Establishment - Planting
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Planting generally takes place between June and August. Eucalypt seedlings are planted using a Pottiputki planting tool. A single person can comfortably plant up to 3000 trees a day using a Pottiputki. Pine seedlings can be planted with a tractor-mounted planting machine or by hand. Growers should ensure they order seedlings from reputable nurseries.
It is important upon receiving your seedlings that you:
- Have a well protected area to hold them in until it is time to plant. Covering the seedlings with chicken mesh is a good option, as this will allow light to reach the seedlings while protecting them from wildlife browsing. You need to make sure that the mesh sits at least half a metre above the tips of the seedlings and it is well supported by sturdy posts. It is also important that seedling trays are not resting directly on the ground. If they do, the roots will grow through the tray and make seedling removal difficult or even break the roots from the stem. Try storing the trays on raised planks or on sheets of cardboard.
- Make sure you water the seedlings regularly. This means at least every second day or even more during hot or windy conditions. Do not allow the seedling soil plug to dry out. Immediately prior to planting, it is recommended that each tray of seedlings be submerged completely in water until all the air bubbles disappear.
In summary, table 2 is an example of typical on-ground works, recommended timings and indicative costs per hectare for a plantation established in 2005.
| Works | Recommended Timing | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spring spray to kill, prevent/ reduce seed set of problem weeds (eg. bracken, sorrel, phalaris and flatweed) |
September/ October 2004 | - |
| Order seedlings | December/ January 2004 |
$400/1000 for eucalypts $345/1600 for pines |
| Cultivation - Ripping / Mounding | March 2005 | $180-$250/ha |
| Fencing (if required for browsing control) | March 2005 | $2000-$3000/km (to keep out wallabies and possums) |
| Pre-plant weed control (at least 6 weeks prior to planting) | May 2005 | $25/ha (labour) and herbicide costs |
| Planting - seedlings (at least 6 weeks after spraying) | June/July 2005 |
$130/ha for eucalypts $200/ha for pines |
| Post plant weed control first year 'remedial' (if required) | September/October 2005 | - |
| Second year weed control | May 2006 | $45/ha (labour) and herbicide costs |
| Fertilising (if required based on foliar analyses) | - | $80/ha (labour) and fertiliser costs |
| TOTAL (excluding fencing costs) | - | Approx $850 - $1000/ha |
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- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/forestry/farm_forestry/regional_information/growing_trees_on_kangaroo_island/planting
- Page Last Modified: November 8, 2011