 horizon is between 100 and 300 mm and is loamy sand, light brown in colour. The pH is 5 • The B1 horizon is between 300 and 1000 mm and is sandy clay loam, grey in colour. The pH is 5. • The soil and surrounding vegetation indicate high levels of salinity are present, however, no equipment was available at the time of testing to measure salinity levels.

Site preparation

Ground preparation The trial is laid out with rows 4m apart and trees planted at 2 m spacings within rows. The rows were ripped to a depth of 400mm and mounded with a Kimseeds niche seeder mounder on the 5th of May 2001. Mounds are approximately 100cm wide and 30cm high. The mounds run north – north - east to south – south - west. Prior to the trial establishment the site was in a rotation of cereal cropping and pasture.

The site is fenced as part of the landowners efforts to revegetate and restrict stock access to unproductive areas of their property. The fence consists of 7-line ringlock with 1 plain wire on the bottom, on star pickets at 10m spacings.

Establishment

Pre-Plant weed control Following ripping and mounding, the site was sprayed with 1 litre per hectare of Roundup and 3 litres per hectare of Simazine on the 18th of May 2001. Sulfate of Ammonia was added. The soil was moist at the time of spraying, and there was a small germination of erodium and rye grass present.

Planting date 15th June 2001

The seedlings were planted into the mounds in weed-free, bare soil. The soil was moderately moist at the time of planting. The trees were planted with Potti-Putkis, to a depth where the root ball was just covered with soil. All seedlings were watered following planting. No tree guards were used and no mulch, anti-transpirant or fertiliser was used.

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Seedlings

Table 6.7 Seedlings used in the Calingiri species trial and their source

Species used Provenanc Treatment Nursery Seed source Size at Health at Container e number planting planting Eucalyptus Bolgart 1 Westgrow Collected from wild Tall Healthy Colmax camaldulensis / rudis Farm Trees remnant population intergrade Meckering on Edmond’s property by Tim Emmott (GAWA) Eucalyptus Silverton 2 CALM CALM Small Healthy Colmax camaldulensis Narrogin Eucalyptus Ravensthor 3 Westgrow Kimseeds Tall Healthy Colmax occidentalis pe Farm Trees Environmental Pty Meckering Ltd Eucalyptus Lake 4 Westgrow Kimseeds Tall Healthy Colmax camaldulensis Albacutya Farm Trees Environmental Pty Meckering Ltd

Labelling and design Pig tail pins were placed in the southwest corner of each plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (RepNo/PlotNo). There is also a plasticised paper tag with the species name, provenance/seedlot name and treatment number written on it.

There is a pig tail pin at the end of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No/Row No).

The trial is made up of three separate randomised complete blocks, each with 4 replicates of 2 plots. There is one treatment (seedlot) assigned to each plot in 5 rows of 6 trees (30 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (see diagram). In each trial, the E. camaldulensis-rudis intergrade is compared to one of the other seedlots.

For analysis purposes, the individual trials are interpreted separately as direct comparisons between two seedlots. The three trials are also grouped together and considered as a single trial where there are 12 plots of the E. camaldulensis-rudis intergrade and four plots of each of the other species.

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Trial design Rep Plot 2 Rep 4 Treatmen Rep 4 Plot 2 Rep 4 Treatmen Rep 4 Plot 2 Rep 4 Treatment 4 t 2 t 3 4 Plot 1 Treatmen Plot 1 Treatmen Plot 1 Treatment t 1 t 1 1 Rep Plot 2 Rep 3 Treatmen Rep 3 Plot 2 Rep 3 Treatmen Rep 3 Plot 2 Rep 3 Treatment 3 t 1 t 1 1 Plot 1 Treatmen Plot 1 Treatmen Plot 1 Treatment North t 2 t 3 4 Rep Plot 2 Rep 2 Treatmen Rep 2 Plot 2 Rep 2 Treatmen Rep 2 Plot 2 Rep 2 Treatment 2 t 1 t 1 1 Plot 1 Treatmen Plot 1 Treatmen Plot 1 Treatment t 2 t 3 4 Ripline Rep Plot 2 Rep 1 Treatmen Rep 1 Plot 2 Rep 1 Treatmen Rep 1 Plot 2 Rep 1 Treatment 1 t 2 t 3 4 direction Plot 1 Treatmen Plot 1 Treatmen Plot 1 Treatment t 1 t 1 1 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Figure 6.18 Trial design for Calingiri species trial

Tree layout within plots 6 7 18 19 30 5 8 17 20 29 4 9 16 21 28 3 10 15 22 27 2 11 14 23 26 North 1 12 13 24 25 Figure 6.19 Tree layout within plots, Calingiri species trial

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Figure 6.20 Shire of Victoria Plains land care coordinator Veronica North and landowner Matt Edmonds assisting with planting the Calingiri trial, 15th June 2001

Maintenance

Weed control post planting No post planting weed control has been conducted.

Fertiliser application post planting On the 24h of May 2002, 75 grams of DAP was applied 15cm from the base of each tree within the trial. The fertiliser was applied using a Potti-Putki with the fertiliser being buried 2 – 5 cm deep on the downhill side of the seedlings.

Monitoring Tim Emmott and work experience student Alex Townsend conducted first year monitoring of the trial on 24th of May 2002. At the time of first year monitoring the following observations were made:

Soil moisture • 0-10cm Moderately dry • 10-20cm Moderately moist • 20cm + Moderately moist

Weed status • Stage of development Erodium botrys (Corkscrew) -rosette stage. • Potential for competing Low, not considered to be a competitive weed.

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Insect activity • 2 – 5 % of foliage affected by leaf blister sawfly; 50% of the trees affected

Other observations The majority of the trees have been damaged by Australian Ringneck Parrots. Parrots have damaged the main leader on most trees, causing forking and branching, effecting tree growth and form.

The first year monitoring included the measurement of tree survival, height in metres, diameter of the stem 10 cm from the ground, and a score scaled from 1 to 6 for stem form, branching and health score (McLeod et al., 2009).

Results

Results from combination of three trials after 12 months

Figure 6.21 Fertilising trees at the Claingiri species trial 12 months after planting

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Calingiri Species Trial (12 months) Form and Health

7 Stem Branch Health 6

5 Stem, P=0.507 Branch, P<0.001 4 Health, P<0.001

Score (1-6) 3

Error bars represent 1 average s.e.d between treatments 0 Eucalyptus camaldulensis-rudis Eucalyptus Eucalyptus occidentalis Eucalyptus camaldulensis 'Bolgart' camaldulensis'Silverton' 'Ravensthorpe' 'Lake Albacutya' 1 2 3 4

Figure 6.22 Mean form and health scores for Calingiri trial after 12 months

Table 6.8 Results and statistics for Calingiri species trial after 12 and 70 months Stem Species Name Height Height DGH DBH Survival Survival Survival 1 12 70 12 70 0 12 70 Eucalyptus camaldulensis-rudis 2.8 1 'Bolgart' 1.39 4.95 2.82 6.54 100 95.83 94.17 Eucalyptus 2.6 2 camaldulensis'Silverton' 1.05 4.27 1.85 6.05 100 100 93.33 Eucalyptus occidentalis 2.6 3 'Ravensthorpe' 1.11 5.34 2.15 7.55 100 60.85 59.17 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 'Lake 2.8 4 Albacutya' 1.58 5.65 2.92 8.49 100 86.17 93.33

0.50 Chi-square <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 * <0.001 <0.001 Avg 0.1 s.e.d 0.1 0.31 3 0.59 * 5.9 8.8

The results from the combination of data from the three trials shows that there are significant differences in all variables apart from “Stem form” at P=5%. The analysis of these trials was undertaken using REML in Genstat V5. In REML analysis there is a tendency to underestimate the error term, resulting in significant differences occurring more often than they normally would.

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E. camaldulensis ‘Lake Albacutya’ and E. camaldulensis-rudis ‘Bolgart’ are not significantly different from each other in terms of height and diameter, but are different to the other two seedlots.

In terms of branching habit, E. occidentalis ‘Ravensthorpe’ had the best score, significantly different to E. camaldulensis ‘Lake Albacutya’ and E. camaldulensis-rudis ‘Bolgart’ together, which are both significantly better than E. camaldulensis ‘Silverton’.

E. camaldulensis-rudis ‘Bolgart’ and E. camaldulensis ‘Silverton’ had significantly higher health scores than the other two seedlots.

These results should be interpreted cautiously due to the very young age of the trees. However, survival percentages in young trees are a valid means of comparing seedlots. In this trial, there is a strong difference between seedlots (P<0.001) with E. camaldulensis-rudis ‘Bolgart’ and E. camaldulensis ‘Silverton’ having better survival than E. camaldulensis ‘Lake Albacutya’ which has significantly better survival than E. occidentalis ‘Ravensthorpe’.

Results after 70 months

6 Eucalyptus 5 camaldulensis-rudis 'Bolgart'

m 4 Eucalyptus 3 camaldulensis'Silverton'

height ( 2 Eucalyptus occidentalis 'Ravensthorpe' 1

0 Eucalyptus 0 20406080camaldulensis 'Lake months Albacutya'

Figure 6.23 Mean height after 12 and 70 months, Calingiri species trial

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9 8 Eucalyptus camaldulensis- 7 rudis 'Bolgart'

c 6 5 Eucalyptus 4 camaldulensis'Silverton'

dgh/dbh ( 3 2 Eucalyptus occidentalis 'Ravensthorpe' 1 0 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 0 20406080'Lake Albacutya' months

Figure 6.24 Mean dgh after 12 months and dbh after 70 months, Calingiri species trial

120 Eucalyptus 100 camaldulensis-rudis 'Bolgart' 80 m Eucalyptus 60 camaldulensis'Silverton'

height ( 40 Eucalyptus occidentalis 'Ravensthorpe' 20

0 Eucalyptus 020406080camaldulensis 'Lake months Albacutya'

Figure 6.25 Survival after 12 and 70 months, Calingiri species trial

Survival measured in May 2007 trial age 70 months showed no significant difference between treatments (Fig 6.25).

The survival of treatments 1,2 and 3, however there was a significant difference in the survival of treatment 3 compared with treatments 1,2 and 4, with treatment 3 recording a significantly lower survival..

Form From was not assessed during the May 2007 trial age 70 months measurement, due to the negative impact twenty eight parrots had made on the tree form of all treatments throughout the trial.

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Height Height (measured in metres) measured in May 2007 trial age 70 months showed a significant difference between treatment 2 and treatments 1, 3 and 4 (Fig 6.23)

DBH DBH (measured in cm) measured in May 2007 trial age 70 months showed a significant difference between treatment 4 and all other treatments. There was a significant difference between treatment 3 and treatments 1 and 2 (Fig 6.24).

The differences between the four seedlots at Calingiri are much clearer after 70 months than they were at 12 months. Eucalyptus camaldulensis is clearly the best species on height and diameter, with a very high survival. The growth of all species has been very good for a difficult slightly saline site. Only E. occidentalis Ravensthorpe has has poor survival.

There is a notable difference between the two provenances of E. camaldulensis, with Lake Albacutya having better height and diameter than Silverton. Both provenances are known to tolerate moderate levels of salinity (Marcar and Crawford, 2004). Other provenance trials of E. camaldulensis have shown the Lake Albacutya provenance to be a consistently good performer in growth and salt tolerance (CAB International, 2000; Carr, 2009; Mazanec, 1999).

The local intergrade (see fig 6.26) (Treatment 1) also shows good growth and survival after 70 months, being intermediate between the two E. camaldulensis provenances. At the East Hyden trial (reported later), this species showed early promise, but suffered high losses due to drought in the same period as this trial has been established. The Calingiri site, however, is very close to the natural range of the integrade and its adaptation to the local moisture regime is demonstrated by the high survival after 70 months.

This trial was established to assess species performance in relation to the production of eucalypt sawlogs. Height and DBH measurements indicate reasonable growth rates, however tree form of all treatments in this trial is poor. Tree form is one of the most significant factors influencing the success of a eucalypt sawlog enterprise, and at this trial the form of all treatments has been severely compromised by damage caused by twenty eight parrots. Damage has occurred throughout the year, however seems to have been most extensive during late summer and autumn.

The economics and effectiveness of parrot control (shooting and trapping) will need to be carefully assessed before considering the use of the species used in this trial for the production of eucalypt sawlogs in the western wheatbelt of WA.

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Figure 6.26 A natural stand of Eucalyptus camaldulensis x rudis intergrade at Bolgart, near Calingiri, WA

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Figure 6.27 Location of the Calingiri species trial

6.4 East Hyden species trial

Aim • To test the performance of three WA wheatbelt provenances of flooded gum/ river red gum that show good form against the commonly planted eastern Australian ‘Silverton’ provenance of river red gum.

Trial type • Randomised complete block.

Location • Latitude: -32.4419 S; Longitude: 118.8983 E

Nearest town • Hyden (15 km west of property)

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two wheel drive vehicle.

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Site Description

Elevation • 300m a.s.l (Hyden)

Slope • 3%

Landform • Mid slope in gently undulating landscape.

Aspect • North

Original vegetation • Overstorey: E. capilosa closed shrubland; Understorey: Callitris verrucosa, Banksia laevigata, Proteaceae.

Erosion • Evidence of movement of sand by wind and water.

Climate (based on Hyden – 15 km west of trial site)

Rainfall 325mm MAR.

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Table 6.9 Climate averages for Hyden, WA

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of raindays 2.7 2.9 3.5 5 8.2 11.8 12.5 10.9 7.7 5.9 4.1 3.2 Mean monthly rainfall 18.9 20 20.7 24.4 40.3 53 47.7 40.3 27 20.8 17.3 13.9 10th percentile rainfall 0 0 0 4.3 9.9 26.2 21.3 16.2 8.1 3.4 0.5 0.2 90th percentile rainfall 51.5 68.4 65.9 53.2 78.3 85.6 83.1 69.8 52.7 45 42.1 36.1 Mean daily max temp 33.6 32.7 29.6 25.4 20.3 17 16.1 17.1 20.1 24.2 28 31.9 Mean daily min temp 15.5 15.7 14 11 7.5 5.8 4.8 4.7 5.9 8.1 11.3 13.9 Highest max temp 46.2 48.2 44 37.4 33.3 26.1 24 28.2 34 39 42.5 44.9 Lowest min temp 5.9 5.8 2.5 -1 -1.3 -4 -5.6 -3 -2 -1 1.5 2

Soil Three auger holes were dug at the trial site to determine soil properties and variations. These were taken to 670, 230 and 730 mm deep. David Carr (GAL) and Nathan McQuoid (GAWA) conducted the soil inspection.

The soil to the depth inspected shows two distinct horizons (A and B). The depth of the A horizon is between 80 and 120 mm and is a loamy sand, brown in colour. The pH is 4.5 – 5.

The B horizon continues below the depth inspected and is a loamy to clayey sand, ochre- yellow in colour and with a pH 4 to 4.5. In one sample, there is a laterite layer from 100mm deep with coarse fragments to 15mm diameter making up 30% of the soil volume. The lateritic layer is red-brown in colour.

The lateritic layer occurs in the northeast corner of replicate 2 and is likely to affect the growth of the trees in that area. (See trial layout for approximate extent).

Site preparation

Ground preparation The trial is laid out with rows 4m apart and trees planted at 2 m spacings within rows. The rows were ripped to a depth of 500mm and scalped with a Chatfield planter just prior to planting. The riplines run north to south. Prior to the trial establishment the site was cultivated annually for wheat farming.

The site is fenced as part of a larger trial and demonstration block, with 5 plain wires (top, middle and bottom are electrified) on star pickets at 10 m spacings.

The Chatfield planter scalped the top 70m of soil, removing all weeds in a 1.2m wide band, centred over the rip-line.

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Figure 6.28 Ripping and scalping used to prepare the ground for planting at East Hyden species trial, WA

Establishment

Planting date • 21-22 July 2000. • The seedlings were planted into the rip-lines in weed-free, bare soil. The soil was moderately moist at the time of planting. The trees were planted with Potti-Putkis, to a depth where the root ball was just covered with soil. No tree guards were used and the trees were not watered after planting. No mulch, anti-transpirant or fertiliser was used.

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Seedlings

Table 6.10 Species used in the East Hyden species trial and their sources

Species used Provenance Treatme Nursery Seed source Size at Health at Container nt planting planting number Eucalyptus rudis Lake Grace 1 Evergreen Tree Collected from Medium Healthy Colmax Nursery Hyden wild remnant population by GAWA Eucalyptus Silverton 2 5 Acre Nursery CSIRO Medium Healthy 72 cell camaldulensis Manjimup Hiko trays Eucalyptus rudis Dumbleyung 3 Evergreen Tree Collected from Medium Healthy Colmax Nursery Hyden wild remnant population by GAWA Eucalyptus Bolgart 4 Evergreen Tree Collected from Medium Healthy Colmax camaldulensis - rudis Nursery Hyden wild remnant population by GAWA

Labelling and design Pig tail pins were placed in the north west corner of each plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (RepNo/PlotNo). There is also a plasticised paper tag with the species name, provenance/seedlot name and treatment number written on it.

There is a pig tail pin at the end of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No/Row No).

The trial is a randomised complete block with 4 replicates of 4 plots. There is one treatment (seedlot) assigned to each plot in 6 rows of 5 trees (30 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (see diagram).

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Trial design Rep 1 Plot 1 Plot 1 Rep 2 Rep 1 Treatment Treatment Rep 2 1 1 Plot 2 Plot 2 Treatment Treatment Ripline 2 2 direction Plot 3 Plot 3 Treatment Treatment 3 3 Plot 4 Plot 4 Treatment Treatment 4 4 Rep 3 Plot 1 Plot 1 Rep 4 Rep 3 Treatment Treatment Rep 4 2 2 Plot 2 Plot 2 NORTH Treatment Treatment NORTH 4 4 Plot 3 Plot 3 Treatment Treatment 3 3 Plot 4 Plot 4 Treatment Treatment 1 1

Figure 6.29 Trial design for East Hyden species trial

Tree layout within plots 1 10 11 20 21 30 2 9 12 19 22 29 3 8 13 18 23 28 4 7 14 17 24 27 5 6 15 16 25 26 Figure 6.30 Tree layout within plots for East Hyden species trial

Maintenance

Weed control post planting No weed control has been conducted post planting. The initial scalp from the Chatfield’s tree planter provided excellent weed control, and minimal germination was experienced post planting.

Replacements Row six in Rep 2 and Rep 4 (on the eastern edge of the replicate) experienced severe damage from Australian plague locusts during the first summer post planting (December 2000 / January 2001). This row has been randomly in-filled with Eucalyptus kondininensis (Kondinin Blackbutt) seedlings in July 2001.

Monitoring Tim Emmott inspected the site on 13/10/00. There was a 93-98% survival rate, with 5% damage by insects. There were no visible signs of stress and some soil moisture was present. There were no weeds present. The trees were 15 to 55 cm tall.

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The trees generally looked in excellent condition and appeared quite healthy. This was due to the excellent weed control and the fact that the Chatfield planter had created a micro- windbreak that protected the trees from harsh winds. No locusts were detected during this visit.

Tim Emmott (GAWA) and Dave Carr (GAL) conducted first year monitoring of the trial on 19th of July 2001. At the time of first year monitoring the following observations were made:

Soil moisture • 0-10cm: Moderately moist • 10-20cm: Moderately dry • 20cm +: Moderately dry

Weed status Small germination of wild radish Raphanus raphanistrum with low potential for competing, trees well established and germination is inter row.

Insect activity 2 – 5 % of foliage affected by leaf blister sawfly; 20% of the trees affected

Other observations Several trees had experienced damage caused by cattle that had gotten into the trees for a short period, however the damage was minimal. Australian plague locusts defoliated trees on the eastern edge of the trial, causing mortalities, however trees that survived have recovered. Small evidence of damage to several trees by Australian Ringneck Parrots – ringbarking the main leaders, effecting tree growth and form.

The first year monitoring included the measurement of tree survival, height in metres, diameter of the stem 10 cm from the ground, and a score scaled from 1 to 5 for stem form, and health.

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Results and discussion

Table 6.14 Results and statistics forTammin species trial after 12 and 58 months

% % % Healt DB % DB Heigh Form Health Stem Branch Height Stem Branch Health Sur- Species DGH Sur- Height DGH Sur- h H Sur- Height H t Score Score score score (m) score score score viva vival vival score (cm) vival (cm) l Age (mths) 12 12 12 12 12 24 24 24 24 24 24 36 36 36 36 36 36 82 82 82 Eucalyptus rudis 'Lake 1.093 2.45 65.6 3.58 1.483 2.07 7.08 60.8 2.66 2.29 5.68 2.63 3.84 64.4 3.17 2.15 3.58 4.01 7.42 41.1 Grace' Eucalyptus camaldulens 0.68 1.1 84.4 3.14 2.007 1.51 4.19 82.5 2.6 2.26 5.49 2.29 2.51 80 3.49 2.79 4.03 4.01 6.94 75.6 is 'Silverton'

161 Eucalyptus rudis 1.637 3.22 82.2 3.42 1.13 2.57 7.4 83.3 2.88 2.6 5.78 3.23 4.28 82.2 3.52 2.83 3.15 4.05 7.19 40 'Dumbleyun g' Eucalyptus rudis- 1.25 2.36 66.7 3.203 1.313 2.57 7.23 61.7 3.1 2.61 5.84 3.12 4.17 66.7 3.6 3.13 3.78 4.38 7.26 38.9 camaldulens is 'Bolgart'

P * * * * * 0.003 0.004 0.001 0.006 0.09 0.295 0.043 0.09 0.058 0.149 0.001 0.059 0.715 0.97 0.08 F * * * * * 10.72 9.25 12.94 8.44 2.97 1.44 5.15 3.57 4.42 2.58 20.46 4.38 0.76 0.7 1.54 Df * * * * * 3,9 3,9 3,9 3,9 3,9 3,9 3,11 3,11 3,11 3,11 3,11 3,11 3,11 3,11 3,11 lsd (sed) 0.36 0.895 14.2 0.28 0.43 0.22 0.71 4.92 0.11 0.16 0.18 0.67 16.6 1.35 0.41 0.32 0.62 0.89 2.4 32

5 4.5 Eucalyptus rudis 4 'Lake Grace' 3.5 m 3 Eucalyptus 2.5 camaldulensis 2 height ( 'Silverton' 1.5 1 Eucalyptus rudis 0.5 'Dumbleyung' 0 0 20406080100Eucalyptus rudis- camaldulensis months 'Bolgart'

Figure 6.31 Mean height of trees in East Hyden species trial from 12 to 82 months

8 7 Eucalyptus rudis cm 6 'Lake Grace'

. 5 4 Eucalyptus dgh/dbh ( camaldulensis 3 'Silverton' 2 Eucalyptus rudis 1 'Dumbleyung' 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 Eucalyptus rudis- camaldulensis months 'Bolgart'

Figure 6.32 Mean dgh after 12 months and mean dbh after 24, 36 and 82 months at East Hyden species trial

90 80 Eucalyptus rudis 70 'Lake Grace'

% 60 50 Eucalyptus 40 camaldulensis

survival ( 30 'Silverton' 20 Eucalyptus rudis 10 'Dumbleyung' 0 0 20406080100Eucalyptus rudis- camaldulensis months 'Bolgart'

Figure 6.33 Species survival to 82 months at East Hyden species trial

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Height There were significant differences between species in height after 12, 24 and 36 months but not after 82 months. Eucalyptus rudis Dumbleyung and E. rudis x camaldulensis Bolgart are the tallest species throughout the trial but this difference is not significant after 82 months.

Diameter There is no significant difference between the species in diameter at any stage during the trial.

Survival Eucalyptus camaldulensis Silverton has consistently had high survival throughout the trial. Eucalyptus rudis had similar survival until 36 months, but at 82 months its survival had halved. The other two species have had a gradual decline in survival since planting. Differences in survival among species has been significant at the 10% probability throughout.

Form and health There were significant differences among species in stem form after 24 months and in branch form after 36 months, with E. rudis x camaldulensis scoring highest for both. No significant difference in health among the four species was evident after 12 months.

During the period from 36 to 82 months after planting this site experienced a severe drought, which has affected the growth and survival of the species in this trial. Figure 6.31 shows the slowing of height growth in this period, partly an effect of the drought and partly the effect of increased competition among the trees on the site. This has also resulted in an increase in deaths of the trees of all species. Eucalyptus rudis and E. rudis x camaldulensis are species of river flats, floodplains and swampy areas in Western Australia (Boland et al., 1992) and is therefore likely to be unable to withstand extremely dry periods on a site such as East Hyden. The two E. rudis provenances are from the eastern extreme of its range, and would therefore be expected to be the most drought tolerant of any fro this species. The Dumbleyung provenance is the most eastern and had the best survival up until 36 months. There appears to be some drought tolerance in the species, as 40% of the trees planted managed to survive the drought, but their survival is not good enough for a farm forestry investment using this species in this area. The intergrade had very similar survival to the Lake Grace provenance. While E. camaldulensis is also a riparian species (Boland et al., 1992), it occurs in much dryer environments (particularly the Silverton provenance) than the E. rudis seedlots and has consequently demonstrated much better ability to cope with the conditions at East Hyden.

The competition between trees has suppressed any natural height advantage for any one species, which was apparent up until 36 months after planting. At that point, E. rudis Dumbleyung and E. rudis x camaldulensis were clearly taller and had a greater dbh than the other two species. By 82 months the competition had slowed the growth of all species to a point where there is no longer a clear difference between them. Early thinning would have allowed better expression of the natural differences between the seedlots.

The form of all trees in the trial is generally poor, with multiple trunks, heavy branching and acute branch angles being common. For a site with very low annual rainfall, and growing under drought conditions, the growth of all four species has been reasonable, so these species may have some value as farm forestry species for a product where straight stems and light branching are not important. They could not be recommended for sawlog production based on the performance in this trial. Any use of these species for biomass plantings should consider establishing them where there is more reliable and higher rainfall, to the west and south of the trial site.

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Only E. camaldulensis Silverton could be recommended for plantig on similar sites as a result of its survival in this trial. Despite being the slowest grower throughout the trial, it finished with similar height and dbh to the other three species and with far superior survival after 82 months.

Figure 6.34 Location of the East Hyden species trial, WA

Figure 6.35 East Hyden trial site 2 years after planting

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6.5 Tammin species trial

Trial type • Randomised complete block

Trial objectives • To assess the performance and farm forestry potential of two WA endemic species, being Eucalyptus astringens and E. argyphea. These seedlots are being compared against two recognised provenances of known performing eastern state species, E. cladocalyx and E tricarpa.

Location • Map reference: See Regional, district and property maps. • Latitude: -31.6597 S; Longitude: 117.2511 E

Nearest town • Tammin (8km south of property)

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two wheel drive vehicle, however a 4WD is recommended in winter months.

Site Description

Elevation • 236 m a.s.l (Cunderdin)

Slope • 1%

Landform Mid slope in slightly undulating landscape.

Aspect • North

Original vegetation • Overstorey: E. salmonophloia, E. salubris; Understorey: Acacia acuminata, Acacia ssp. Melaleuca ssp.

Erosion • Nil.

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Climate (based on Cunderdin – 30km west of trial site - Commenced: 1914 Last record: 2001)

Rainfall • 370 mm MAR.

Table 6.12 Climate averages for Cunderdin, WA

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of raindays 2.0 2.4 3.2 5.0 9.1 12.8 14.0 11.6 8.3 5.6 3.4 2.3 Mean monthly rainfall 12.0 16.6 20.0 23.7 49.1 65.7 64.0 48.2 27.9 20.3 12.9 9.7 10th percentile rainfall 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.3 9.4 27.7 31.2 21.3 9.0 3.4 0.0 0.0 90th percentile rainfall 28.0 48.2 64.2 59.4 94.9 107.0 109.9 75.1 50.3 40.2 31.6 32.1 Mean daily max temp 34.1 33.2 30.4 25.5 20.9 17.6 16.6 17.5 20.4 24.3 28.3 32.0 Mean daily min temp 17.4 17.6 15.9 12.9 9.3 7.6 6.2 6.1 7.2 9.4 12.6 15.4 Highest max temp 47.0 47.8 43.0 38.1 34.3 26.0 25.3 28.0 33.4 38.1 43.5 45.6 Lowest min temp 8.8 7.6 5.3 3.3 -0.6 -2.2 -3.1 -1.0 -0.5 1.0 2.3 4.4

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Soil • Preliminary assessments indicate a clay loam sandy over pale grey clay.

Site preparation

Ground preparation The trial is laid out with rows 4m apart and trees planted at 2m spacings within rows. The rows were ripped to a depth of 300mm and scalped on the 14th of July 2002 in a one-pass operation with a Chatfield’s tree planter. No mound constructed. The rip lines run north to south. Prior to the trial establishment the site was in a rotation of annual pasture for grazing and cereal and legume cropping.

The site is fenced. The fence consists of 7-line ringlock with 1 plain wire on the bottom, on star pickets at 10-m spacings with stainers in each corner.

Establishment

Pre-Plant weed control The site was sprayed with 1 litre per hectare of Roundup on the 14th of July. The soil was moderatly dry at the time of spraying, and there was a heavy germination of wild radish, cape weed and rye grass present. The weeds were showing visible signs of herbicide damage at the time of planting.

Planting date 24th July 2002

The seedlings were planted into the rip lines in weed-free, bare soil. The top soil was moist at the time of planting. The trees were not watered following planting. The trees were planted with Potti-Putkis, to a depth where the root ball was just covered with soil. No tree guards were used and no mulch, anti-transpirant or fertiliser was used.

Seedlings

Table 6.13 Species used in the Tammin species trial and their sources

Species used Provenanc Treatme Nursery Seed source Size at Health Containe e nt planting at r number planting Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabara 1 Wongan Trees CSIRO Tree Seed Tall Healthy Colmax Centre Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt Nowa 2 Wongan Trees CSIRO Tree Seed Tall Healthy Colmax Nowa Centre Eucalyptus astringens Highbury 4 Wongan Trees CSIRO Tree Seed Tall Healthy Colmax Centre Eucalyptus argyphea Dryandra 5 CALM Narrogin CALM Narrogin Medium Healthy Colmax

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Labelling and design Steel droppers were placed in the north east corner of each plot. Each dropper has a metal tag with the replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (RepNo/PlotNo). There is also a plasticised paper tag with the species name, provenance/seedlot name and treatment number written on it.

There is a steel dropper at the beginning of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No/Row No).

The trial is a randomised complete block with 4 replicates of 4 plots. There is one treatment (seedlot) assigned to each plot in 5 rows of 6 trees (30 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (see diagram).

Trial design Rep 2 Plot 4 Rep 4 Plot 4 Rep 2 Treatment Rep 4 Treatment 4 1 Plot 3 Plot 3 Treatment Treatment 1 2 Plot 2 Plot 2 Treatment Treatment Ripline 2 4 Plot 1 Plot 1 direction Treatment Treatment 3 3 Rep 1 Plot 4 Rep 3 Plot 4 Rep 1 Treatment Rep 3 Treatment 4 2 Plot 3 Plot 3 North Treatment Treatment 3 1 Plot 2 Plot 2 Treatment Treatment 2 4 Plot 1 Plot 1 Treatment Treatment 1 3

Figure 6.36 Trial design for Tammin species trial 6 7 18 19 30 5 8 17 20 29 4 9 16 21 28 3 10 15 22 27 2 11 14 23 26 North 1 12 13 24 25

Figure 6.37 Tree layout within plots, Tammin species trial

Maintenance

Weed control post planting Not post planting weed control has been conducted to date

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Fertiliser application post planting No fertiliser has been applied to the trees to date

Monitoring The trial was monitored after 12 and 58 months from planting. Height was measured using a telescopic height pole and dgh was measured with forestry calipers. Form and health scores were assessed using a subjective 6 point scale (McLeod et al., 2009). Results were pre- processed using Data Plus software and analysed using the ANOVA procedure in Genstat.

Results and discussion

Table 6.14 Results and statistics for Tammin species trial after 12 and 58 months

Survival Survival Survival Species Height Height % % % DGH Age (months) 12 58 0 12 58 58 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabarra 0.85 3.05 100 95.6 90 7.57 Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt Nowa Nowa 0.81 2.29 100 96.7 47.8 5.2 Eucalyptus astringens Highbury 0.77 2.89 100 95.6 81.1 6.8 Eucalyptus argyphea Dryandra 0.68 2.68 100 78.9 46.7 5.37 df=2,6 P 0.32 0.185 * 0.014 0.016 0.081 v.r. 3.46 2.5 * 0.43 0.3 3.84 lsd 0.2 0.77 * 10.17 27.35 2.07

Survival Survival measured in May 2007 trial age 58 months showed a significant difference between the survival of treatments 1 and 3 compared with treatments 2 and 4, with the latter two treatments recording the lower survival.

Survival of treatments 2 and 4 has decreased significantly in the period from when the trial was initially measured at age 12 months. It is assumed that the reduction in survival is drought related.

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100 Eucalyptus cladocalyx 80 Wirrabarra v

60 Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt % survi 40 Nowa Nowa Eucalyptus 20 astringens 0 Highbury 0 10203040506070 Eucalyptus argyphea months Dryandra

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Figure 6.38 Survival of species in the Tammin species trial after 12 and 58 months

Form Form was not assessed during the May 2007 trial age 58 months measurement, due to the impact twenty eight parrots had made on tree form throughout the trial.

Height Height (measured in metres) measured in May 2007 trial age 58 months did not show a significant difference between any of the treatments measured in the trial.

3.5 3 Eucalyptus cladocalyx 2.5 Wirrabarra m 2 Eucalyptus 1.5 tricarpa Mt Nowa

height ( height Nowa 1 Eucalyptus 0.5 astringens Highbury 0 Eucalyptus 0 10203040506070 argyphea months Dryandra

Figure 6.39 Height of species in Tammin species trial at 12 and 58 months

DBH DBH (measured in cm) measured in May 2007 trial age 58 months did not show a significant difference between any of the treatments measured in the trial.

At trial age 58 months treatment 1(E.cladocalyx) was the best performing species in regards to height, DBH and survival, however there was no significant difference between the other treatments regarding height and DBH.

A very hot and dry 2006 / 07 summer and 2007 autumn has severely stressed all treatments in this trial, resulting in many losses of treatments 2 and 4.

Given the relatively poor performance of the species used in this trial it is our assessment that the species used in this trial are not well adapted to this particular soil type. Of the four species, E. cladocalyx and E. astringens had the best growth and survival, but this was poor when compared to other trials in the district with similar species. At Konnongorring at a similar age, the height of these two species was 5.1 and 4.3 m respectiveley compared to 3.1 and 2.9 m in this trial.

The soil at this site was not formally assessed, however observations indicate a reasonably heavy textured clay soil. Observations by Tim Emmott of other similar aged plantings of E.cladocalyx and E.argyphea in the Tammin region on lighter textured sandy / gravel soils indicate much greater potential (growth rates and drought tolerance) for these species compared with the results shown at this trial.

Matching species to soil type will be a critical element of future low rainfall farm forestry development.

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Figure 6.40 Drought deaths and poor form in the Tammin species trial after 58 months

Figure 6.41 Location of the Tammin species trial

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6.6 Northam provenance trial

Trial type • Provenance trial in a randomised complete block

Trial Objectives • To assess the performance and farm forestry potential of three recognised provenances of Eucalyptus occidentalis in the Northam area.

Location • Latitude -31.6422 S; Longitude 116.6692 E

Nearest town • Northam (11km north – north west of property).

Access • Permission is required from the owners before entering the property. Keys are not required. The site is accessible all year round in a two-wheel drive vehicle, however a 4WD is recommended in winter months.

Site Description

Elevation • 155 m a.s.l (Northam)

Slope • 5%

Landform • Lower slope in undulating landscape.

Aspect • West

Original vegetation • Overstorey: E. loxophleba; Understorey: Acacia acuminata, Acacia microbotrya

Erosion • Evidence of movement of topsoil following heavy rainfall events.

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Climate (based on Northam – 11km NW of trial – Commenced: 1877 Last record: 2001)

Rainfall • 432 mm MAR.

Table 6.15 Climate averages for Northam, WA

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Number of raindays 1.8 2.1 3.1 5.4 10.5 14.7 15.8 13.8 10.6 7.3 3.8 2.2 Mean monthly rainfall 9.7 12.9 19.0 23.2 56.5 82.5 83.9 61.6 36.6 25.0 12.0 9.2 10th percentile rainfall 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.3 13.0 32.3 39.4 27.3 13.0 4.4 0.3 0.0 90th percentile rainfall 30.7 46.8 44.1 57.1 108.4 133.1 133.5 101.0 68.2 50.5 28.5 35.3 Mean daily max temp 34.1 33.6 30.6 26.0 21.0 17.8 16.8 17.8 20.5 23.8 28.3 32.1 Mean daily min temp 17.1 17.1 15.4 12.0 8.5 6.5 5.5 5.7 7.0 9.0 12.4 15.4 Highest max temp 45.8 45.5 43.1 39.5 35.1 26.2 25.0 28.0 33.3 39.3 42.5 44.8 Lowest min temp 8.5 8.5 5.8 3.4 - 0.6 - 2.1 - 3.2 - 1.4 - 1.0 0.5 2.1 4.7

Soil • Two auger holes were dug at the trial site to determine soil properties and variations. Location of the auger holes was in; o Replicate 2, Plot 3, o Replicate 4, Plot 2 • David Carr (GAL) and Tim Emmott (GAWA) conducted the soil inspection on the 18th of July 2002. All auger holes were inspected to a depth of 1 metre. • The soil to the depth inspected in auger hole 1shows 3 distinct horizons (A, B and C). The depth of the A horizon is between 0 and 300 mm and is loamy sand, dark brown in colour. The pH is 8. • The B horizon is between 300 and 450 mm and is clay loam, black in colour. The pH is 8 • The C horizon is between 450 and 1000 mm and is loamy sand, red – brown in colour. The pH is 7. The watertable was at 900 mm. • The soil to the depth inspected in auger hole 2 shows 3 distinct horizons (A, B1 and B2). The depth of the A horizon is between 0 and 450 mm and is sandy loam, dark brown in colour. The pH is 9. • The B1 horizon is between 450 and 800 mm and is clayey sand, light brown in colour. The pH is 8.5 • The B2 horizon is continues from 850 mm to over 1000mm in depth and is clay loam, sandy, and is orange – brown in colour. The pH is 8.5. The mottle of this horizon was highly effervescent.

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Site preparation

Ground preparation The trial is laid out with rows 4m apart and trees planted at 2m spacings within rows. The rows were ripped to a depth of 400mm and mounded with a three-point linkage mounder on the 22nd of August 2001. Mounds are approximately 100 cm wide and 30 cm high. The mounds run north to south. Prior to the trial establishment the site was in a rotation of cereal cropping and pasture.

The site is fenced. The fence consists of 7-line ringlock with 1 plain wire on the bottom, on star pickets at 10-m spacings with pine box strainers in each corner.

Establishment

Pre-Plant weed control Prior to ripping and mounding, the site was sprayed with 1 litre per hectare of glyphosate on the 13th of August 2001. The soil was moist at the time of spraying, and there was a heavy germination of rye grass, wild oats and wild radish present. The knockdown herbicide successfully eliminated these weeds.

Planting date 22nd August 2001

The seedlings were planted into the mounds in weed-free, bare soil. The top-soil was moderately dry at the time of planting; however the western edge of the site was wet due to waterlogging. Due to the dry conditions being experienced at time of planting, a decision was made to trim the E. occidentalis (Ravensthorpe) seedlings to half their size, as they were extremely large seedlings. This should be considered when assessing stem form and branching score results of this provenance. The trees were planted with Potti-Putkis, to a depth where the root ball was just covered with soil. The trees were not watered after planting. No tree guards were used and no mulch, anti-transpirant or fertiliser was used.

Seedlings

Table 6.16 Species used in the Northam species trial and their sources

Species used Provenance Treatment Nursery Seed source Size at Health at Contai number planting planting ner Eucalyptus Bundaleer SPA 1 State Flora State Flora Medium Healthy Colmax occidentalis Nursery Murray Nursery Murray Bridge SA Bridge SA Eucalyptus Red Hill SPA 2 State Flora State Flora Medium Healthy Colmax occidentalis Nursery Murray Nursery Murray Bridge SA Bridge SA Eucalyptus Ravensthorpe 3 Westgrow Farm Kimseeds Very Tall Healthy Colmax occidentalis Trees Environmental (trimmed) Meckering Pty Ltd

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There is a pig tail pin at the end of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate number and row number stamped on it (Rep No/Row No).

The trial is a randomised complete block with 4 replicates of 3 plots. There is one treatment (seedlot) assigned to each plot in 5 rows of 6 trees (30 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (see diagram).

Trial design Layout of Plots Layout of Treatments

Figure 6.42 Layout of plots and treatments for the Northam provenance trial

Tree layout within plots

25 26 27 28 29 30 24 23 22 21 20 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 11 10 9 8 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 X Stake

Figure 6.43 Tree layout within plots, Northam trial

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Maintenance

Weed control post planting The site was sprayed inter row with 1 litre per hectare of Roundup on the 12th of July 2002, to control a germination of wild radish, cape weed and rye grass.

Fertiliser application post planting On the 12th of August 2002, 75 grams of DAP was applied 15cm from the base of each tree within the trial. The fertiliser was applied using a Potti-Putki with the fertiliser being buried 2 – 5 cm deep on the downhill side of the seedlings.

Monitoring Tim Emmott (GAWA) and Dave Carr conducted first year monitoring of the trial on 15th of July 2002. At the time of first year monitoring the following observations were made:

Soil moisture • 0-10cm Moist • 10-20cm Moderately moist • 20cm + Moderately moist

Weed status All winter annual weeds browning off from previous herbicide application. Low potential for competing, herbicide has worked well

Insect activity 2 5 % of foliage affected by leaf eating insects and galls; : 80% of the trees affected by insects, 20% by galls

Other observations Several of the trees have been damaged by Australian Ringneck Parrots – parrots have damaged the main leader on most trees, causing forking and branching, effecting tree growth and form. Some butt sweep is evident, due to strong winds.

Height was measured after 12, 23 and 69 months using a telescopic height pole. Diameter was measured at 12 months, 5 cm above ground level (DGH) and at 23 and 69 months at breast height (DBH) using forestry calipers.

Stem form, branching habit and health scores have been applied to this trial based on methods outlined in the CSIRO field trials handbook (McLeod et al., 2009). Usually trees less than around 6m in height are not assessed for form, but it was decided with this trial to see if form could be detected in young trees and whether this carried through to mature trees. This will allow for early selection of “culls”, especially where unselected seed collected from wild populations is utilised in farm forestry. The health scores take into account damage caused by the Australian Ringneck parrots. Trial data was pre-processed using Data Plus software to remove outliers and to satisfy the assumption of equal variance (Williams et al., 2002). Analysis of variance was undertaken with the ANOVA directive in Genstat.

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Results and discussion

Table 6.17 Results and statistics for Northam provenance trial after 10, 23 and 69 months

% % Form Species Height Height Height DGH DBH DBH Survival Survival Stem Stem Branch Branch score Health Health Age (mths) 10 23 69 10 23 69 10 23 10 23 10 23 69 10 23 Eucalyptus occidentalis 'Bundaleer' 1.84 3.72 9.49 3.58 4.69 14.6 88.3 87.8 4.45 4.18 3.92 3.94 4.5 5.82 4.62 177 Eucalyptus occidentalis 'Red Hill' 1.93 3.71 9.44 4 4.58 13.6 92.5 90 4.23 4 3.7 3.94 4.3 5.65 4.59 Eucalyptus occidentalis 'Ravensthorpe' 1.98 3.75 9.29 4.15 5.41 15.35 86.7 82.2 4.06 3.37 3.53 3.06 3.6 5.69 4.69 df=2,8 s.e.d lsd 0.33 0.6 1.14 0.29 1.77 3.2 5.84 17.45 0.23 0.35 0.29 0.23 0.45 0.11 0.38 P 0.8 0.98 0.89 0.212 0.444 0.4 0.614 0.51 0.316 0.007 0.448 <0.001 0.01 0.341 0.794 v.r 0.69 0.42 0.51 2.03 1 1.01 0.53 0.56 1.41 22.43 0.92 77.31 2.32 1.3 0.24

Survival Survival measured in May 2007 trial age 69 months showed no significant difference between the survivals of all treatments within this trial.

120 Eucalyptus occidentalis 100 'Bundaleer'

v 80

60 Eucalyptus occidentalis % survi 40 'Red Hill'

20 Eucalyptus 0 occidentalis 0 5 10 15 20 25 'Ravensthorp months e'

Figure 6.44 Survival after 12, 23 and 69 months, Northam

Height Height measured in May 2007 trial age 69 months showed no significant difference between all treatments within this trial.

10 9 8 7 Eucalyptus m 6 occidentalis 'Bundaleer' 5 4 height ( Eucalyptus 3 occidentalis 'Red 2 Hill' 1 0 Eucalyptus 0 20406080 occidentalis months 'Ravensthorpe'

Figure 6.45 Mean height for Northam provenance trial after 12, 23 and 69 months

DBH Diameter (measured in cm) measured in May 2007 trial age 69 months did not show a significant difference between any of the treatments measured in the trial.

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18 16 14 Eucalyptus occidentalis

cm 12 'Bundaleer' 10 Eucalyptus occidentalis 'Red 8 Hill'

dgh/dbh ( 6 Eucalyptus occidentalis 4 'Ravensthorpe' 2 0 020406080 months

Figure 6.46 Mean dgh after 12 months and dbh after 23 and 69 months for Northam provenance trial

Form Form measured in May 2007 trial age 69 months showed a significant difference in form between treatments 1 and 2 compared with treatment 3, with treatment 3 recording the poorer tree form.

5 4.5 Eucalyptus 4 occidentalis 3.5

o 'Bundaleer' 3 2.5 2 Eucalyptus Mean sc 1.5 occidentalis 'Red Hill' 1 0.5 0 10 23 10 23 69 Eucalyptus occidentalis Stem Stem Branch Branch Form score 'Ravensthorpe' Form type/months

Figure 6.47 Form scores for Northam provenance trial at 10, 23 and 69 months

At trial age 69 months the form of both treatments 1 and 2 were significantly greater that treatment 3. Overall this species (E. occidentalis) has performed very well at this site, with exceptional early growth given several below average annual rainfall years since establishment. The species shows great potential as a farm forestry species on similar sites.

The seed used in treatments 1 and 2 were sourced from CSIRO seed production orchards while treatment 3 was wild seed. It is reassuring to see a significant difference in regards to tree form within this trial favouring the seed production orchard seed. Even though the form score of treatments 1 and 2 were higher than treatment 3, the overall form of the trees, in regards to sawlog production, was not exceptional, when compared to the E.cladocalyx used

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in the Bakers Hill trial. A more active approach with early form pruning may have further influenced the tree form of all species.

Given this trial was established in a relatively exposed position, and is small in size, some of the poor form could be attributed to butt sweep caused by exposure.

Figure 6.48 Location of the Northam provenance trial

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7. Summary and recommendations

Table 7.1 shows the range of species used in these trials. Some of these species have been used in multiple sites and there are some seedlots used at more than one site. Of most interest are the species used across multiple sites from the ALRTIG recommendations (Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group et al., 2002). There is sufficient data to show the range of heights over time across multiple sites for Eucalyptus occidentalis, E. cladocalyx, E. tricarpa and E. camaldulensis (figs 7.1- 7.4). The wide variation in height after similar periods of growth is due to the wide variation in site conditions, particularly in rainfall and soil characteristics. Tables 7.2-7.5 indicate which trials the data used in the figures is taken from.

These results clearly show that the degree of variation in height growth is larger due to site variation than to differences between seedlots. Therefore, these trials reinforce the importance of good site selection in order to maximise growth, followed by selection of good seedlots or provenances. Most farm foresters, however, are limited to the sites available on their farms. In this case careful selection of both species and seedlot is important. The other variable between sites represented in these trials is maintenance of the trees (silviculture). While it is not apparent from the results, the best care results in the best growth of trees, no matter what the site. The best example of this is from the Melrose trial, where a very high standard of weed control, mulching and form-pruning has led to an excellent stand of trees being produced. Prospective growers in this region should see Borschmann et al (2005) (McCullum case study) for examples of trees grown on this site.

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Table 7.1 Species referred to in this report

Botanical name Common name Acacia acuminata Benth. raspberry jam Acacia aneura F.Muell. ex Benth. mulga Acacia cyperophylla F.Muell. ex Benth. red mulga Acacia melanoxylon R. Br. blackwood Acacia papyrocarpa Benth. western myall Acacia pendula A. Cunn, ex G. Don. weeping myall, boree Acacia salicina Lindl. coobah Allocasuarina decaisneana F. Muell. (L.A.S. Johnson) desert oak Allocasuarina luehmannii (R.T. Baker) L.A.S Johnson buloke Allocasuarina verticillata (Lam.) L.A.S Johnson she oak Callitris preissii Miq. (Most likely C. verrucosa (A. Cunn ex Endl.) F. Muell. Callitris rhomboidea R. Br. Ex Rich. and A. Rich. Oyster Bay pine Casuarina cristata Miq. belah Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. river oak Casuarina glauca Sieber ex Sprengel. swamp oak Casuarina obesa Western Australian swamp oak Casuarina pauper F. Muell ex L.A.S. Johnson belah Corymbia maculata (Hook.) K.D. Hill and L.A.S Johnson spotted gum Corymbia variegata (F. Muell.) K.D. Hill and L.A.S Johnson spotted gum Eucalyptus crebra F. Muell. narrow-leaved ironbark Eucalyptus cladocalyx F. Muell. sugar gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. river red gum Eucalyptus agglomerata Maiden blue-leaved stringybark Eucalyptus argophloia Blakely Chinchilla white gum Eucalyptus argyphea Eucalyptus astringens Maiden (Maiden) brown mallet Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane. and Maiden) Maiden shining gum Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Tasmanian blue gum Eucalyptus globulus x camaldulensis blue gum red gum hybrid Eucalyptus leucoxylon F. Muell. blue gum Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. forest red gum Eucalyptus tricarpa (L.A.S Johnson) L.A.S Johnson and K.D. Hill red ironbark Eucalyptus microcarpa (Maiden) Maiden narrow-leaved grey box Eucalyptus microcorys F. Muell. tallowwood Eucalyptus moluccana Roxb. grey box Eucalyptus occidentalis Endl. swamp yate Eucalyptus paniculata Sm. grey ironbark Eucalyptus punctata DC. grey gum Eucalyptus grandis x camaldulensis flooded gum red gum hybrid Eucalyptus saligna Sm. Sydney blue gum Eucalyptus socialis F. Muell. Ex Miq. red mallee

182

Botanical name Common name Eucalyptus horistes L.A.S Johnson and K.D. Hill Eucalyptus polybractea R.T. Baker blue mallee Eucalyptus rudis Endl. flooded gum Eucalyptus wandoo Blakely wandoo Pinus pinaster Aiton. maritime pine Pinus radiata D. Don Monterey pine

Eucalyptus camaldulensis - Height

5 Eucalyptus camaldulensis

4 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Gwydi r Val l ey ) 3 (m Eucalyptus camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708) 2

Eucalyptus camaldulensis 1 Silverton (19868)

Eucalyptus camaldulensis X 0 grandis 0 20406080100 Age (months)

Figure 7.1 Summary of Eucalyptus camaldulensis height over time at multiple trial sites

Eucalyptus cladocalyx - Height

10 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Melrose 9

8 Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wai l 7 Eucalyptus cladocalyx 6 Wirrabara ) 5 (m Eucalyptus cladocalyx Donnybrook 4

0 0 10203040506070 Age (months)

183

Figure 7.2 Summary of Eucalyptus cladocalyx height over time at multiple trial sites

Eucalyptus occidentalis - Height

8 Eucalyptus occidentalis SPA 7 Bundaleer (20444) Eucalyptus occidentalis Truslove 6 (15416)

) Eucalyptus occidentalis Red Hill 5 (m

4 Eucalyptus occidentalis Grass Patch

3 Eucalyptus occidentalis Ravensthorpe

0 0 20406080 Age (months)

Figure 7.3 Summary of Eucalyptus occidentalis height over time at multiple trial sites

184

Eucalyptus tricarpa height

4.5

Eucalyptus tricarpa 4 Anglesea (15210)

3.5 Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo 3

2.5 Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo (15201) 2 Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt Nowa 1.5 Now a

0.5

0 0 10203040506070 Age (months)

Figure 7.4 Summary of Eucalyptus tricarpa height over time at multiple trial sites

185

Table 7.2 Summary of height results by seedlot / provenance, age and trial site for E. camaldulensis

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Age Height 42 2.507 Bengalla

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Gwydir River Age Height 12 0.51 Kempton 48 0.6 Kempton

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Gwydir Valley Age Height 12 1.37 Swansea 48 2.45 Swansea

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Lake Albacutya (19708) Age Height 12 1.205 Birchip Belt 24 1.966 Birchip Belt 50 3.532 Birchip Belt 12 0.64 Birchip Block 24 1.397 Birchip Block 50 1.636 Birchip Block 12 1.58 Calingiri 70 5.65 Calingiri

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Silverton (19868) Age Height 12 0.82 Birchip Belt 24 1.339 Birchip Belt 50 2.654 Birchip Belt 12 0.923 Birchip Block 24 1.635 Birchip Block 50 3.47 Birchip Block 12 1.05 Calingiri 70 4.27 Calingiri 12 0.68 East Hyden 24 1.51 East Hyden 36 2.29 East Hyden 82 4.01 East Hyden

Eucalyptus camaldulensis X grandis Age Height 42 1.535 Bengalla

186

Table 7.3 Summary of height results by seedlot / provenance, age and trial site for E. cladocalyx

Eucalyptus cladocalyx Melrose Age Height 12 1.864 Melrose 48 5.533 Melrose

Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wail Age Height 12 1.141 Melrose 48 5.157 Melrose 12 0.506 Birchip Belt 24 1.086 Birchip Belt 50 3.32 Birchip Belt 12 0.293 Birchip Block 50 1.925 Birchip Block 12 1.45 Swansea 12 0.84 Kempton 48 4.08 Swansea 48 2.08 Kempton

Eucalyptus cladocalyx Wirrabara Age Height 12 0.6 Birchip Belt 24 1.27 Birchip Belt 50 3.464 Birchip Belt 12 0.418 Birchip Block 50 3.112 Birchip Block 12 1.4 Swansea 48 4.09 Swansea 59 9.08 Bakers Hill 12 0.85 Tammin 58 3.05 Tammin

Eucalyptus cladocalyx Donnybrook 12 1.38 Konnongorring 57 5.1 Konnongorring

187

Table 7.4 Summary of height results by seedlot / provenance, age and trial site for E. occidentalis

Eucalyptus occidentalis SPA Bundaleer (20444) Age Height 12 0.797 Birchip Belt 24 1.749 Birchip Belt 50 4.535 Birchip Belt 12 0.758 Birchip Block 24 1.802 Birchip Block 50 4.488 Birchip Block 10 1.84 Northam 23 3.72 Northam 69 9.49 Northam

Eucalyptus occidentalis Truslove (15416) Age Height 12 2.271 Melrose 48 6.687 Melrose 12 0.934 Birchip Belt 24 1.895 Birchip Belt 50 4.326 Birchip Belt 12 0.827 Birchip Block 24 2.06 Birchip Block 50 5.128 Birchip Block

Eucalyptus occidentalis Ravensthorpe 12 1.11 Calingiri 70 5.34 Calingiri 10 1.98 Northam 23 3.75 Northam 69 9.29 Northam

Eucalyptus occidentalis Red Hill 12 1.58 Konnongorring 57 5.81 Konnongorring 10 1.93 Northam 23 3.71 Northam 69 9.44 Northam

Eucalyptus occidentalis Grass Patch 12 1.62 Konnongorring 57 5.28 Konnongorring

188

Table 7.5 Summary of height results by seedlot / provenance, age and trial site for E. tricarpa

Eucalyptus tricarpa Anglesea (15210) Age Height 12 0.551 Birchip Belt 24 1.194 Birchip Belt 50 3.629 Birchip Belt 12 0.275 Birchip Block 50 2.62 Birchip Block

Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo Age Height 12 1.19 Swansea 12 0.71 Kempton 48 2.9 Swansea 48 0.94 Kempton

Eucalyptus tricarpa Bendigo (15201) Age Height 12 0.753 Birchip Block 50 3.08 Birchip Block 12 0.881 Birchip Belt 24 1.302 Birchip Belt 50 3.128 Birchip Belt

Eucalyptus tricarpa Mt Nowa Nowa 12 0.94 Konnongorring 57 3.9 Konnongorring 12 0.81 Tammin 58 2.29 Tammin

189

Table 7.6 Summary of best performing species and seedlots (based on height) from each site referred to in this report

190

8. References

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Andrews, S. (2000) Optimising the growth of trees planted on farms - A survey of farm tree and shrub plantings of the Northwest Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands of NSW. Greening Australia NSW, Armidale, NSW.

Australian Tree Seed Centre and Mortlock, W. (1999) Florabank guideline 6: Native seed collection methods FloraBank (Greening Australia, CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products, Australian National Botanic Gardens) Yarralumla, ACT

Bird, P.R. (2000) Farm forestry in Southern Australia Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne, Vic.

Bird, P.R., Jowett, D.W., Kellas, J.W., and Kearney, G.A. (1996). Farm forestry clearwood production: a manual for south east Australia. Agriculture Victoria Technical Report series, Hamilton.

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193 Low-to-Mid Rainfall Farm Forestry Species Trials

By David Carr, Jim Robinson, Lorryn Williamson, Robert Downie, Tim Emmott and Anne Brown

RIRDC Publication No. 08/163

Farm forestry in low rainfall areas of Australia can be an important JVAP was managed by the Rural Industries Research and source of supplementary income for land owners. It can also Development Corporation (RIRDC). The Rural Industries Research contribute to environmental sustainability and enhance existing and Development Corporation (RIRDC) is a partnership between agricultural enterprises. Some of the constraints on farm forestry government and industry to invest in R&D for more productive and in low rainfall areas are not knowing what species to plant, lack sustainable rural industries. We invest in new and emerging rural of establishment and management skills, and market access. The industries, a suite of established rural industries and national rural research discussed in this report addresses the first of these. issues.

Between 1999 and 2002 Greening Australia established a series of Most of the information we produce can be downloaded for low rainfall species selection trials in southern Australia. This report free or purchased from our website: www.rirdc.gov.au, or by examines the results of these trials after 4-5 years growth. phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies).

Contact RIRDC: Level 2 Most RIRDC books can be freely downloaded 15 National Circuit or purchased from www.rirdc.gov.au or by Barton ACT 2600 phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies). PO Box 4776 Kingston ACT 2604 www.rirdc.gov.au Ph: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] web: www.rirdc.gov.au