PIRSA Forestry matters!

Jump to content

Search

This channel only All of PIRSA

 

Navigation

 
 

Farm Forestry

icon_pdfDownload a printer-ready PDF version of this page

Farm forestry allows for a combination of timber growing and other agricultural activities to be conducted on the same land.

Farm forestry allows for a combination of timber growing and other agricultural activities to be conducted on the same land.

Another type of forestry is called Farm Forestry (or Agroforestry). It combines timber growing and agricultural production on the same land.

Two main types of farm forestry are practised in Australia:

  • Strategically-placed timber plantations on farms.
  • Strategically-placed shelter belts on farms, managed to produce timber products while providing shelter for agricultural crops and animals.

Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) has traditionally been the main species used for farm forestry. Nowadays, there is growing interest in planting eucalypt, acacia, sheoak and cypress trees.

A range of products may be produced from farm forestry plantations and shelter belts, depending upon what tree species are used, and how the trees are managed.

Sawlogs and veneer logs are the most valuable farm forestry products, but landholders need to wait for over twenty years before sawlogs or veneer logs are ready for harvest.

Woodchips (for pulp and paper production) may also be produced. Trees grown specifically for woodchips can be harvested after about ten years. Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) is grown for woodchips in South Australia.

The main objective of farm forestry is to increase the total productivity of the land by producing timber products, while helping to control erosion, reduce salinity and provide shelter for livestock and windbreaks for crops.

PIRSA Forestry promotes farm forestry. Staff are available to visit farms to provide advice on what trees to plant, and where to plant them.

Landowners and private investors are also encouraged to grow radiata pine plantations to supply the well-established softwood industry in South Australia.

 

Find Out More

Primary Industries and Resources South Australia - www.pir.sa.gov.au/forestry