Investigating establishment techniques to improve Allocasuarina luehmannii and Eucalyptus microcarpa tube stock survival and growth

Woodlands of buloke, Allocasuarina luehmannii, and grey box, Eucalyptus microcarpa, are currently considered endangered plant communities in the South East region. They are important habitat for a number of species including the South-Eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Black chinned Honeyeaters, and Bush Stone Curlews. Buloke and grey box woodlands have been considerably reduced since European settlement. Establishment of both A. luehmannii and E. microcarpa are difficult to establish.

Support for this project was gained from the Native Vegetation Council to trial establishment methods to enable large scale regeneration of these woodlands. Local landholders have donated their time and land to establish four hectares of A. luehmannii and E. microcarpa in July and August 2008 near Frances.

The aim of this research is to identify improved methods for establishment by evaluating different broad acre establishment treatments on the survival and growth of A. luehmannii and E. microcarpa tube stock in a replicated trial design at two locations.

These differing methods include:

  • ripping and cultivation of the soil;
  • application of a fertiliser tablet;
  • application of gypsum;
  • application of a soil water retaining product, Aquastore;
  • application of fertiliser and soil water retaining product, Treemaxx;
  • inoculation of A. luehmannii seedlings with the nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes Francia spp.;
  • growing E. microcarpa seedlings in Hycol cells

The progress report has been produced after the sites have been established and the initial measurements have been recorded.

To view the Progress Report click here (434kb)

The final measurements were completed in August, 2009. The results have been analysed and presented in the final report. The conclusion was that appropriate site cultivation, ripping and discing combined with good pre-plant weed control with a residual herbicide is recommended for establishing both A. luehmannii and E. microcarpa tube stock.

The details of the outcomes of this research are available in the final report, which will be useful for landholders and groups associated with restoration and revegetation of A. leuhmannii and E. microcarpa.

To view the Final Report click here (552kb)