Growing Trees in the Upper South East of South Australia

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The Upper South East of South Australia covers an area stretching from Salt Creek in the west, Culburra to the north, across to the Victorian border, and to Naracoorte in the South. Average annual rainfall is 450-600 mm. Soil types are predominantly deep sand dunal rises with flats ranging from sandy loams in the north to black rendzinas in the west.

Background

Currently the main forestry species grown in the Upper South East is radiata pine in support of the long established industry in the region. About 3000 ha has been planted on farms in the Upper South East since the mid 1990's, and some plantations have been growing successfully in the area for 20 years. More recently, other species have been trialed and established to produce sawlog and firewood.

Another aim of establishing forestry on farms in the Upper South East is to address land management issues such as:

  • soil conservation
  • shade and shelter
  • habitat and aesthetics and
  • salinity.

Landowners have many farm forestry options to choose from in terms of species or products that meet the objectives of their whole farm management plan. Table 1 ‘Key farm forestry species for Upper South East (SA)’ provides a list of species and details site suitability and potential products.

Table 1. Key farm forestry species for Upper South East (SA)

Species Common Name Details
Pinus radiata Radiata/Monterey pine Prefers sandy loam over clay. Use: construction, posts pulp and furniture
Pinus pinaster Maritime pine Grows on deep sands, Use: pulp & sawlog
Pinus brutia Brutian pine Grows on alkaline or heavy soil. Use: pulp & sawlog
Eucalyptus cladocalyx Sugar gum Grows well on drier sites with heavier soils, ironstone gravels & deep sands. Frost sensitive. Use: firewood, construction & posts

Eucalyptus occidentalis

 Flat-top yate Will grow on many soil types & tolerant of poor drainage, drought & salt. Use: firewood, construction & posts 
Corymbia maculata Spotted gum Prefers deep sands, gravel & loams. Frost sensitive in early years. Use: flooring, furniture & firewood.
Eucalyptus saligna Sydney blue gum Prefers good, fertile soil but will grow on deep sands. Use: flooring, furniture & firewood
Eucalyptus grandis Flooded gum Prefers good, fertile soils but will grow on deep sands. Very attractive timber. Use: flooring, furniture & firewood
Eucalyptus sideroxylon/tricarpa Ironbark May grow successfully on shallower, heavier soils around Naracoorte & Bordertown. Use: sawlog & firewood
Eucalyptus viminalis spp cygnatensis Rough-barked manna gum Grows on sandier sites. Use: firewood
Casuarina and Allocasuarina Sheoaks Tolerant of saline and poorly drained sites. Use: furniture & fire wood

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