Survival and growth of Pinus brutia and Pinus pinaster on high pH, rendzina soils

In 2007 Pinus brutia and Pinus pinaster were planted on a number of high pH, rendzina soil sites within the South East, or Limestone Coast, of South Australia. Annual rainfall is similar across the sites ranging from 650 to 750mm. These sites do not successfully grow P. radiata so these pine species were trialled to determine if they can be successfully grown on such sites to utilise these soil types.

A research trial was established with the aim:

  • To measure the survival and growth of P. brutia and P. pinaster on black clay rendzina soils that have a naturally high pH.
  • To evaluate whether an increase in the pH unit and or soil depth has a significant effect on the survival, growth and form of P. brutia and P. pinaster. If there is an effect, determine a relationship between pH unit and/or soil depth and survival, growth and form.
  • To evaluate if there is a significant difference in survival, growth and form between P. brutia and P. pinaster. 

A number of treatments were established based on the variation in pH, soil depth and size of the planted area. Each treatment had 6 replicated plots to provide statistical variance to analyse the results based on ANOVA. There are 12 P. brutia treatments and 2 P. pinaster treatments.

A progress report was completed in 2008 with a second measurement due in 2010

 

Click here for the 2008 Progress Report (650 kb)