REVEGETATION PLAN WILLIAMS LOCATIONS 7345 AND 8651 (“CHADWICK’S”)

PREPARED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND LAND MANAGEMENT

PREPARED BY ARBORESSENCE CONSULTANCY APRIL 2001 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Index

Introduction 3

Specific recommendations 4

Revegetation plan 5 Introduction 5 Plantings 6 Seed production areas 6 Melaleuca plantings 6 Buffer plantings 6 Symbiotic fungi 6 Native grasses plots 6 Seed production areas 7 Introduction 7 Species list 8 Seed availability 9 Matching species to site 10 Plantings patterns for individual plots 12 Melaleuca plantings 22 Buffer plantings 24 Species lists 25 Symbiotic fungi 28 Native grasses plots 29 Plot layout 30

Non-endemic vegetation 36

Site preparation recommendations 38 Ripping 38 Mounding 39 Weed control 49 Control of vermin and grazing animals 40 Planting 40

Monitoring 42

Roading and fencing 44

References 45

Appendix A Inez Tommerup and Neale Bougher (2001). Draft proposal to include fungi to improve biodiversity qualities and soil process functions in rehabilitation model for Lake Toolibin

2 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Lake Toolibin Project-Chadwick’s revegetation

Introduction

The Department of Conservation and Land Management has acquired a 135 ha section of farmland in the Lake Toolibin catchment, to the north of and adjoining a system of nature reserves. It is proposed to revegetate this farmland.

Aims The principal aim of this revegetation is to: Contribute to the hydrological stability of the Toolibin catchment for protection of the nature conservation values of the nearby nature reserve system, in particular Lake Toolibin.

Revegetation can further this aim through reducing the impact of rising water tables (Bartle et al. 1996) and reducing the salinity of surface water flows. Specifically, it is proposed that this be achieved through the establishment of high water use perennial plants capable of using water beyond annual rainfall, where ground water salinities permit.

Secondary aims of the revegetation work include: • expanding and buffering the reserve system, and developing the connectivity of the existing reserves. • demonstrating an alternative commercial land use based on endemic perennial species. • maximising biodiversity values of revegetation, within the above constraint. • minimising the undesirable outcomes of revegetation, such as proliferation of weed species and increased fire risk. • demonstrating planning, establishment and management techniques that are transferable to farmland revegetation in the surrounding catchment and other parts of the Wheatbelt. • providing significant amounts of quality seed of local species for further revegetation work within the adjoining CALM estate and farmland within the catchment.

These actions are supportive of the five principal goals of the Toolibin Lake Recovery Plan (Toolibin Lake Recovery Team and Toolibin Lake Technical Advisory Group, 1994).

3 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Specific recommendations

To achieve the above aims it is recommended that: • The entire area be planted over a period of five years, subject to budget and staffing constraints. This would include one year of site assessment and planning (2001), three years of major planting programs, and a year of infill and maintenance following final major planting (2005). • That the majority of the land be dedicated to seed production areas to increase the availability of quality, local provenance seed for ongoing revegetation in the region. • That plantings consist of combinations of species commonly occurring together in the surrounding areas, matched, as near as is practical in an operational sense, to the landforms and soil types of the project area. • That the dimensions of the mature plant guide the planting density of any given species. For example, in a seed production plot, large trees will be planted at a low density of trees per hectare, with an understory of smaller plants at higher density. This is not currently common practice in revegetation. • That the revegetation initially includes a high percentage of high litter producing and nitrogen fixing species. This will increase soil carbon, reduce surface temperature variation, reduce erosion and create surface conditions conducive to a more complex environment, fostering, for example, fungi and invertebrate populations. • That plantings be relatively dense, (average density of 1000 stems per hectare), and include a high percentage of shrubs to give fast shade and shelter. This will create significant microclimate change on a site that is currently very exposed. • That significant plantings of melaleucas for the production of essential oil (and other products as appropriate) be established. • That significant plantings of hard seeded plants such as Acacias be included throughout the plantings as a buffer against catastrophic fire. These plants, the “pioneer” species, grow quickly and afford shelter to minimise erosion on the site and create conditions more conducive to healthy populations of invertebrates, fungi, etc. • That a safety margin be included in determining salt tolerance of any planting, as a buffer against increasing salinity. • That agroforestry layouts not be a principal aim of the plantings. The wider dispersal of agroforestry plantings, and issues of stock management are considered to compromise the hydrological and nature conservation imperatives listed above. Significant potential exists for agroforestry demonstration and trial on farmland outside the reserve system, where there is abundant cleared farmland, and realistic everyday stock management can be applied. If farmers in this region are not currently taking up revegetation opportunities, the issue of adoption of agroforestry practice must be dealt with separately. This is outside the scope of the recommendations in this report. • That non-endemic species (all planted prior to the property being purchased by CALM) with potential to become weeds within the reserve system be removed and replaced with more appropriate vegetation in the third year of planting.

4 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

The revegetation plan

Note: This report accompanies, and should be read in conjunction with, a series of overlays showing location of revegetation and other site works.

Introduction Throughout this report the name “Chadwick’s” is used to refer to Williams Locations 7345 and 8651, purchased by the Department of Conservation and Land Management from the Chadwick family.

Better connectivity between reserves adjoining different parts of Chadwick’s block will be developed by the revegetation plantings. The most important corridor is to the west, from Dingerlin Nature Reserve across to Dulbinning Nature Reserve. The existing direct seeding area forms the first part of this connection. Canal road forms a permanent barrier to this corridor, however it is narrow with reasonable road verge vegetation and little traffic. Surveying the remnant vegetation suggests Canal road was probably also a boundary between vegetation types, separating scrubland and heath vegetation from more woodland species.

The eastern side of the property is less critical because there are already good connections through the reserve system to the south of Chadwick’s. Additionally, this side has the barriers of Oval road and of a major drain, which will need to be kept relatively clear for maintenance. Consideration could be given to reducing the height of the drain’s spoil bank (spreading) to facilitate the movement of animals.

The long-term aim in these corridor areas is to build up a complex vegetation structure and a rich biotic layer on the ground. These sites may be added to in the future, but should receive minimal disturbance, to enhance their nature conservation value.

Other areas will be dedicated to trial plantings, seed production areas and other “utility” plantings. In contrast to the corridor plantings mentioned above, some of the may be seen as having a limited life. For example, an oil melaleuca seed production area might become obsolete for this purpose as successive generations of improved seed production and seed orchard areas are established. Its role can be revised in future, for example to general revegetation seed supply, a nature conservation planting, or the land use changed.

The proposed plantings are grouped into those tolerant of saline conditions, and those that require fresh ground. The eastern side of the block is variable in salinity but relatively flat, making even those areas currently fresh vulnerable to influences from the surrounding catchment. The western side is more complex, running from hyper-saline low lying flats up to fresh, deep soil profiles.

In year four of the revegetation plan (year three of planting) some of the non-endemic plantings can be removed and replaced. These plantings pre-date the purchase of the property by CALM, and are discussed later in the document.

5 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Plantings

Species and layouts for proposed plantings are detailed below. The recommendations are in four major areas: 1. Seed production areas 2. Melaleuca plantings 3. Buffer plantings 4. Symbiotic fungi

There are additional separate references to the revegetation of an isolated triangle of land in the SE corner of the area, and to a research plot for native grasses.

Seed production areas It is recommended that the plants listed below in this section be grouped into compatible combinations, including nitrogen fixing species, allowing co-occurrence of genera across single sites, rather than planting as single species plots. These associations and the matching landforms and soil types are tabled below.

Availability of seed for the establishment of the seed production species listed here varies. This availability is also tabled below.

Melaleuca plantings The concept and recommended layout is presented below, along with the case for collaborative research with the Farm Forestry Unit of CALM.

Buffer plantings It is recommended that any areas not covered in the above classifications be treated with a more diversified, less formal planting. Some recommended species and approach to site works is detailed below.

Symbiotic fungi The role of fungi in creating a more diverse ecosystem and maintaining healthier revegetation is discussed in a proposal for collaborative research with CSIRO. This work would co-occur with the above classes and will not require separate plant establishment.

Native grasses A continuation of this work is recommended. A new location is recommended and is indicated on the revegetation.

6 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas

Introduction The plants tabled below for the seed production areas have the following characteristics: • occurring naturally in the Toolibin area • easy to propagate in the nursery, and demonstrated good growth in the field • generally tolerant of conditions worse than those of the proposed planting areas, which will buffer production against worsening conditions in the future • often supplying secondary products, which offers potential for demonstration plots • a range of heights, forms and landscape position occupation, collectively offering greater nature conservation value • grow quickly to flowering stage • producing relatively large amounts of seed, or seed that is in high demand, if production is light or erratic. • are relatively easy to harvest

Spacing and density. Revegetation work in the Wheatbelt tends to be dominated by trees. To obtain a high leaf area index as fast as possible (to address pressing landcare concerns), they are often planted at densities beyond the long term site capabilities. While the high density will provide shelter, biomass, high water use and some buffer against low survival at planting, it must be weighed against the final size of the dominant species. As plantings age, equilibrium is commonly reached in one of two ways: • by the loss of some plants. Most commonly seen at the end of long dry seasons. These losses are often not in the position, or of the species, that is best for long term stability of the site. • an overall slowing of growth on the site. This may prevent some of the larger species reaching their potential. In the short to medium term, single species plots at spacing to suit their mature size are unlikely provide adequate hydrological control, or many ecological benefits (eg shade, shelter, ground litter).

In these recommendations, this conundrum is addressed by structuring plantings with multiple species, including shrubs, some of which have a “built in obsolescence”. These plants, predominantly the acacias, are distributed more or less evenly across the site. They are planted at higher density than the large trees, inside the grid of the dominant species. They tend to be smaller, faster growing species, and their relatively short life span allows them to give way to the larger trees, which will ultimately fill the site at a spacing up to 8 x 10 metres. The limited stacking of species in regular patterns proposed here is seen as a compromise between the regular spacing of minimum numbers ideal for seed production, and the ideal of a diverse natural system.

The initial planting density is high, generally around 1000 stems per hectare, with an expectation that this will reduce over time. 7 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas The following species are recommended for the seed production areas demand salinity Additional potential commercial products Species tolerance Acacia acuminata very high moderate Posts, craft and cabinet timber, edible gum and seed A. microbotrya high moderate Edible gum. A. saligna high moderate Edible seed. Allocasuarina huegeliana high low Cabinet timber. Possible treated fence posts Casuarina obesa very high very high Cabinet timber. Eucalyptus albida moderate low E. flocktonea moderate low E. incrassata moderate moderate E. longicornis moderate low Cabinet timber, posts, poles E. loxophleba ssp. loxophleba high moderate Cabinet timber E. phenax moderate low E. pluricaulis ssp pluricaulis moderate low E. salmonophloia high moderate Structural and cabinet timber E. urna moderate low Posts, poles, tannin, structural and cabinet timber E. vegrandis moderate high E. wandoo high moderate Structural and cabinet timber, posts and poles, tannin Melaleuca acuminata ssp. acuminata moderate moderate M. hamata ms. high moderate M. lateriflora moderate high Essential oil M. strobophylla moderate very high M. uncinata form “non-lignotuberous high very high Broom bush spicate” M. urceolaris moderate moderate Table 1. species for seed production

8 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas

Seed availability Some nearby seed collection areas are listed below. Consideration must be given to achieving a broad genetic base for the seed production areas. Ideally this would target a minimum of 25-30 families for each species and the ease with which this can be done will vary with species. The degree to which regional populations will be used for this purpose will have to be determined. Adequate supplies of seed for many of the key species listed above can be collected from within the adjoining reserve system. Repeated collection of some of the more restricted species in the past may limit this (Peter White personal communication), and broader collection from nearby bushland on farms and other reserves is advisable where possible. Access to private property and public lands not managed by CALM has not been discussed with property owners/managers.

Species Location Some supplies held in store of coll. by PJW and GM from E. side of Acacia acuminata Toolibin lake. Erratic. Needs wider collection. A. microbotrya Some supplies in store of coll. By GM. Additional wider collection advisable. A. saligna Small coll. from E side of Toolibin Lk in store, needs wider collection. A. pulchella Dingerlin NR, monitor for summer collection Allocasuarina huegeliana N and NE of Toolibin Lk. Coll any time, easy Callistemon phoeniceus NE of Toolibin Lake. Wider collection advisable Casuarina obesa Abundant supplies around flats, coll any time, easy. Eucalyptus albida Toolibin area, nearby farmland E. flocktoniae Dingerlin reserve E. incrassata Dingerlin reserve E. longicornis E side of Taarblin Lk, White lake (Oval Rd), SW to NW of Chadwick’s block, Harrismith Rd, Toolibin-Harrismith Rd - often sparse and difficult to collect E. loxophleba ssp. loxophleba Good supplies around flats, easy. Also early Toolibin buffer plantings. E. phenax Limited, on edge of Dingerlin NR E. pluricaulis ssp pluricaulis Nearby farmland (Birds) E. salmonophloia Adequate supplies across N end of reserve area, sparse and difficult to collect E. urna Limited. NW side of Lake Taarblin - other stands may occur around the fringes of the lake E. vegrandis Limited, Dingerlin NR, NE Dulbinning? E. wandoo Good supplies around flats, easy. Also early Toolibin buffer plantings. Melaleuca acuminata ssp. Abundant supplies around flats, coll. any time, easy acuminata M. hamata ms. Limited, Dingerlin NR, small patch on Brown Rd 1.4 km E of Oval Rd, M. lateriflora Abundant supplies around flats, coll any time, should be tested for oil first M. strobophylla Adequate supplies around Toolibin Lk, coll any time M. uncinata form “non- Abundant supplies around Taarblin, coll any time lignotuberous spicate” M. urceolaris Abundant supplies N of Toolibin Lk and W of Oval Rd, coll any time Table 2. Available seed supplies

9 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas

Matching revegetation species to site

The accumulated electromagnetic, magnetometer, and soil data guide the matching of species mixtures to the site. The primary focus remains on delivering a workable revegetation plan, with guidelines for planning and establishment that can be duplicated in farmland situations.

The following table groups the common plants that may be grown in the seed production areas into soil and landscape associations.

Species Conditions A Casuarina obesa, Melaleuca uncinata “non- saline, sandy loam soils, lake lignotuberous spicate” form, Melaleuca margins, subject to inundation with strobophylla saline water B Melaleuca lateriflora highly saline clay flats, subject to waterlogging in winter, surface cracking in summer C Acacia saligna, Casuarina obesa, shallow loamy duplex soil, moderate Eucalyptus salmonophloia, Eucalyptus salinity, prone to waterlogging in vegrandis, Melaleuca acuminata, Melaleuca winter lateriflora, Melaleuca urceolaris D Acacia acuminata, Acacia saligna, Pockets of deeper duplex soil, Eucalyptus loxophleba, Eucalyptus wandoo, moderate salinity Melaleuca acuminata Table 3. Species for low landscape

Species Conditions E Acacia acuminata, Acacia microbotrya, lower mid landscape, shallow to Callistemon phoeniceus, Eucalyptus moderate depth sandy loam duplex loxophleba, Eucalyptus wandoo soils, can be moderately saline F Acacia acuminata, Acacia microbotrya, lower mid landscape deep sand Allocasuarina huegeliana, Callistemon pockets, drainage lines, may be phoeniceus, Eucalyptus loxophleba, inundated for short periods. Melaleuca urceolaris G Acacia microbotrya, Acacia acuminata, loamy duplex, mid slope. Eucalyptus salmonophloia, Eucalyptus urna, Eucalyptus wandoo Table 4. Species for mid landscape

10 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas (cont).

Species Conditions H Acacia acuminata, Acacia microbotrya, heavier upland soils-reddish loamy Allocasuarina huegeliana, Eucalyptus duplex soils, with or without quartz longicornis, Eucalyptus phenax or ironstone gravel I Acacia acuminata, Acacia microbotrya, upland sandy gravels, deep sandy Allocasuarina huegeliana, Eucalyptus duplex soils wandoo, Eucalyptus pluricaulis, Eucalyptus incrassata, Eucalyptus albida J Acacia acuminata, Acacia microbotrya, Sandy loam duplex over shallow Allocasuarina huegeliana, Eucalyptus granite loxophleba, Melaleuca hamata ms. Table 5. Species for upper landscape

11 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas Planting pattern for individual seed production plots

The following idealised plot layouts should be seen as guidelines, rather than rigid prescriptions. They should be adjusted on site to suit conditions, for example, where the layout drawing shows multiple species under a single letter code, these species may be more suited to one side of a plot than the other. It is intended that the species in the multiple listings be planted as groves within the overall layout.

The main plot code letters correspond to the landscape classifications above, and are used to indicate the position of the plots on the revegetation plan.

Planting Layout

A.

C = Casuarina obesa S = Melaleuca strobophylla U = Melaleuca uncinata “non-lignotuberous spicate “ form

C U S C U S

4m

S C U S C U

U S C U S C

C U S C U S

S C U S C U

Casuarina obesa planted at 4m x 4m 208 stems per ha Melaleuca strobophylla planted at 4m x 4m 208 stems per ha Melaleuca uncinata planted at 4m x 4m 208 stems per ha 624

12 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas Planting Layout

B(i)

M = Melaleuca lateriflora

M M M M M M 4m M M M M M M 2m M M M M M M

M M M M M M

Melaleuca lateriflora at 4m x 2m spacing 1250 stems per hectare

Proposal for commercial scale demonstration planting, can be replicated with other melaleuca species.

Planting Layout

B(ii)

M = Melaleuca lateriflora

M M M M M M 4m

M M M M M M 4m

M M M M M M

M M M M M M

Melaleuca lateriflora at 4m x 4m spacing 625 stems per hectare

Proposal for seed production area planting, can be replicated with other melaleuca species. Seed production areas 13 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Planting Layout

C.

S = Eucalyptus salmonophloia C = Casuarina obesa V = Eucalyptus vegrandis M = Melaleuca spp. or Acacia saligna

S C C C S C 5m V M M M V M 2m C V S V C V

M M V M M M

S C C C S C

V M M M V M

C V S V C V

M M V M M M

S C C C S C

V M M M V M

C V S V C V

M M V M M M

Eucalyptus salmonophloia planted at 8m x 10m 125 stems per hectare Casuarina obesa planted at 8m x 5m 250 Eucalyptus vegrandis planted at 8m x 5m 250 Melaleuca/ Acacia spp. Planted at (0.75) x 2m x 5m 375 1000

14 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas Planting Layout

D.

E = One of Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp loxophleba or Eucalyptus wandoo J = Acacia acuminata or A. saligna M = Melaleuca acuminata

J E M J E 5m E M J E M 2m M J E M J

J E M J E

E M J E M

M J E M J

J E M J E

E M J E M

M J E M J

Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp loxophleba or Eucalyptus wandoo planted at 6m x 5m 332 stems per hectare Acacia/ Melaleuca spp. planted at (2/3) x 2m x 5m 668 1000

15 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas Planting Layout

E.

W = Eucalyptus wandoo L = Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. loxophleba C = Callistemon phoeniceus J = Acacia acuminata or A. microbotrya

W J W J W J

C L C L C L 5m J C J C J C 2m W J W J W J

C L C L C L

J C J C J C

W J W J W J

C L C L C L

J C J C J C

Eucalyptus wandoo planted at (1/2) 10m x 6m 166 stems per hectare Eucalyptus loxophleba planted at (1/2) 10m x 6m 166 Callistemon phoeniceus planted at (1/3) 5m x 2m 334 Acacia spp. planted at (1/3) 5m x 2m 334 1000

16 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas Planting Layout

F.

E = Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. loxophleba H = Allocasuarina huegeliana M = Melaleuca urceolaris C = Callistemon phoeniceus A = Acacia acuminata or A. microbotrya

E H E H E H

M C M C M C

A H A H A H

E C E C E C

M H M H M H

A C A C A C

E H E H E H

M C M C M C

A H A H A H

E C E C E C

M H M H M H

A C A C A C

Eucalyptus loxophleba planted at 10m x 6m 166 stems per hectare Allocasuarina huegeliana planted at 10m x 4m 250 Melaleuca urceolaris planted at 10m x 6m 166 Callistemon phoeniceus planted at 10m x 4m 250 Acacia spp planted at 10m x 6m 166 1000

17 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas Planting Layout

G.

S = Eucalyptus salmonophloia U = Eucalyptus urna W = Eucalyptus wandoo A = Acacia acuminata M = Acacia microbotrya

S A W M S A

M W M W A U 5m U M S A U M 2m A A A M M A

S U U U S W

M M M A A M

W A S M W A

A W A W M U

S M W A S M

M A M M A A

U U S U U W

A M A A M M

S A U M S A

Eucalyptus salmonophloia planted at 10m x 8m 125 stems per hectare Eucalyptus urna planted at (1/2) 10m x 12m+(1/2)10m x 16m 146 Eucalyptus wandoo planted at (1/2) 10m x 12m+(1/2)10m x 16m 146 Acacia acuminata planted at (1/2)10m x 6m+(1/2)10m x 8m 292 Acacia microbotrya planted at (1/2)10m x 6m+(1/2)10m x 8m 292 1000

18 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas Planting Layout

H.

L = Eucalyptus longicornis P = Eucalyptus phenax H = Allocasuarina huegeliana A = Acacia microbotrya or A. acuminata

L P H H L P 5m A A A A A A 2m P H L P P H

A A A A A A

L P P H L P

A A A A A A

H H L P H H

A A A A A A

L P H H L P

A A A A A A

P H L P P H

A A A A A A

Eucalyptus longicornis planted at 10m x 8m spacing 125 stems per ha Eucalyptus phenax planted (1/2)10m x 16m +(1/2)10m x 8m 188 Allocasuarina huegeliana (1/2)10m x 16m +(1/2)10m x 8m 188 Acacia spp planted at 5m x 4m 500 1000

19 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas Planting Layout

I.

W = Eucalyptus wandoo E = Eucalyptus pluricaulis or E. incrassata or E. albida H = Allocasuarina huegeliana M = Acacia microbotrya A = Acacia acuminata

W M E A W M 5m A E M H A E 2m E A W M E A

M H A E M H

W M E A W M

A E M H A E

E A W M E A

M H A E M H

W M E A W M

A E M H A E

Eucalyptus wandoo planted at 8m x 10m 125 stems/ha Eucalyptus pluricaulis/ incrassata/ albida planted at8m x 5m 250 Allocasuarina huegeliana planted at 8m x 10m 125 Acacia microbotrya planted at 8m x 5m 250 Acacia acuminata planted at 8m x 5m 250 1000

20 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Seed production areas Planting Layout

J.

E = Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp loxophleba H = Allocasuarina huegeliana M = Acacia microbotrya A = Acacia acuminata R = Melaleuca hamata

E E E A A A R 5m R R H H H A 2m A A R R R E E E A A A R R R H H H A A A R R R E E E A A A R R R H H H A A A R R R E E E

Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp loxophleba planted at 6m x 10m 166 stems per hectare Allocasuarina huegeliana planted at 6m x 10m 166 Acacia microbotrya planted at (1/2) 6m x 5m 166 Acacia acuminata planted at (1/2) 6m x 5m 166 Melaleuca hamata planted at 6m x 5m 332 1000

21 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Melaleuca plantings

It is recommended that a substantial area of the flats on the eastern side of Chadwick’s block be planted to Melaleuca lateriflora. This planting would take three forms: • a operational sized commercial demonstration of harvestable high oil selections • a high-cineole seed production area developed from elite local selections, and • density trials to assess impact of planting density on biomass production These three uses need not be mutually exclusive.

Melaleuca lateriflora has been chosen for this because: • the species is endemic, and suited to the large flat area of a difficult to manage soil type (cracking clay soils, waterlogged in winter and setting hard in summer). • the species is extremely salt tolerant, as demonstrated in local trial work (Baxter and O’Sullivan, 1998) • the species has a rapid growth rate, as demonstrated in local trial work (Baxter and O’Sullivan, 1998) • the species appears to have good recovery from harvest, as demonstrated in regional plantings (Bessell-Browne, personal communication). Note that this is based on limited observation, and there is no knowledge of the effect of repeated harvestings. • preliminary testing indicates that the Dulbinning Reserve area is a source of very high cineole content individual parents. • melaleucas are of high interest to farmers because of the perception that they are tolerant of the harsh conditions often targeted for revegetation on farms. • the land type suited to melaleucas is common in the catchment. • products are compatible with the emerging essential oil and biomass energy industries. • there is potential for collaborative research with the Farm Forestry Unit (FFU) (see below). • some high oil parent trees have already been identified. • plants are less prone to damage by parrots or kangaroos

The additional costs associated with these plantings are the price of oil testing and separate seed collection from individual plants. These costs may be offset by collaborative work with FFU.

The plantings should be large enough to keep open the option of allowing commercial scale harvesting to be spread over two or more years, eg harvesting of alternate rows to leave some cover on the site at all times.

Site assessment indicates there are substantial areas on the eastern side of the property suited to this style of planting. At a spacing of four metres by two metres (1250 stems per hectare), a planting of 20 000 melaleucas (giving two harvestable lots of 10 000 shrubs), would occupy 16 hectares. This is a little over a quarter of the flat land on the eastern side of the property.

If established separately, the high oil seed production area would require an additional hectare of land, at a recommended planting density of four by four meters. Alternatively, it is probable that

22 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

the entire planting can be drawn from high oil stock within the Toolibin reserve system, with the elite seed lots of this collection concentrated into one area of the plantings as a sub-set.

The plan allows for the area planted to M. lateriflora to be fragmented into several smaller blocks, interspersed with other seed production and general plantings. While avoiding a single large monoculture, the blocks are still large enough to allow some efficiency of harvest should this option be exercised. Average block size is around one and a half hectares.

Collaboration with the CALM Farm Forestry Unit (FFU). Preliminary discussions with CALM Farm Forestry Unit (FFU) indicate scope exists for collaboration with the major melaleuca research being commenced by the FFU (John Bartle, personal communication). The FFU will be undertaking a one year ‘exploration’ of the commercial potential of melaleucas, with planting scheduled for the winter of 2002. Potential exists to subsidise the cost of parent testing and seed collection, and to take advantage of seedling production logistics.

There is also interest in the establishment of a density trial, which this site is ideally suited to. Such a trial would occupy approximately two hectares. This can be expanded if necessary by reducing the commercial demonstration plots. A separate proposal for this will be prepared by the project officer appointed to this work by FFU, and submitted to the Wheatbelt Regional office of CALM (Dan Huxtable personal communication). Close liaison with the project officer is recommended as the project develops.

The time frame proposed for collaborative work (planting in winter 2002) should not be prohibitive as this work has relatively simple logistics compared to some of the other plots. Seed collection work is straight forward, and the site is homogenous in terms of site preparation.

The Farm Forestry Unit has also expressed interest in the Chadwick’s block for other trial work. Any additional proposals should be in keeping the aims of this plan, (e.g. the use of endemic species). Interest has been shown, for example, in being involved in the establishment of trials looking at the impact of plant survival and growth of different nursery containers, and direct seeding methods (Don Cooper, personal communication). This represents a good opportunity to involve additional people and resources in the project and further contact is recommended.

23 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Buffer plantings

There is a degree of formality into the seed production areas and the melaleuca plantings detailed above because of • the average size of the plants recommended, • the requirement of a minimum number of plants at fairly regular spacing for maximum outcrossing of genetic material • the need for regular spacing in the plots designed to harvestable demonstration plots (melaleucas)

To complement these plantings it is recommended that they be buffered by more diverse, less formal, mixed species plots.

All of the species listed in the tables for seed production areas can be included in the species lists for the buffer plantings. Some of these are key species, such as Acacia acuminata, Acacia microbotrya, Allocasuarina huegeliana, Eucalyptus loxophleba and Eucalyptus wandoo, which occur across a wide range of sites. They are high litter producers and a number are nitrogen fixing. These can be complemented with a range of small understorey and ground cover plantings, less common species and native grasses.

In combination these plots can offer: • greater overall species diversity • greater nature conservation value, through habitat diversity, flowering time diversity, nectar and other food supply • higher density of smaller plants • provision of smaller quantities of more difficult to extract or collect seed, eg. Dryandra spp., Banksia spp., achieved by sowing pockets of smaller plants in discrete areas • provision of shelter to areas proposed for harvest • scope for dense plantings of ephemeral and annual plants

Where conditions (and seed supply) allow these plots should be direct seeded. Starting work on these areas early in the program will allow weed control to be addressed at least one year in advance. One or two years advance preparation will assist with overcoming one of the major obstacles of direct seeding-the dilemma of whether to scalp or not. While giving good germination results, scalping strips the area of topsoil and nutrients, and creates problems of drainage and spoil dispersal. Monitoring results for two years after planting will allow seedlings to be used to infill areas of poor germination in later years.

As for the seed production areas, seed for the buffer plantings should be collected from the local area. This may include adjoining CALM reserves, and with permission, nearby reserves vested in other authorities, and on farm remnants.

24 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Examples of species to be considered for these areas of revegetation are listed below: The S code assigned to the lists appears on the revegetation map, to show the location of the mixed species plots. The planting layout within these plots should be fine tuned to accommodate changes in soil, salinity, relative height, etc. at time of sowing/ planting.

Note that the landscape classifications used here apply to this site only, and should not be extended beyond this work.

These species lists should be extended with local knowledge and opportunistic seed collection when other material is being gathered.

Group S1 Low landscape position, good salt and waterlogging tolerance

Atriplex semibaccata Melaleuca strobophylla Casuarina obesa Melaleuca uncinata form “non- Enchylaena tomentosa lignotuberous spicate” Hakea preissii Rhagodia spp Halosarcia sp Sarcocornia quinqueflora Maireana spp Templetonia sulcata Melaleuca lateriflora ssp. lateriflora

Group S2 Low landscape position, some salt and waterlogging tolerance

Austrostipa elegantissima Hakea preissii Acacia acuminata Maireana spp Acacia saligna Melaleuca acuminata ssp. acuminata Atriplex semibaccata Melaleuca aff. scabra Casuarina obesa Melaleuca lateriflora ssp. lateriflora Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. loxophleba Melaleuca uncinata form “non- Eucalyptus myriadena lignotuberous spicate” Eucalyptus rudis Melaleuca urceolaris Eucalyptus salmonophloia Pittosporum phylliraeoides Eucalyptus vegrandis Rhagodia spp Eucalyptus wandoo Templetonia sulcata

Group S3 Mid landscape position, break of slope

Acacia saligna Davesia spp. Acacia acuminata Eucalyptus flocktonea Acacia microbotrya Eucalyptus longicornis Allocasuarina huegeliana Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. loxophleba Alyogyne huegelii Eucalyptus phenax Calothamnus sp. Eucalyptus salmonophloia 25 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Eucalyptus urna Melaleuca hamata ms. Eucalyptus wandoo Melaleuca urceolaris Gastrolobium spinosum Pittosporum phylliraeoides Hakea varia Santalum acuminatum Leptospermum erubescens Santalum spicatum Melaleuca acuminata ssp. acuminata

Group S4 Upper landscape position, free draining

Acacia pulchella Eucalyptus longicornis Allocasuarina campestris Eucalyptus phenax Allocasuarina huegeliana Eucalyptus pluricaulis ssp pluricaulis Allocasuarina humilis Eucalyptus wandoo Allocasuarina microstachya Gastrolobium spinosum Banksia attenuata Hakea brownii Banksia baueri Hakea incrassata Banksia priornotes Hakea sp. Calothamnus sp. Isopogon sp. Davesia spp. Jacksonia sp Dryandra sessilis Leptospermum erubescens Dryandra spp. Lambertia inermis Eucalyptus albida Petrophile sp. Eucalyptus flocktonea Santalum acuminatum Eucalyptus incrassata

26 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Symbiotic fungi

The role of symbiotic fungi in the health of Wheatbelt vegetation has been largely overlooked in revegetation work to date. Fungi represent an enormous component of the diversity of woodland systems and as such the addition of key fungi species is an important boost to the biodiversity of plantings.

The role of fungi may be particularly important in woodlands, (and by inference in the style of plantings recommended in this report, which mimic the structure of woodlands), as they lack the diversity of structure of shrublands.

Key fungi species have the ability to: • improve nutrient cycling • improve organic matter development • improve soil structure, better able to resist erosion • diversify food supply for animals (Tommerup and Bougher, 2000 ).

Their role in increasing nutrient supply to plants may increase the plants ability to flower and set seed, consequently maximising the performance of seed production areas (Tommerup and Bougher, 1998).

Collaboration with the CSIRO Preliminary discussions with Inez Tommerup and Neil Bougher at CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products section have been held. They have expressed interest in a collaborative research project and their recommendations and a proposal form part of this report.

It is recommended that further discussions be held with these people to explore the scope for collaboration, to maximise the potential of this work.

See Appendix A of this report Tommerup and Bougher, (2001)

27 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Native Grass Plots

The native grasses plots from P1999 were inspected (See separate Arboressence report Assessment of P99 revegetation at “Chadwick’s” Toolibin, 2000). A further attempt was made to establish native grass seed plots at Chadwick’s during the winter of 2000. The area allocated for the trial in 1999 was used again, despite the lack of success the previous year. The soils and salinity had been assessed in the intervening period and were considered to be suitable for a further year of trials.

Further site assessment shows the area currently occupied by this plot is on the edge of a significant drainage line flowing from the west. This may lead to increasing waterlogging and salinity problems in the future. To maximise chances of success with the grasses research, and to ensure this vulnerable area has a high water use planting, it is recommended that the grasses plot be shifted further east, if further trial work is to be conducted. A new location is suggested on the gentle break of slope area (see revegetation plan).

Native grasses can and should be be included in any of the planting work, especially the mixed species (buffer) plantings.

28 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Plot layout The following notes relate to the on ground arrangement of the planting layouts described above. For convenience, Chadwick’s block is broken into three sections. These notes should be read in conjunction with the revegetation map.

Eastern side This refers to the large flat area to the east of the existing planting in the broad saline drainage line. There are scattered relic Eucalyptus salmonophloia and E. loxophleba ssp loxophleba, mostly in the eastern part of the area. All should be retained. There is substantial broad spaced revegetation in the southwest corner. Much of this is non-endemic and should be removed (see notes under “non endemic revegetation” p37). Ground cover is predominantly barley grass, with some pasture grass species, including rye grass towards the southern end of the block, which should be monitored for weed potential when planting work begins in this area.

It is proposed that a broad central belt of mixed endemic species be sown through the centre of this area. The belt is a minimum of 100m wide, broadening to approximately 250m at the southern boundary. It sits within a broader planted area, and as such is not a corridor, but a different, less fragmented habitat than the surrounding plantings. Ideally this would be direct seeded and be undisturbed by access roads, to enhance its nature conservation value.

The belt follows and buffers a roughly N-S feature, evident on the radiometrics mapping. The feature is most likely an old drainage line and consists of a clayey sand soil. It is relatively fresh and because of the coarser soil type may carry significant amounts of water.

Two separate seed mixes are suggested, (with considerable overlap of species), tailored to suit changes in salinity across the belt. These mixes are listed as S1 and S2 in the section on buffer plantings. There approximate locations are indicated on the revegetation plan.

Pegging this belt will locate the main N-S access tracks and establish lines that can be followed for ripping and other site works. Although low and flat, this area should not become untrafficable in winter (John Chadwick, personal communication). Because this area is flat contour ripping is not a consideration. The broad curves created by following this feature will minimise wind tunnelling along the tracks and break long lines of sight, giving a more informal appearance to the site.

The remaining area is divided between three species combination types of planting. These are: Planting layout type B -Melaleuca lateriflora plots Planting layout type C -seed production species (clay soils, good salt tolerance) Planting layout type D -seed production species (some salt tolerance)

29 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

The area of this section is approximately 61.5 hectares, and the allocation of different planting plots and other land use is summarised below (see also revegetation plan):

Land use Area Central belt of mixed planting (S1 + S2) 14 hectares Melaleuca lateriflora plots (type B) 19 hectares Seed production areas (type C) 8.5 hectares Seed production areas (type D) 6 hectares Oil mallee plot (existing + expansion) 2.5 hectares Remnant vegetation 3.0 hectares Roading and access 3.5 hectares SE corner revegetation (see below) 2.5 hectares Drain 2.5 hectares Total area 61.5 hectares Table 7. Land use, eastern side

Southeast corner revegetation There is a small triangle of land in the SE corner of the block that will be dealt with separately here, as it is physically isolated from the remaining area by a major surface water drain.

Description The area is approximately 2.5 ha of saline, mostly cracking clays. There is some mature remnant Eucalyptus wandoo and E. salmonophloia in the area. There is no understorey other than a thin layer of patchy barley grass. There is very little cover on the ground, excepting a small amount of trash under the larger trees. Access is via the SW corner across a section of bank that has been flattened. Alternative access can be gained from Oval Road, into the area south of the SE corner. Site access from this side will require dropping an insubstantial ringlock fence.

Interpretation Allowing for the existing mature trees there is an area of approximately 1.2 ha of open area to revegetate. Vegetation on the adjoining road verge to the east and regrowth to the south of the area suggest that an understorey dominated by Melaleuca acuminata and Acacia acuminata is missing. Small numbers of Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp loxophleba occur to the south of the site. The site will require preparation before any plant establishment. Direction of ripping is not critical, as the area is isolated from significant surface flow by the major drain and the structure of Oval Rd. The fence on the southern side and drains to E and W may reduce grazing by kangaroos.

30 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Recommendations The site can be divided into two areas-the large open areas, and the smaller bare areas among the remnant vegetation in the SE of the site. Plant clusters of Eucalyptus wandoo, E. salmonophloia and E. loxophleba ssp loxophleba in the largest of the open areas. Restore the understorey component of this area by direct seeding across the remainder of the site. In the smaller open areas, pile up some debris for burning, to stimulate natural regeneration. Suggested is to use some of the culled E. camaldulensis from the planting to the west (Peter White, personal communication). This can be burnt when dry and conditions are safe and favourable to seeding, ie late Autumn. There is very little seed on the E. wandoo and E. salmonophloia to seed these ash beds, but there may be soil-stored seed of some of the hard seeded varieties (eg. Acacias) that will be stimulated by the fire. These areas can be observed for natural regeneration, or seeded from adjoining plants as the ash cools.

Site works prior to seeding/planting would include • Ripping at close intervals to a minimum depth of 0.25 metres, ripping should stay well outside the dripline of the existing trees. • rolling or scarifying the surface if necessary to get reasonable break up of clay clods • spraying early germinated grasses with knockdown herbicide • existing trash (including heavy branches) should not be disturbed or burnt.

Seed availability All seed should be gathered from the immediate area where possible. All trash from the seed collection should be returned to the planting site and scattered, it may still contain some seed, and will provide some shelter to the site.

Species occurrence seed availability location Eucalyptus salmonophloia few nil Reserve to E E. wandoo1 common light on site and to S E. loxophleba ssp. loxophleba2 few light SE of site Melaleuca accuminata3 common good S of site Acacia acuminata occasional nil Stored in soil? Hakea preissii few mod Reserve to E Table 6. Summery of local seed availability

1. very small amount on larger trees of the young regrowth to the S. A couple of the larger trees in the paddock (NW corner) have some seed, probably enough. 2. SE towards road, young with v light seed, worth adding to the mix. 3. variable but adequate.

31 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Plot layout Western side

The landscape on the western part of the block is much more variable than on the East. For clarity, it is broken into two separate areas here. These notes should be read in conjunction with the revegetation plan.

Southwest area. This is the area between Canal Road in the West and Dulbinning NR in the East. In the very SW corner is a triangle of land bordering a significant drainage line, flowing from Dingerlin NR in the W. This drainage line has already been revegetated. The eastern half of this area is extremely saline, consisting of a series of broad clay pans separated with low banks of depositional sand. There is a slightly raised island of fresher ground between the drainage line and the salt pans.

The SW corner rises from a flat duplex soil up to a moderately sloping gravely soil along the southern boundary of the property. It is proposed that this area be divided into three plantings, the largest being a seed production planting (planting layout type H) in the SW corner, to match the roadside vegetation, and two single species forestry demonstration plots. These are for Casuarina obesa, (on the flattest area, now showing some barley grass and at risk of increasing salinity), and for Allocasuarina huegeliana on the low sloping gravely sand soils.

A larger Casuarina obesa planting is proposed on the eastern side of the existing revegetation along the drainage line. This is still relatively fresh ground, but it is still quite low lying and at risk of increasing in salinity under regional watertable pressure.

These two she-oak plantings are to examine the timber production potential of these species, and should be established at relatively high density (recommended 1200-1600 stems per hectare). This will encourage form and allow some selection of best growth rates and form. There is high risk to these plantings in the first two years in particular, from kangaroo grazing and the ongoing problem of parrot damage. It is hoped that the higher density will help offset this risk, and while pruning should start after year one, a high rate of damage should be expected and thinning should be delayed until reasonable height is achieved.

Between the Casuarina planting and the saline area is a saltland species seed production area (planting layout type A). This area is bordered by a P2000 planting, consisting of several rows of salt tolerant species.

There are small areas to the east of the saline flat that can be prepared and sown with the S1 seed mixture. The most salt tolerant of the selections from the S1 species list, such as the chenopods, can be seeded across the fringes of the bare pans, seed supply permitting. Work by Colin Yates and Richard Hobbs suggests that this may be all that is needed in this area to achieve some cover by the halophytes (Hobbs 2001).

32 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Provision is made for an access road across the SW corner, crossing the drainage line on the southern boundary and then northwards through the centre of the higher ground. Sighting these roads early will provide direction for ripping and other site works. Additional dry season access tracks for site maintenance will follow the southern and eastern boundaries

There are approximately 20.5 hectares in this section. Areas for the above land uses are tabled below:

Land use Area (hectares) Seed production area (type H) 1 Seed production area (type A) 1.1 Forestry plot (Allocasuarina huegeliana) 0.7 Forestry plot (Casuarina obesa) 1.8 Mixed species planting (S1) 0.5 Existing drainage line revegetation 5.5 P2000 revegetation 0.7 Severely salt affected 8.5 Roading 0.7 total 20.5 hectares Table 8. Land use, south-western side

33 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Plot layout Western side

North-western area. This is the area between the northern boundary of Dulbinning NR where it juts into the farmland, Canal Rd (to the north and the west) and the large area of existing revegetation to the east. Much of it is gently sloping, with a south easterly aspect, running from highly saline flat areas in the south and east, to freer draining soils in the north and west. The area is bisected by NW-SE and NE-SW structures. The eastern part of the NW-SE structure appears to be significant in relation to high salinities seen in the broad valley system to the east of this area. These salinities are impacting on the survival of the existing revegetation, and may be spreading to the east across the flats area from this point. While there is a small increase in salinity associated with this feature, it is unlikely to develop to the point where it will cause problems in this northwest area under full revegetation. The symptoms seen to the east are more likely to be the result of accumulation of water from the catchment area to the north (north of Canal Rd) moving into the major drainage line.

There are five areas of recent revegetation: • an oil mallee plot (Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp lissophloia, P1999), • a seed production area (Eucalyptus myriadena, P2000), • a mixed species planting (“break of slope planting”, P1999), • a direct seeded area along the western edge (P2000), and • mixed species salt tolerant planting (P2000)

The southern edge of this area is highly saline (the northern edge of the system discussed under the preceding section), with salinity rapidly declining as slope and elevation increase. This is reflected in the recommendations, which are a series of plots decreasing in salt and waterlogging tolerance from south to north. In the SW corner a series of mixed species plots (S1-S4) are recommended to link the P2000 direct seeded area to the saline flats and across to the Dulbinning Nature Reserve. This becomes the main linkage between Dulbinning and Dingerlin Reserves. It is dissected by one internal access road, which should be kept to a minimal width.

Another buffer planting of S4 species mix is recommended on the higher ground. This continues the existing direct seeding area along canal Rd to the NW corner, then east and southeast to link paddock remnants of Eucalyptus longicornis and E. loxophleba ssp loxophleba to the road verge. It continues along the northern and eastern boundaries of the Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp lissophloia plot to link with the existing saline plantings in the centre of the property.

The remainder of the area is broken up into seed production plots (Types D, E, F, G, H, I and J), located according to soil type and landscape position.

The largest area is bisected by an access road and minimal smaller service tracks. There is a major access track along the northern boundary. This should be wide (suggested 15m) for at

34 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

least the section between the access gates and the point where the southern access track departs, to provide a mustering area for work crews and visitors. The road verge trees will provide shade/shelter for this purpose. The existing trees will otherwise compete with revegetation to the point that it is not practical to plant closer than this to the boundary. There are two gates on the northern boundary, the one in the NW corner being the one most commonly used. The other, located N of the break of slope planting, is preferred as a main entrance in future. It is more central to the property, and its position away from the corner allows safer and easier access. The soil here is sandy and may require gravelling in time, for summer access.

The total area of this section is approximately 33.5 ha. The approximate areas occupied by the different land uses are tabled below.

Land use Area (hectares) Existing Farm Forestry Unit planting (E. loxophleba) 2.2 Existing seed production area (E. myriadena) 2.6 Forestry plot (Casuarina obesa) 0.8 Seed production area (type D) 1 Seed production area (type E) 1.6 Seed production area (type F) 1.4 Seed production area (type G) 2.2 Seed production area (type H) 2.4 Seed production area (type I) 2.5 Seed production area (type J) 1.3 Mixed species planting (S1) 0.8 Mixed species planting (S2) 1.3 Mixed species planting (S3) 0.8 Mixed species planting (S4) 3.3 Grasses research plot 0.1 P2000 mixed salt tolerant revegetation 2 Existing break of slope planting 1.2 Existing direct seeding area 2 Severely salt affected 1.3 Roading and access 2.7 total 33.5 hectares Table 9. Land use, north-western area

35 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Non-endemic vegetation.

There are number of plantings that pre-date the purchase of the property by CALM. Most of the species used in these early plantings are non-endemic and some are potential weed species. Consideration should be given to their removal. They are broken here into three groups, determined by their weed potential. They are discussed and then tabled for easy reference.

Examples of the high-risk group are Tamarix aphylla, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis which are non-regional species of unknown seed source, and have a tendency to seed freely.

The second group include two classes: • those which are regional but not local, and have been seen to seed freely, and • non-regional, but have not been seen to be free seeding at this stage. The Department of CALM will need to determine policy on their removal. If they are not removed they should be monitored. An example of the first group is Eucalyptus occidentalis. The different species of oil mallees fall into one or other of these two groups.

There are three plantings of oil mallees on the property. One is a recently planted research plot of Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. lissophloia, managed by the Farm Forestry Unit of CALM (this is anomalous as it was planted after the CALM purchase of the land). The others are mixed species plantings from 1993. One of the mixed species plots is along the northern edge of the property along Canal road, and can potentially be expanded to include other regional species used in this program, to create a local arboretum. The plot is currently double fenced, but the northern fence can be removed to allow easy pedestrian access from Canal Road. There is room to extend the planting to the East. Permanent signs identifying individual species should be erected. The other mixed planting is a scattering of mallees in the southwest corner of the eastern part of the property. Any plants not removed should be monitored, especially the Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. lissophloia.

The third group are regional species considered low risk. This includes species such as Eucalyptus spathulata. Also in this group is the E. loxophleba ssp. loxophleba which is of unknown seed source.

Any removal should be subject to successful establishment of other vegetation on adjoining areas in the preceding years.

36 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Species risk comments Eucalyptus angustissima low non regional Eucalyptus camaldulensis high non regional, seeds freely Eucalyptus horistes low non regional Eucalyptus kondininensis low regional Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp lissophloia medium regional, seeds freely Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp loxophleba low local, non local seed Eucalyptus occidentalis medium regional, seeds freely Eucalyptus spathulata low regional Eucalyptus vegrandis low local, non local seed Melaleuca cuticularis medium regional, performing poorly Tamarisk aphylla high exotic species Table 10. Non endemic species in existing revegetation

37 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Site preparation recommendations

Ripping. Ripping will assist with the absorption and retention of soil moisture and create an environment where tree roots have easier access to this resource. It may also release some nutrients.

As the site is old farmland it will have some degree of compaction. This will consist of a traffic pan in the sandier sites and a cultivation pan in the heavier soils. The compaction caused by stock will have significantly altered the structure of the heavier soils (Hobbs 2001). This compaction will need relieving for maximum performance in tree growth. Therefore, ripping is essential on all sites, including deep sands. Recent research by the Gavan Mullin (Wheatbelt Region Office of CALM), suggests that a multi-tyned machine may be the best approach to this work. It will allow more random planting patterns in the buffer areas if planted from seedlings, and should provide sufficient cultivation for the direct seeding areas. In the heavy soils it may create sufficient fine material to form an acceptable mound (Mullin 2001). Trial work will be needed with any new equipment, and this site offers the opportunity for this work.

The sandier soils will need to be ripped to a minimum depth of 450 mm and the heavy clays to 250 mm

Use of planting machines is not appropriate to this site as it will be unable to achieve sufficient depth of ripping in a single pass on the lighter soils, and have difficulty closing the heavier soils around the seedlings.

Maximum shatter of the ground will be achieved by ripping in summer and autumn when the subsoils are at their driest. Little is achieved by ripping clay soils when wet, and traction will be a major problem on the lower landscape areas.

Where the ground is sloping, riplines should follow the contour or have a fall not exceeding one percent. Do not rip across waterways.

In the melaleuca plots, any clods, roots and rocks bought up while ripping must be cleaned up before planting. This is to facilitate an efficient harvest and is much easier done before trees are in. Good success has been achieved locally using a heavy towed roller to squash clods of clay (Peter Bird, personal communication).

Rip lines that are collapsing may carry excessive residual herbicide down into the root zone of the trees. If rip lines are open they should be treated before planting. If not discovered until planting time, ensure that trees are planted to the side of the rip line.

As cultivation has also stimulated wireweed and mintweed problems at this location in the past, this should be anticipated and monitored.

38 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Mounding. Mounding is not recommended as standard procedure for this site. Revegetation on similar sites in the catchment in recent years has shown that low sites are very clayey and almost impossible to mound successfully, while sandier sites tend to dry out.

The site does, however present an excellent opportunity for trialling new equipment, such as a multi tyne ripper, as a means of producing a fine enough cultivation bed to allow successful mounding (Gavin Mullin personal communication).

Weed control. Successful weed control is the single most important aspect of site preparation work to ensure tree establishment and rapid early growth. Failure to achieve good weed control will severely impact on survival and growth rate.

The aim of weed control is to provide weed free conditions adjacent to the trees for the first year and preferably longer, and this is best achieved before any planting begins.

With chemical weed control, residual herbicides applied before planting are cheaper, and give a broader range of weed control than relying on post-planting weed control. A knockdown can be added to this if there has been any germination at the time of spraying. This should be done soon after the break of season.

Rates for residual chemical will vary with anticipated weed burden. Lower rates should be used on sandier soils, and higher rates considered where late germinating problem weeds (such as wire weed or ryegrass) are expected. Residual chemical can be topped up in the spring if necessary, by over spraying the plantings. Exact chemical prescriptions will need to be written on site immediately prior to spraying. Residual chemicals can be in short supply at this time of year however, and some thought may be given to arranging for the bulk of this chemical to be ordered in advance, based on average rates per hectare usage.

Do not use residual chemical in the direct seeding areas in the season of planting.

Herbicide should be applied in strips 2m wide. The advantages of strip weed control are: • reduced amount of herbicide per planted area compared to broad sprayed areas • reduce potential for erosion and off target movement of herbicides compared to broad sprayed areas • it has been associated with lower levels of insect damage in tree plantings.

Second year weed control is recommended. The relatively slow growth rates of most low rainfall species imply they will benefit considerably. Second year weed control will achieve optimum results if the treatment is applied in May or June. Treatment of pasture weeds after the end of August is usually a waste of resources. Use low rates of residual chemical with selective knockdown as appropriate.

39 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Grass on the inter-row areas may need to be mown or otherwise controlled for the first few years of the program, to reduce fire risk. The selection of species will preclude grazing from the site. The site should be monitored during this time for environmental or economic weeds, which must be controlled. As the plantings increase in size, shading and root competition will reduce the growth of annual pasture species.

Control of vermin and grazing animals Rabbits have been a problem alongside the Dingerlin reserve. This must be monitored and control measures implemented if necessary.

Twenty-eight parrots will continue to be a problem for the trees planted in this catchment (see Arboressence 2000). For his reason there are minimal recommendations for plantings of trees principally for timber production. Little can be done at this stage to reduce this problem, but CALM are encouraged to participate in any parrot control measures or research instigated for this area in the future.

Kangaroo grazing has been a major setback for some species planted in the area in the past. There is significant movement of kangaroos through the existing direct seeding area between Dingerlin and Dulbinning Nature Reserves. There are Casuarina obesa on the western side of the major salt area planting that are several years old and still less than thirty centimetres high, due to kangaroo grazing. The impact of exclosure fencing on this species at the nearby White’s TAFT site has been dramatic. As significant numbers of Casuarinas and Allocasuarinas are proposed for planting it may be necessary to reduce kangaroo numbers to allow these plantings to establish.

Planting. The principal of this work is to get seedlings in the ground with minimum possible disturbance.

All planting contractors should be made aware of the following minimum standards before starting work: • ensure that seedlings are well watered before transporting. • always transport seedlings in an enclosed vehicle. Exposure on an open vehicle can damage foliage and is an additional stress for the plant at transplant. Ensure that any multi deck transport system has sufficient clearance to avoid tip damage to seedlings. If in doubt load from the top down to minimise damage. • if delivered in root trainer pots all seedlings should be mechanically “popped” in the nursery prior to dispatch to minimise damage at breaking out. • Take from the nursery only the number of seedlings that can reasonably be planted in a day, to avoid field storage. • seedlings being carried over until the next day should be left in a sheltered position and well watered. Endeavour to plant all seedlings that have been broken out before finishing for the

40 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

day. Any seedlings broken out but not used should be repotted for overnight storage if in good condition or discarded if damaged. • Avoid planting sub-standard seedlings if possible • assess soil moisture at a depth of 5-10 cm before starting to plant. This is important on light ground, especially sands that may be non-wetting. • monitor planting conditions and stop if there has been no rain for 3-4 days and the forecast predicts no rain for another 3-4 days. Rain a short time after planting to set the plants in is important to their survival and vigour. • no physical damage to seedlings at breaking out or planting is acceptable. • excessive root growth must be removed from seedlings. While every attempt is made to eliminate this problem at nursery stage some problems seem inevitable. Root bound seedlings will die or suffer reduced growth if left untreated. As root trainer or painted pots are specified in the nursery contract, compensation for the additional work required by the planters should be negotiated with the nursery. • ensure that seedlings are not broken out more than an hour in advance of planting, less in windy conditions. Seedlings broken out should be covered with wet hesion to prevent drying out. • seedlings should be nominally planted with the top of the root ball 5 cm below ground level. In sandy soils, where there is little risk of collar rot it may be advantageous to plant deeper than this. It is critical to ensure that the soil bolus (the root ball) is covered with soil. The potting mix from the nursery is quite open and will dry out rapidly if not covered. • Seedlings should be planted alongside the ripline in heavier soils and the centre of the mounds • seedlings must be well heeled in. They should be planted firmly enough that they cannot be lifted out by the foliage. • ensure that trees are close to vertical (within 20 degrees) when planted. • ensure that all planters are aware of spacing requirements and ask them to check their spacing regularly. There is little scope for the use of planting machines on this site due to the formal mixing of species in most plots. If they are used, planting machines must be fitted with trailing chains to ensure spacing is constant.

41 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Monitoring

Toolibin Lake catchment already has significant monitoring in place; it is probably better studied than almost any other in Western Australia. Extensive regular monitoring is time consuming, and this along with the maintenance of records, can put strain on works programs and budgets. It is therefore proposed that only minimal monitoring requiring an ongoing regular commitment be put in place on Chadwick’s.

It is critical, however that a substantial base line data set be gathered, so long term change can be monitored, if considered appropriate in the future.

Significant high resolution data has been gathered as a planning tool prior to any additional planting. A ground based survey simultaneously gathered magnetic, electromagnetic and radiometric data across the entire site. This complements the broad based data already held for the entire catchment, gathered from aerial survey.

Of this data, the electromagnetic survey, (EM 38 and EM31, providing salinity readings to approximately 0.5m and 5m respectively), will be the most useful for monitoring long term change as the other data sets are unlikely to change.

Recommendations Monitoring can cover three areas: soil salinity, soil water salinity and growth of the plantings.

Soil salinity. This data can be drawn from the ground based EM 38 and EM 31 surveys. Significant monitoring of soil salinity is in place nearby in the catchment with the Toolibin Alley Farming Trial (TAFT), looking at change in relation to revegetation patterns (Arboressence 1996). It is not necessary to duplicate this work. Any change at gross level across the site will be evident if a similar scale of survey is performed in the future.

Ground water salinity. There are some surface water monitoring bores in place in the existing revegetation. These should be checked for depth and condition to determine whether they are suitable for ongoing monitoring. It is unlikely they will be constructed to the minimum specifications required to ensure reliable interpretation of results (eg. capped at the base, backfilled with porous material, sealed from surface water interference). The former owner should be contacted to see if any records from the past exist for these bores. The local catchment group may have these records. Although the person who was responsible for this work (Mary Taylor) has left the area, others who have been active in the group (for example Audrey Bird) may be able to assist (Peter White personal communication).

Minimal new bores should be installed to gauge the range of salinity of the ground water. The results of the electromagnetic, magnetics and radiometrics surveys should be used to guide the location of these bore holes. Ideally they would include:

42 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

• a set of bores constructed in an approximate N-S transect across the break of slope on the western side of the block, crossing the significant E-W feature shown on the magnetics data set • bores on the flats area of the eastern part of the block, to monitor the salinity in the NW corner for spread, and the fresher N-S structure.

A total of 10-12 shallow bores should be adequate for the site. New bores should be constructed according to specifications detailed in the Science Project Proposal of the TAFT (see Appendix one of Arboressence 1996).

The bores should be monitored quarterly for a minimum of one year to establish base data. These bores should be read at the same time as the nearby TAFT bores such that seasonal trends in the watertables can be inferred.

Growth of plantings. The survival of plantings should be assessed after 6 months and again at 18 months. This will allow infill stock to be grown for the next planting season. Any group mortality, either species or area, should be noted and investigated.

Long term survival and growth should be assessed at five years.

Crown volume should be monitored for the commercial demonstration plantings of melaleucas, to assess standing volumes of harvestable material. This assessment should be conducted annually, starting at year one, to better understand the rate of accession of biomass on a difficult site from an early age. This work will be critical research if spacing or density trials are installed. Simple crown volume measurements will be determined for these species by the Farm Forestry Unit as part of their research program (Dan Huxtable, personal communication).

Seed crops should be assessed annually on the seed production areas. The acacias will dictate the monitoring and harvest times as they do not hold their seed like the other genera. Assessment should be performed in early summer and a program determined for seed collection if necessary. A register of flowering and harvesting times for the area should be established and maintained. Inspection of the acacias for seed production should commence at age three.

Parrot damage to the trees and predation of the seed crops should be recorded. The choice of seed production areas as a major land use for this revegetation program has been in response to form damage observed in the TAFT. It is assumed that seed production will exceed predation over this size area.

43 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Roading and fencing

Roading There are two classes of access road indicated on the plan, major and minor. The major access roads are intended to be graded and allow general access to the site for quick inspections and tour visits. The minor roads are to allow additional access for site works and maintenance.

It is recommended that the major roads be sited prior to any site works being performed. This will prevent the roads being ripped, which will compromise their trafficability, especially in the low-lying areas in winter. The minor roads can be back bladed during site works. A grader should be contracted to clean up the road network at the completion of the major planting program (i.e. Spring 2004).

With the exception of the entry area along the northwest boundary the roads should be kept to a minimum width, not exceeding five metres.

Fencing Two of the internal fences have been removed to facilitate site works. Remaining are a boundary fence and three north-south internal fence lines. At the moment stock are excluded from the western and central portions of the site because of new plantings. While the remaining fences should not be an encumbrance to further site works, they will not be used for stock control once planting has commenced on the eastern side of the property. As they will pose an impediment to the movement of native animals it is recommended that all internal fences ultimately be removed. This includes the E-W fence separating Chadwick’s from the reserve system, although in the short term this may slow the traffic of kangaroos across planted areas while plants establish. The recovered fencing material can be used to upgrade the boundary fence on Canal road.

44 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

References Huxtable, Dan. Personal communication. (2001). Arboressence Consultancy (1996). Toolibin Farm Forestry Unit Department of Conservation Alley Farming Trial (TAFT), Report on Year and Land Management. One. Part Two, Appendices. Report prepared for Department of Conservation and Land John Bartle, personal communication (2001). Management. Manager, Farm Forestry Unit, Department of Conservation and Land Management. Arboressence Consultancy (2000). Toolibin Alley Farming Trial (TAFT), report on survival Kearns, A. and Barnett, G. (1998). Indicators of and growth at age 5. Report prepared for ecosystem rehabilitation success and selection of Department of Conservation and Land demonstration sites. Summary report-stage 1 Management. ACMRR/AMIRA project (P466). Paper to ACMER workshop on indicators of ecosystem Bartle, J.R., Campbell, C. and White, G. (1996). rehabilitation success, 23-24 Oct 1998, Can trees reverse land degradation? In: Farm Melbourne Victoria. Forestry and plantations: investing in future wood supply. Australian Forest Growers Mullan, G. (2001). Revegetation Site Preparation Conference, Mt Gambier South Australia. in the Central Wheatbelt of WA - Ripping and Mound Ploughing. Draft of Feb 2001. Baxter, A. and O’Sullivan, W. (1998). Toolibin Department of Conservation and Land Management. melaleuca alley farming trial, seed production

area and direct seeding demonstration. Report Mullan, Gavan. Personal communication. (2001) on year one. Report prepared for the Dongolockings Project Officer, Department of Department of Conservation and Land Conservation and Land Management, Wheatbelt Management. Regional Office, Narrogin.

Bessell-Browne, Wendy. Personal Tommerup, I., and Bougher, N. (1998). communication (2001), farmer Woodanilling. Healthy soil grows better quality trees in remnants and revegetation. Land Management Bowman Bishaw Gorham, Jim Davies & Society Newsletter. November 1988. Associates, and Rural Planning(1992). Recovery plan for Toolibin Lake and Tommerup, I., and Bougher, N. (2000). The Surrounding Reserves. Unpublished report role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in nutrient cycling prepared for the Department of Conservation and in temperate Australian woodlands. In Land Management, Western Australia, under the Temperate Eucalypt Woodlands in Australia: Australian National Parks and Wildlife service Biology, Conservation, Management and Endangered Species Program, 1991/92. Restoration ed by R.J. Hobbs and C.J. yates. Department of Conservation and Land Surrey Beatty & Sons. Chipping Norton. Management, Western Australia. Toolibin Lake Recovery Team and Toolibin Cooper, Don. Personal communication. (2001). Lake Technical Advisory Group. (1994). Farm Forestry Unit Department of Conservation Toolibin Lake Recovery Plan. and Land Management. White, Peter. Personal communication. (2001) Hobbs, R. (2001). Living dead or lasting Rural Advisory Officer, Department of symbols? In: Salmon Gums, proceedings of the Conservation and Land Management, Wheatbelt Quairading conference and exhibition. The Tree Regional Office, Narrogin. Society.

45 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Appendix A

Inez Tommerup and Neale Bougher (2001). Draft proposal to include fungi to improve biodiversity qualities and soil process functions in rehabilitation model for Lake Toolibin

Why re-establish fungi? Re-establishing fungi critical to plant and soil nutrient cycling processes and producing fruitbodies augmenting the diet of some mammals is compatible and complementary to re- vegetation of the Lake Toolibin ecosystem. Fungal re-establishment targeting the plant symbiotic and soil nutrient cycling processes is readily integrated with re-establishing Wheatbelt vegetation such as seed orchards, other biodiversity plantings mimicking woodland communities, and oilmallee plantations contributing to the long-term maintenance of a healthy and resilient ecosystems. To establish a community resembling/approaching woodlands the soil nutrient cycling fungi are also needed as critical regulators to soil organic matter processes and contributors to many faunal food webs. The ecological ramifications of these webs may impinge on e.g. the life cycles of some pollinators.

If the plant community is to be a self sustaining one then the soil nutrient cycling fungi need to be re-established to ensure their many direct and indirect values are contributed to the long term sustainability woodland revegetation. Our findings are that putting back complexities of soil nutrient cycling fungi should be integrated and simultaneous with revegetation, because most of these fungi do not re-establish in re-vegetation with native species on farmland and similarly disturbed areas.

In Wheatbelt regions 95-98% of original woodland fungal species are absent even in well established re-vegetation (Tommerup and Bougher 2000, Tommerup and Bougher 1998). Fungal communities of native woodlands are highly species rich rivalling those of Wheatbelt plant communities. The co-evolved fungal-plant associations are involved in nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus. The presence of the fungi in nutrient poor soil has the potential to increase plant phosphorus (P) uptake and influence P dependant processes such as N-fixation and seed formation in P deficient soils as are most of those in the Wheatbelt. Soil nutrient cycling fungi are major contributors to soil structure directly, including at centimetres from the nearest root, and indirectly via the soil microbes which are associated with the mycelium (fine fungal threads which ramify through the soil).

Fungal introduction also involves reintroduction of a suite of other soil microbes which are associated with the fungi. This has the added value of a broad suite of soil microbes associated with native vegetation are reinvigorated kickstarting more of the interacting food/cycling webs in soil.

Many of the species occurring/previously occurring as fringing vegetation woodland are strongly symbiotic with these soil nutrient cycling fungi, particularly ectomycorrhizal ones, in remnant woodlands. e.g. E. longicornis, all the wheatbelt eucalypt and mallee forms, some myrtaceous shrubs, Allocasuarina, many Acacia, Gastrolobium, many species of Melaleuca.

What happens if fungi are not present in revegetation soils?

46 Revegetation Planning- “Chadwick’s” Toolibin

Absence of fungi in revegetation soils puts the ecosystem at risk of (i) poor capacity of many trees and shrubs to acquire nutrients from the soil, (ii) loss of plant vigour, (iii) poor quality soil nutrient cycling processes, (iv) inadequate food supply for some small mammals, and (v) poor quality soil food webs and consequent negative impacts on forage for other biodiversity.

How to re-establish fungi? CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products have the capability to: • assess fungal diversity of Toolibin woodland and health of diversity relative to similar Wheatbelt vegetation of high quality • assess fungal diversity and health in Toolibin revegetation communities • assist conservation of local fungal and other biodiversity genetic resources • establish diversity of fungi with seedlings matching fungi to tree/shrub and soil type • manage/supervise establishment of fungi in nurseries • manage/supervise re-establishment of seedlings with fungi at outplanting and plant establishment phase • measure and augment fungal diversity of re-establishing vegetation • integrate fungal diversity introduction trials into a wide diversity of Wheatbelt re- vegetation communities, soil types and re-vegetation designs

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