Hardwood Thinning Trial

Description:

There are a number of hardwood stands established in low rainfall areas in the South East. It is recognised that thinning is required to maintain healthy stands and to produce sawlogs over a reasonable timeframe. It is also necessary to measure growth rate in these stands to determine potential silviculture regimes in low rainfall areas.

 

A hardwood thinning trial was established to evaluate the growth responses to the various thinning intensities. The trial began in 2002 with support from the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). 17 Suitable stands between the ages of five and eight years old plus one ten year old stand were identified. These stands covered a wide geographic area and planted with various hardwood species including:

  •  Eucalyptus camaldulensis
  •  E. camaldulensis x E. grandis
  •  E. cladocalyx 
  •  E. globulus spp globulus
  •  E. globulus spp biscotata
  •  E. grandis
  •  E. robusta
  •  E. saligna
  •  E. viminalis ssp cygnatensis

Objectives:

The objectives of the hardwood thinning trial are to:

 

  • Evaluate growth rates and productivity of hardwoods to various thinning intensities in low rainfall areas;
  • Report the results of the response to thinning and growth of hardwoods in low rainfall areas to provide a greater level of information for decision making in these areas based on good forest science;
  • Produce suitable silviculture regimes for hardwoods planted in low rainfall areas; and
  • Conduct field days at these demonstration stands to discuss the results and silviculture options for hardwood stands in low rainfall areas.

Achievements:

A number of achievements have been reached including:

  • Measurements were taken prior to thinning at all sites.
  • A series of plots were established at stocking rates of 100, 200, and 800.
  • Growth responses have been measured for three years since thinning to evaluate growth responses to thinning.

 

For further information please contact PIRSA Forestry