| Project
Title: |
Defining
the product: Documenting log grades and specifications in Australia |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
ANU-44A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
R. N. James |
| Organisation: |
Department
of forestry
Australian National University
Canberra 0200, ACT |
| Phone: |
02
6125 4330 |
| Fax: |
02
6125 0746 |
| Email: |
Ryde.james@anu.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To
explain in lay terms what constitutes a saleable log. To explain why some
logs are more valuable than others and help farmers to assess whether forestry
will be a viable option for their situation. |
| Background |
Plantation
forestry is expanding in Australia and much of this is planned to include
land owners such as farmers. However, in order to participate in this new
enterprise, farmers need to be able to assess its commercial viability.
This means they need to know how forest produce is graded, which grades
are the most valuable and what prices they can expect to receive for the
different grades. Although not secret, knowledge about log specifications
is usually restricted to those already growing or processing forest crops.
Even when prices are made available it is difficult for new growers to
assess the potential profitability of plantations if they are unaware of
the quality classes commonly used in the industry. The aim of this project
is to clarify as much as possible the process of log sales, particularly
how the different grades of logs are specified. It should enable potential
new entrants to plantation forestry to carry out the necessary assessments
of its viability for their own circumstances. |
| Research |
Log
specifications and quality grades were collected from growers and processors
in each State and the ACT. Both growers and processors explained their
interpretation of the grade specifications they used and discussed developments
in the industry which have resulted from changes in the forest resource
and in sawmill technology. |
| Outcomes |
The
principles which govern how logs are graded are explained in lay terms.
Log specifications are defined and presented for both native forest and
plantation crops; at State or Territory level. |
| Implications |
Private
growers can design their silviculture to produce the most valuable grades
and can then assess the likely profitability of these options. |
| Publications |
(RIRDC
to assign) |
| Project
Title: |
Making
Farm Forestry Pay – Markets for Ecosystem Services |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
CSW-33A |
| Researcher: |
Carl
Binning |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO
Sustainable Ecosystems |
| Phone: |
02
6242 1671 |
| Fax: |
02
6242 1555 |
| Email: |
c.binning@cse.csiro.au |
| Objectives |
Assess
the potential role of markets for environmental services in agroforestry
and identify key research issues requiring further study.
· Review the use
of incentives and market based instruments for promoting agroforestry in
Australia and key international examples.
· Identify opportunities
for development of markets for the ecosystem services derived from agroforestry
with particular reference to the potential for establishing markets for
carbon sequestration, salinity mitigation, water purification and biodiversity.
· Identify the key
issues and research questions that will need to be addressed in developing
and putting in place commercial markets for ecosystem services.
|
| Background |
A
well-designed agroforestry operation will provide multiple benefits to
the landholder and the broader community. Some of these benefits, such
as the value of timber, can be realised through commercial markets. However,
other benefits, including environmental services such as carbon sequestration
and biodiversity conservation, are often not valued or paid for through
markets. This project assesses the potential to create new markets that
provide financial returns for environmental services with the objective
of securing greater investment in agroforestry, particularly in low rainfall
regions. |
| Research |
A
literature review on the use of market-based instruments, environmental
services and agroforestry was undertaken. The conclusions of the literature
review were reviewed at a workshop of leading researchers and practitioners
in Australia. On this basis key research questions and issues were identified
for further study. |
| Outcomes |
Investment
in agroforestry is being impeded by inadequate recognition of the environmental
services provided by well-designed agroforestry operations, particularly
in low-rainfall regions. Existing Landcare-type incentives for agroforestry
are modest and probably do little other than reinforce the motivations
of landholders who are already contemplating investing in planting trees.
Larger incentives, annuities and joint venture arrangements are available
in established higher rainfall plantation regions.
Markets that directly pay
for environmental services could be used to supplement (but not replace)
returns from timber and other commercial products to make agroforestry
a more attractive investment. Key challenges in market creation include:
· Quantifying and
accounting for the environmental services provided by different agroforestry
operations.
· Linking market structures
to sound regional planning that takes account of landscape scale impacts
of different agroforestry options.
· Identifying and
leveraging private and public sector demand for environmental services.
· Designing innovative
financial tools and institutions that are able to pool and market environmental
services.
· Definition of property
rights for environmental services, including the role of government in
placing "caps" on resource use and thereby creating demand for environmental
works that offset developments that damage the environment.
· Establishing effective
quality assurance and verification processes that are consistent with emerging
environmental management systems and accreditation processes.
· Establishing pilot
markets for environmental services that test and demonstrate the potential
for leveraging both public and private investment in agroforestry.
|
| Implications |
There
is a need for experimentation and testing of new market based approaches
that reward landholders for the environmental benefits provided by agroforestry.
Rather than waiting for governments to act it may be more effective to
work with interested private investors at a local scale to help define
markets and resolve the research questions identified in this project. |
| Publications |
Binning,
Baker, Meharg, Cork and Kearns (2001) Making Farm Forestry Pay – Markets
for Ecosystem Services A scoping study to set future research directions,
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra |
| Project
Title: |
Socio-Economic
Impacts of Farm Forestry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
ECU-8A |
| Researcher: |
Prof.
Alan Black, Dr Matthew Tonts and Mr Colin Campbell |
| Organisation: |
Centre
for Social Research
Edith Cowan University
Joondalup
WA 6027 |
| Phone: |
08
9400 5844 |
| Fax: |
08
9400 5866 |
| Email: |
a.black@ecu.edu.au |
| Objective |
This
project aimed to assess the socio-economic impacts of high rainfall farm
forestry on rural communities and to develop principles and guidelines
that will help to minimise any negative impacts and maximise the positive
benefits of farm forestry, for new investments in both high rainfall and
low rainfall areas. |
| Background |
Over
recent years there has been a rapid expansion of tree plantations on cleared
agricultural land in a number of high rainfall regions in Australia. In
some areas this has contributed to concerns that the expansion of whole
farm plantations is having negative impacts on demographic structures,
local and regional economies, employment, availability of services, and
infrastructure. On the other hand, there are claims that tree plantations
can deliver significant environmental and economic benefits to rural Australia. |
| Research |
Following
an extensive review of the literature on the social and economic impacts
of farm forestry, two regions that have experienced a rapid recent expansion
of farm plantation forestry were chosen as case studies. The regions selected
were the south-west of Western Australia and the Green Triangle region
of South Australia and Victoria. Within these regions, four local government
areas were chosen for a detailed analysis of the socio-economic impacts
of farm plantation forestry. These local government areas were Boyup Brook
(WA), Bridgetown-Greenbushes (WA), Wattle Range (SA), and West Wimmera
(Vic). |
| Outcomes |
The
literature review and the case studies provide insights into the local
and regional impacts of farm plantation forestry on: economic and employment
activity; population and community structure; services and infrastructure;
land values; and land use planning. The report also examines the impacts
attributable to various government and non-government farm forestry schemes,
and makes a comparison between farm plantation forestry and other strategies
for structural adjustment at the farm and regional levels. |
| Implications |
The
report presents 13 recommendations designed to maximise socio-economic
benefits and minimise any negative socio-economic impacts of farm plantation
forestry in rural communities. It also outlines eight elements in a proposed
strategy to communicate the findings and recommendations to various stakeholders,
especially where there is a potential for further expansion of farm plantation
forestry. |
| Publications |
Tonts,
M., Campbell, C. and Black, A. Socio-Economic Impacts of Farm Forestry.
Canberra: RIRDC, 2001. |
| Project
Title: |
Northern
Consultancy |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
GRE-1A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Nigel Turvey |
| Organisation: |
Greenfield
Resource Options
PO Box 1957
Milton
QLD 4064 |
| Phone: |
07
3870 8077 |
| Fax: |
07
3871 2243 |
| Email: |
nturvey@gro.com.au |
| Objective |
Targeted
and effective R & D priorities, programs and funding for the development
of agroforestry and farm forestry in northern Australia. |
| Background |
The
specific TOR for this study were:
· To review completed
and current research into agroforestry and farm forestry systems relevant
to northern Australia by agro-ecological zone. The review will include,
but not be limited to, summary and analysis of:
· R&D
related to farm forestry systems within pasture production systems.
· R&D resulting
from the Community Rainforest Reforestation Program, and other Farm Forestry
Programs.
· R&D that evaluates
the benefits of alternate spacing systems.
· R&D investigating
potential species and products for northern Australia.
· To determine key
agroforestry and farm forestry R&D gaps for the range of agricultural
systems in northern Australia.
· To
provide a list of recommended R&D priorities, arising from gap analysis
in (2), based on potential achievement of economic, social and environmental
benefits.
· Specific consideration
should be given to whether JVAP has a role in determining appropriate tree
density and spacing in woodland/pasture systems (generally a role for the
MLA Northern Australia Program).
|
| Research |
This
study, to define research priorities for agroforestry and farm forestry
for northern Australia, was conducted in three parts:
· Review of completed
and current research,
· Field and telephone
interviews with research stakeholders and client stakeholders,
· Analysis of a questionnaire
sent to client and researcher stakeholders.
|
| Outcomes |
The
five highest R&D priorities identified for agroforestry and farm forestry
across all of northern Australia were:
· Requirements to
better understand the financial viability of agroforestry projects, including
innovative economic treatment of the value of trees as ecosystem goods
and services.
· Availability of
domestic and international marketing information for agroforestry projects
and how eco-labelling or certification will effect these markets.
· Issues surrounding
the cultural, legal and policy constraints to development of agroforestry
projects.
· Wood and milling
properties of native and introduced species used in agroforestry plantings.
· Increased linkages
between research and extension activities via demonstration of key research
findings and coordinated research activities across northern Australia.
|
| Implications |
Implications
for implementation of the findings from the study are:
· Realisation of
multiple benefits for the management of planted and native vegetation in
rural landscapes and rural enterprises in northern Australia through better
targeted R&D.
· Improved efficiency
of expenditure on agroforestry R&D for northern Australia.
· R&D targeted
better to specific issues in bioregions of northern Australia.
· R&D synergies
through improved collaboration between research groups operating in northern
Australia.
|
| Publications |
Final
Report |
| Project
Title: |
Irrigation
management and groundwater uptake in young tree plantations growing over
high water tables |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
CSF-54A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Phil Polglase |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO
Forestry and Forest Products
PO Box E4008
Kingston ACT 2604 |
| Phone: |
02
6281 8204 |
| Fax: |
02
6281 8312 |
| Email: |
philip.polglase@ffp.csiro.au |
| Objectives |
· Develop irrigation
strategies that minimise the amount of water that needs to be applied,
minimise wastage through run-off and drainage to groundwater, and maximise
tree growth.
· Determine the extent
to which trees use groundwater in the Deniliquin region and under what
site conditions (tree species, soil type, groundwater quality).
· Formulate recommendations
for matching species to sites with the aim of achieving multiple environmental
benefits while growing a commercial wood product.
|
| Background |
Farm
forestry is an emerging enterprise in the Murray Irrigation Area but, due
to the low rainfall, plantations would need to be irrigated or have access
to other water supply to achieve commercial rates of growth. Furthermore,
over-irrigation in many parts has caused saline water tables to rise within
2 to 3 m of the soil surface. Farm forestry should therefore have the objective
of contributing to groundwater control while minimising the volume of irrigation
water required to grow the plantation. This research was initiated after
extensive consultation with stakeholders in farm forestry and land and
water care, and was designed to yield recommendations of both environmental
and economic significance. |
| Research |
Five
trials were established near Deniliquin, NSW, on a variety of soil types,
and using mostly flooded gum (Eucalyptus grandis) but also spotted
gum (Corymbia maculata) on one site. Research involved measuring
in detail water balances and patterns of growth with and without flood
irrigation, over a three year period. |
| Outcomes |
Results
showed that maximum environmental and economic benefit would be realised
where spotted gum was planted on prior stream beds. Here, trees used much
groundwater, required little irrigation, and grew at fast rates. In contrast,
trees on clayey soils required intensive irrigation and used little groundwater. |
| Implications |
Matching
tree species to sites is a critical element for maximising the opportunities
and benefits of farm forestry in the region. A management strategy is needed
to map prior stream beds and establish extensive areas of spotted gum.
We calculate that 14,000 ha of plantation would take-up sufficient groundwater
to balance the discharge from 70,000 ha of rice. The plantations would
grow well, and require little irrigation once established. |
| Publications |
Polglase,
P.J. et al.. (2001). Irrigation management and groundwater uptake
in young tree plantations growing over high water tables. Final report
to the RIRDC. |
| Project
Title: |
Demonstration
and Development of Fast Growing Irrigated Eucalypt Plantations |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAV-131A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Tom Baker and Dr Michael Duncan |
| Organisation: |
Centre
for Forest Tree Technology
PO Box 137
Heidelberg
VIC 3084 |
| Phone: |
03
9450 8666 |
| Fax: |
03
9450 8644 |
| Email: |
tom.baker@nre.vic.gov.au
or michael.duncan@nre.vic.gov.au |
| Objective |
Compare
the performance of a range of eucalypt species and provenances for a range
of soils types and irrigation water qualities. |
| Background |
Two
major environmental imperatives underlay the studies in this project. Firstly,
widespread clearing of native forests and woodlands for agriculture has
been a major cause of rising, saline groundwater with consequent and increasing
negative environmental and economic impacts. Long-term solutions include
revegetation of significant portions of catchments using deep-rooted perennials.
The second environmental imperative involves the disposal of industrial
and municipal wastewaters to the river system, which have contributed significantly
to the degradation of waterbodies. Land-based disposal of wastewater is
now a preferred method. Tree plantations provide an opportunity for the
disposal and/or reuse of saline and nutrient-rich waters. Broadscale planting
of tree plantations to ameliorate this problem is only achievable with
the prospect of a commercial return, and needs to be underpinned by a solid
research base on productivity and sustainability. |
| Research |
In
the study, groundwater, irrigation water, tree nutrition, surface soil
and tree growth to age 3, 6 or 8 years were monitored at nine irrigated
eucalypt trials in northern Victoria. Four species were planted at each
site (Eucalyptus camaldulensis,
E. globulus, E. grandis
and E. saligna). The sites are flood irrigated, and represent a
range of water sources and qualities available in the irrigation region
(varying from low salinity channel water to high salinity groundwater to
nutrient-rich municipal effluent). |
| Outcomes |
The
results of the study show a relationship between the salinity level in
irrigation water and the salinity level in both soil and foliage. At sites
irrigated with highly saline groundwater (4.0 to 6.9 dS/m), salt accumulation
has occurred in the surface soil, and the foliage of E. globulus,
E. grandis and E. saligna. It is possible that salt accumulation
has caused growth losses at these sites. Salt accumulation is not a serious
problem at sites irrigated with low salinity groundwater or channel water
(0.1 to 2.7 dS/m), but the increasing trend in soil salinity resulting
from irrigation with high-sodium municipal effluent suggests that it may
become a problem.
The negative impacts of irrigating
with saline groundwater, compared with non-saline channel water, are clearly
demonstrated at the Timmering site. Irrigation with saline groundwater
has resulted in the soil becoming highly sodic, significant chloride accumulation
in foliage, and poor growth rates, while at the same site, irrigation with
channel water has resulted in only a slight increase in soil sodicity and
high growth rates. |
| Implications |
Irrigation
with a nutrient-rich effluent appears the best option for achieving high
productivity plantations in northern Victoria. Opportunities for productive
and sustainable eucalypt plantations, irrigated with groundwater/channel
water, appear to be greatest at sites with low soil salinity and sodicity,
and high quality irrigation water. However, while eucalypt plantations
can play a role in the reduction of groundwater levels, irrigation of plantations
with saline groundwater poses the same problems in term of sustainability
as other forms of agriculture in the region, with increased soil sodicity
and foliar Cl concentrations leading to productivity losses. |
| Project
Title: |
Sustainability
Certification: Practice and Potential in Australian Farm Forestry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
PN
99.2009 |
| Researcher: |
Professor
Neil Gunningham and Darren Sinclair |
| Organisation: |
Gunningham
and Associates Pty Ltd |
| Phone: |
02
6125 3397 |
| Fax: |
02
6125 4899 |
| Email: |
Neilgunning@yahoo.com |
| Objectives |
· To determine the
commercial, environmental and policy implications of international and
domestic developments in certification for the Australia farm forestry
sector.
· To determine whether
the certification of sustainably managed forestry enterprises is desirable,
cost-effective and practical for farm foresters, in particular smaller
growers.
· To determine how
certification could best be exploited by farm foresters, including the
circumstances in which it might be employed and desirable policy characteristics.
· To examine the available
policy options for progressing certification in the context of farm forestry,
its interaction with other policy developments, and to canvass preferred
policy responses.
|
| Background |
The
certification (and labelling) of sustainably managed forestry enterprises
is an international phenomenon that has captured an increasing share of
forest product markets in developed countries. Until recently, Australia
has remained largely immune from its impact. The growth of certification
world wide, however, has made it difficult for the domestic industry to
maintain an isolationist stance. This assessment applies not only to the
traditional forestry industry, but also to the nascent but expanding Australian
farm forestry sector. |
| Research |
This
project considers the relevance and implications of certification for farm
forestry, with particular attention paid to the needs and circumstances
of smaller farm foresters. In doing so, it provides a comprehensive review
of the preferred strategies for the adoption of certification by the Australian
farm forestry sector, and concludes with an analysis of potential policy
options. The report also provides an overview of international certification
developments and domestic farm forestry experiences. Apart from a literature
review, information for the report was provided by field interviews with
a wide range of farm forestry representatives and other relevant stakeholders. |
| Outcomes |
The
project identifies and details the preferred elements of certification
as it is applied to the farm forestry sector. These are:
· a capacity to
accommodate a wide variety of forest types;
· a capacity to accommodate
a wide variety of management structures;
· the introduction
of a streamlined environmental management system;
· integration with
other farm based management systems;
· the availability
of group certification;
· multiple farm forestry
management units;
· the use of independent,
third party certifiers;
· the engagement of
commercial third parties;
· a capacity to accommodate
carbon credits (and/or payments for other environmental services); and
· broad stakeholder
involvement.
|
| Implications |
The
project considers the policy implications of three potentially viable certification
models for the Australian farm forestry sector. These are:
· the Australian
Forestry Standard;
· the Forest Stewardship
Council; and
· an alliance between
a domestic certification scheme and an existing international certification
scheme.
|
| Publications |
The
project will be published in report form by the JVAP. Apart from this,
a number of academic publications are anticipated. |
| Project
Title: |
An
Investigation of "Mundulla Yellows" Affecting Native Eucalyptus Species |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UA-51A |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
D. Hanold and Prof. J.W. Randles |
| Organisation: |
University
of Adelaide
Department of Applied and
Molecular Ecology |
| Phone: |
08
8303 7307 |
| Fax: |
08
8379 4095 |
| Email: |
dagmar.hanold@adelaide.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· Description of
the disease.
· Survey for MY in
southern Australia.
· Examine the suitability
of herbaceous indicator species.
· Examine the possible
association with phytoplasmas.
· Examine the feasibility
of chemotherapy.
|
| Background |
Mundulla
Yellows (MY) is a newly suspected lethal disease of eucalypts. MY has led
to considerable community concern. A field guide for general distribution
was prepared and has found wide interest. Symptom development may be influenced
by environmental and host factors and is therefore an unreliable tool for
disease diagnosis. A project was funded by Environment Australia (EA) to
identify a causal pathogen, and to establish molecular diagnostic techniques. |
| Research |
Disease-associated
unusual nucleic acids (MY-RNAs) were detected in MY trees which may represent
a virus or viroid, however more work needs to be conducted to determine
the fidelity of this association. Phytoplasmas have also been found in
eucalypts, however a causal association with MY could not be shown.
To distinguish MY from other
yellowing diseases, symptoms have been described as part of this project.
A qualitative survey was conducted in WA, NSW/ACT, Victoria, Tasmania,
Queensland and SA (areas other than the South-East). Three hundred and
forty two trees of the genera Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Angophora with
symptoms such as dieback, yellowing and epicormic growth were sampled.
MY-RNAs were detected in an average of 70% of symptomatic trees in the
surveyed states, but symptoms may vary. This may be due to different host
species, environmental conditions, or molecular variations in MY-RNA strains.
MY-RNAs have been detected
in over 30 species of eucalypts, including species important to agroforestry.
This confirms a wide host range of MY.
Research on the epidemiology
and mode of spread of MY was also carried out. The wide and scattered distribution
suggests that aerial transmission (possibly by insects) occurs. Further
studies are required. Graft transmissibility of MY-RNAs indicates a possible
risk of spreading MY during tree pruning, but further studies are required
to determine whether these plants develop MY symptoms. In one case, MY-RNAs
could be detected in a revegetation site, suggesting they may be spread
with nursery stock. The presence of MY-RNAs in green parts of MY trees
indicates that the agent is systemic. Normal appearance of seedlings cannot
be considered as proof of absence of MY-RNAs, and the currently widely
used practice of raising seedlings in one area for planting elsewhere may
carry a risk of spreading MY. |
| Outcomes |
Disease-associated
unusual nucleic acids (MY-RNAs) were detected in MY trees which may represent
a virus or viroid, however more work needs to be conducted to determine
the fidelity of this association. |
| Implications |
More
work needs to be done to determine the extent to which MY is a threat to
agroforestry, natural vegetation and revegetation programs. Specific control
strategies cannot be designed until the disease cycle is known. Researchers
suggest that until then, general plant hygiene guidelines are necessary
for planting, pruning and disposal of material to minimise the risk of
spreading MY by human activities. |
| Publications |
· Hanold, D. and
Randles, J.W. (1999) .A Field Guide to Mundulla Yellows. University of
Adelaide.
· Randles, J.W. (1999).
Evidence of an infectious cause for Mundulla Yellows disease. In 'Mundulla
Yellows: A New Threat to our Native Vegetation'. Proceedings, Seminar August
1999. Conservation Council of SA/ University of Adelaide. pp. 19-22.
|
| Project
Title: |
Trees
for Shelter: A Guide to Using Windbreaks on Australian Farms |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
CSL-7A |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Helen Cleugh |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO
Land & Water
GPO Box 1666
Canberra ACT 2601 |
| Phone: |
02
6246 5574 |
| Fax: |
02
6246 5560 |
| Email: |
Helen.Cleugh@cbr.clw.csiro.au |
| Objective |
To
produce an accessible, comprehensible and authoritative guide to the effect
of wind shelter on microclimates and productivity on Australian farms,
and how windbreak systems can therefore be designed to optimise their benefits. |
| Background |
The
National Windbreaks Program, which was completed in 1998, was a 5-year
program quantifying windbreak effects on microclimates and crop/pasture
yields. While much of the research is being reported in the scientific
literature, there was also a need to synthesise and communicate the final
results to the much wider audience of farmers, agricultural extension officers,
land managers and policy makers.
To meet this need, this project
aimed to deliver an informative and authoritative guide that was based
on the latest research into windbreak effects on pasture and crop yields
on Australian farms. |
| Outcomes |
The
book, "Trees for Shelter: A Guide to using Windbreaks on Australian
Farms" is the vehicle for communicating the key results from the National
Windbreaks Program to farmers; farm advisors; land managers and policy
makers. It explains how windbreaks work by modifying the wind, microclimate,
soil evaporation and plant water use, and how this impacts on crop growth.
It demonstrates how windbreaks can be used to improve productivity on the
farm. Finally, it describes how to design and manage an effective windbreak
system. |
| Implications |
The
major benefit is the ready availability of an up-to-date and informative
resource that will assist in raising awareness, changing agricultural practice
and developing policy by (a) providing information and guidance, and (b)
facilitating the transfer of knowledge acquired during the NWP. |
| Project
Title: |
Impact
of insects on eucalypt plantations in the Murray Valley |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
CSE-72A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Rob Floyd and Dr Grant Farrell |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO
Entomology
GPO Box 1700
Canberra ACT 2601 |
| Phone: |
02
6246 4089 |
| Fax: |
02
6246 4155 |
| Email: |
r.floyd@ento.csiro.au
g.farrell@ento.csiro.au |
| Objectives |
· To assess provenances
and families of several species of eucalypts for resistance to pests of
young trees in order to incorporate insect resistance into breeding programs
in seed orchards.
· To measure the impact
of insect feeding on the growth and form of young eucalypts grown in existing
plantations (Murray Valley and ACT) and new plantations established under
irrigation or in high water table sites in the Murray Valley and to incorporate
this information into growth and economic models.
· To develop a set
of recommendations for the environmentally sensitive management of insect
pests involving insect resistance in young trees for use in farm forestry
|
| Background |
Major
tree establishment programs are being pursued in the Murray Darling Basin
and elsewhere, aimed at eucalypt plantations for landcare and commercial
wood production. One of the regions being developed is the Murray Valley
around Shepparton and Deniliquin. Many young plantations in the Murray
Valley have incurred heavy defoliation from a range of insects and the
two most commonly planted species, Eucalyptus grandis and E.
globulus, are quite susceptible to insect feeding. |
| Research |
Plantations
of various commercially important species of Eucalyptus were established
at a number of locations in the Murray Valley. Species studied included
E. globulus,
E. grandis, E. dunnii, E. benthamii
and Corymbia spp. A number of provenances and families, chosen to
represent a wide range of resistance and susceptible genotypes, were included
at each site. At a subset of locations insects were experimentally excluded
from part of
the site by the use of insecticides. Tree growth, species
of insect causing damage, and levels of insect damage were regularly assessed
at each site. Studies on the phenology and biology of the major insect
pest species were also undertaken. |
| Outcomes |
Insect
exclusion studies showed losses of 11% in E. grandis volume after
six years of low to moderate defoliation by autumn gum moth and brown lace
lerp while Eucalyptus globulus had losses of 18% in volume after
five years of similar damage levels by autumn gum moth and Christmas beetle.
Provenances of E. grandis had volume losses ranging from 7% to 41%
and E. globulus provenances had losses from 0.5% to 56%. Based on
these figures productivity losses from moderate to heavy defoliation would
justify the costs of insect pest management intervention. Results from
the study also indicated that one possible non-chemical option for pest
management in the Murray Valley may be the use of more resistant species
such as C. maculata or choosing provenances in E. benthamii
E. grandis and E. globulus with greater resistance. |
| Implications |
Plantation
managers will need a range of management options to utilise in different
circumstances, depending on surrounding land-uses, magnitude of risk and
community attitudes. Freedom to operate and successful management of eucalypt
plantations is likely to require a diversity of management options including
effective and efficient non-chemical methods of which deployment of resistant
genotypes is one. Currently, these options do not exist and need to be
developed urgently. |
| Publications |
Floyd,
R.F., Arnold, R.J., Farrell, G.S and Farrow, R.A (in prep) Genetic variation
in growth of Eucalyptus grandis under irrigation in south eastern
Australia. To be submitted to Australian Forestry.
Floyd, R.F, Farrow, R.A.
and Matsuki, M (in prep) Within species variation in insect damage and
growth in Eucalyptus globulus Submitted to Journal of Applied
Ecology.
Floyd, R.F, Farrow, R.A.
and Matsuki, M (in prep) Effects of acute damage and chronic damage by
insects on growth in Eucalyptus globulus |
| Project
Title: |
Wood
products from low rainfall (400-600 mm/yr) farm forestry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
PN
99.2002 |
| Researcher: |
Mr
Philip Blakemore |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO
Forestry and Forest Products
Bayview Ave, Clayton
Private Bag 10,
Clayton South, Vic 3169
Australia |
| Phone: |
03
9545 2197 |
| Fax: |
03
9545 3133 |
| Email: |
Philip.Blakemore@ffp.csiro.au |
| Internet: |
www.ffp.csiro.au |
| Objectives |
· The objectives
of this project were to identify the potential of plantation grown trees
to produce high value solid-wood products. The species evaluated were from
existing plantations in the 400-600 mm rainfall zone of the southern Murray-Darling
Basin. This is intended to assist species selection, for wood production,
for farm forestry in this region.
· The research was
conducted in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, which conducted
an independent but related project looking at on-farm sawing systems.
|
| Background |
There
are numerous reasons for farmers and regional communities to support plantation
establishment. The primary reason, especially in regions of lower rainfall,
is to improve agricultural systems and their sustainability by ameliorating
serious broad-scale environmental degradation, such as dryland salinity.
Secondary considerations include enhancing local and regional aesthetics,
enhancing biodiversity and providing wind-breaks and stock shelter. In
some cases, wood production may be a low priority, but for most a commercial
return is essential to justify the investment in time and money establishing
and managing plantations. The focus on ‘high-value’ solid-wood products
in this project is to compensate for the anticipated slow growth rates
and high establishment, management, harvesting, transport and processing
costs for sawlog production in this zone. |
| Research |
The
area investigated covers the drier inland areas of the Great Dividing Range.
Extending from the South Australian border it includes the Horsham, St
Arnaud, Bendigo and Shepparton regions of Victoria and continues north
up to the Wagga Wagga region of New South Wales. Close collaboration with
local farm forestry groups, regional plantation committees (RPCs), State
Government agencies and industry was instrumental in locating representative
plantings during the early part of the project. |
| Outcomes |
· The species selected
for the sawing study were Eucalyptus occidentalis, E. cladocalyx,
E.
astringens and E. leucoxylon. These species are appropriate
for the project region with existing plantations suitable for sampling.
· In all the plantations
inspected, low crown breaks limited the length of the logs that could be
harvested from the trees. A 3m butt log from 10 trees of each species was
back-sawn mostly into 105 x 43 mm dimension boards.
· The recovery of
green appearance grade products (measured either as Appearance recovery
– select grade and better, or Target recovery – Cover Grade and better)
from the sampled trees was extremely poor and highlights the difficulties
of growing high-value sawlogs in this region.
· The major defects,
in varying degrees for each species, contributing to the poor recoveries
were:
· decay
· pith,
· knots (both green
and dead)
· wane
· The poor recoveries
were at least partially attributable to the small diameter logs sampled
in this study. This is best shown by comparing the low recovery of appearance
products for E. cladocalyx (1.0%), with that achieved from older
and larger trees of the same species (20.6%) in a previous study by Washusen
et al. (1996). A minimum DBH of 40 cm will be required for sawlog
production to maximise the volume of clear outer heartwood.
· Because of the high
densities of the species grown in the lower rainfall zone, careful drying
practices will be required to minimise surface checking problems in back-sawn
boards.
· Despite the poor
recovery of appearance products in this study, the review of growth data
and the good recovery in the previous study by Washusen et al. (1996)
suggests that E. cladocalyx has the best potential for producing
high-value solid-wood products in the lower rainfall zones. E. occidentalis
and E. astringens followed closely behind, providing poor form and
branching characteristics can be improved in the later two species. E.
leucoxylon has little potential unless significant form improvements
could be made which has affected recoveries.
· These results highlight
the critical importance of improved genetic stock and appropriate silviculture
to achieve green recoveries of appearance products (select grade and better)
of at least 30-35% (of log volume) for a viable solid wood industry to
be established.
|
| Implications |
These
results highlight the importance of improved genetic stock and appropriate
silviculture to produce high-value wood products. It is essential for the
Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group (ALRTIG) to reduce poor
branching and canopy crown habits through breeding, to minimise the proportion
of knotty inner corewood. Silvicultural practices will need to allow for
wide spacings to minimise competition and maximise diameter growth whilst
undertaking pruning to reduce knot size. |
| Publications |
JVAP
Final Report:
Wood products from low
rainfall (400-600 mm/yr) farm forestry.
by Philip Blakemore, Gary
Waugh, Richard Northway and Russell Washusen |
| Project
Title: |
Vineyard
trellis posts from treated eucalypts grown in low rainfall areas or using
effluent water |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
PN99.2003 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Laurie Cookson and Mr Kevin McCarthy |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO
Forestry & Forest Products
Bayview Avenue
Clayton
Victoria 3169 |
| Phone: |
03
9545 2222 |
| Fax: |
03
9545 2448 |
| Email: |
l.Cookson@ffp.csiro.au,
kevin.mccarthy@ffp.csiro.au |
| Internet: |
http://www.ffp.csiro.au/wft/wpc/ |
| Objectives |
· Assist the development
of markets for poles from locally grown eucalypt plantations initially
developed to utilise sewage and winery effluent. The research has the potential
to be extended to the treatment of woodlots grown under low rainfall.
· Locate plantations
and woodlots near Mildura and Benalla and assess whether they are suitable
for the production of vineyard trellis timbers.
· Carry out a large-scale
trial with a major manufacturer of treated timbers to provide information
on the eucalypt species most suited for local plantation development and
a local industry producing treated vineyard trellis timbers.
· Investigate strength
and load-carrying capacity of treated round timbers as vineyard trellis.
Particularly seek to identify advantages that eucalypt posts have over
competitors.
· Establish test/demonstration
sites in the Sunraysia, north-eastern Victoria and southern NSW.
· Provide local woodlot
growers with information regarding tree species and quality requirements
to assist planning and adoption of the most suitable silvicultural techniques
for round timber production.
|
| Background |
A
number of eucalypt woodlots in the Mallee region and other areas of Victoria
and NSW have been established to use industrial waste water, treated sewage
effluent or irrigation drainage water. These woodlots are grown for the
safe disposal of waste water, which would otherwise cause environmental
degradation and water pollution. They have often been planted in wine growing
regions, and as the wine industry grows rapidly, could be used to supply
treated posts to the local industry for use in grapevine trellises.
In recent years treated pine
posts, particularly the most frequently used 75-100 mm diam. x 2.4 m size
for grape vine trellising have been in short supply due to the large number
of new vineyard plantings and redevelopments. Post manufacturers forecast
that this post shortage will continue for the foreseeable future. Typically
500-800 posts per hectare of the preferred size are used as in-line posts
for vineyards. A significant number of these posts require annual replacement
due to breakage by mechanical harvesters and sometimes fungal decay. Vine
growers and post manufacturers have been forced to look for alternatives
to the conventional pine posts. The project is aimed at developing and
putting in place the technology to enable a locally grown resource to be
processed for local end-use. |
| Research |
Eucalyptus
grandis, E. globulus and E. camaldulensis plantations grown on effluent
water were examined for the production of trellis posts. A number of trees
from each species fitting the diameter range for in-line posts were harvested.
Posts were seasoned by air-drying, and transported to Grafton for treatment
with pigment emulsified creosote (PEC). Samples of treated posts were strength
tested and examined for preservative penetration. The remaining posts were
installed at several locations to demonstrate the product. |
| Outcomes |
· The project
has shown that trees from eucalypt plantations can be successfully converted
into vineyard posts. In the areas examined, E. grandis plantations
yielded the highest volume of posts.
· PEC can be used
to treat E. grandis, E. globulus and E. camaldulensis
posts in accordance with the current Australian Standard AS1604.1 2000.
· In all posts
complete depth of sapwood penetration of PEC was visible. Sapwood accounted
for a mean of 82-89% of the total volume of the posts. Therefore, failure
to treat the heartwood is of minor concern.
· The mean bending
strength of E. globulus posts was significantly higher than
for the CCA and HTC-treated pine posts and the two other eucalypt species.
All eucalypt species tested were much stronger than CCA-treated pine posts.
· A demonstration
site has been established at Lindemans Karadoc winery near Mildura.
|
| Implications |
E.
grandis should
be the preferred crop for producing commercial vineyard posts from plantations
grown on effluent water. The plantations could be harvested within three
years, and the majority of trees should be straight enough to yield posts.
The species also suffered least from splitting (although it should be noted
that pole-sized timbers of E. grandis have a reputation for excessive splitting).
The sapwood was readily treatable, and indeed the treatment schedule used
resulted in over-treatment. Plantations of E. globulus and E. camaldulensis
yielded fewer posts, however, plantations elsewhere may give better results.
A further trial is being
planned to examine a wider range of timber species, and both CCA (copper
chromium arsenic) and PEC timber treatments. |
| Publications |
Pisasale,
M. (1999). Hardwood trellis post study underway. Agroforestry News,
7(5) page 3.
Mollah, M. R., K. J. McCarthy,
D. K. Scown and L. J. Cookson (2000) Bending strength of vineyard trellis
posts from treated eucalypts. Proceedings of Conference on Engineering
in Agriculture. 2-5 April 2000 Adelaide, South Australia
McCarthy, K J, Scown, D K,
Cookson, L J and Mollah, M R (2000) Vineyard trellis posts from treated
eucalypts. Proceedings 26th Forest Products Research Conference,
Clayton, Victoria, June 19-21, 2000. |
| Project
Title: |
Non-destructive
evaluation of intrinsic wood quality within on-farm woodlots |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
PN99.2010 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Ross Dickson |
| Organisation: |
State
Forests of NSW |
| Phone: |
02
6947 3988 |
| Fax: |
02
6947 3427 |
| Email: |
rossd@sf.nsw.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· To assess the
applicability of nondestructive approaches using stress wave speed for
evaluating the intrinsic wood properties of plantation Pinus radiata
and principally E. dunnii.
· To assess the effects
of heartwood/sapwood, moisture and density, log shape, log size, branch
size together with wave velocity on structural grade recovery.
· To identify and
build information links between tree farmers and wood processors on product
potential, performance (e.g, structural grade), and wood properties (e.g,
wood stiffness).
|
| Background |
The
intrinsic wood properties vary enormously at harvest-age both within and
among trees in woodlots and plantations leading to a wide range in log
quality and product performance. Currently visual grading is used to sort
logs to produce products requiring stiffness and strength. However visual
assessments are not necessarily strongly linked to the desired characteristics.
As can be appreciated mills
are often faced with the situation that they
do not know what the stiffness and potential value of hardwood and softwood
timber is until logs are processed. Currently, there is a need to gather
information on the wood stiffness of logs early in the value chain so that
logs with specific and peculiar wood properties can be allocated to the
most appropriate processor. This would be a simple way to add value to
small parcels of on-farm grown wood as well as that from industrial plantations.
It was known that the speed
that sound waves travel through wood grain in logs and to a lesser extent
standing trees is a direct measure of its stiffness, a key wood property.
Acoustic tools are available to measure sound flight (stress wave) speed
in wood and to indicate the stiffness of logs at the landing before
being transferred to any particular processor. A hammer is used to generate
the sound waves in the wood while instruments detect the stress waves from
the sound and record its velocity. Stiffness is given by the product of
density and the square of acoustic speed; since the density of green wood
is close to 1000kg/m3, the sonic speed gives a good indication
of the average green stiffness of a log or piece of wood.
It may be possible to sort logs using these tools and classify the
timber according to its most appropriate end-use. There are significant
financial benefits to both farmers/growers and processors if logs that
saw high quality timber (high stiffness and strength) are identified and
selected, while low-stiffness logs are allocated to other end-uses less
critical of strength and stiffness. Acoustic measurements on genetically
improved standing trees may provide definitive information on their wood
stiffness which will be invaluable for the selection of superior trees
and clones across various farm sites. |
| Research |
The
study comprised 2 sawing studies on a hardwood species E. dunnii
sampled from Newry State Forest and Pinus radiata from Tallaganda
State Forest. Trees were sampled from uniform plantations so as to ensure
that robust information was collected on the level of variability in wood
properties within a site with complete stand records. The research links
the timber characteristics, primarily stiffness, measured during milling
with the acoustic measurements made while the trees were standing and on
the logs after felling. Three acoustic tools (FAKOPP stress wave timer,
a commercial spectrum analyser (for detecting resonant wave velocity) and
Hitman (purpose built device for detecting resonant wave velocity) were
tested in the sawing studies. They all appeared to give similar results,
although the FAKOPP was the only tool capable of directly measuring stress
waves speed from standing trees using probes that can be inserted into
designated positions along the stem. The HP system and Hitman require one
clear end face to impact with a hammer to generate the sound wave. Machine
stress graders were used to measure the stiffness of the sawn boards. Unique
colour patterns were used to identify each tree - we knew exactly which
trees all the sawn boards came from. Matching the data between the standing
trees, logs and boards was a key part of this project. Data from the machine
stress graders was analysed to establish whether the sound velocity was
able to detect defects and branch knots, which impact on timber performance
in service. |
| Outcomes |
· Wood property
information indicating that plantation grown E. dunnii wood was
of a similar quality to that reported for other key plantation grown hardwood
species. With eucaplyt plantations becoming an increasing source of commercial
hardwood, and mature plantation wood quality expected to be different from
that of native forests, these results will be greatly valuable to assist
farmers with the future species selection and woodlot management decisions.
They will also be of interest to the timber industry, tree breeders and
silviculturalists.
· Robust information
indicating that acoustic tools can be used for sorting hardwood and softwood
logs according to stiffness at harvest time. In the case of the radiata
pine logs the acoustic signatures strongly indicated that the stiffness
of the wood in the 10-15 ring cylinder adjacent to the pith is significantly
lower than that of the outerwood. The knotty core is the zone of wood in
logs that produces sawn boards that fail to meet grade and cause downfall
in sawmills. Acoustic tools were able to detect the effects of this low
stiffness corewood in logs and could conceivably be used to identify those
logs in the population that have corewood of particularly low stiffness
that when sawn into boards will fail to make grade.
· Underpinning wood
stiffness information from non-destructive tools for the minimum visual
grading system for E. dunnii. Further, these data may assist additional
research into sorting systems for wood hardness, a key driver for underpinning
high-value flooring applications.
· New information
indicating a stresswave timer can predict the stiffness of both E. dunnii
and
Pinus radiata standing trees. This new and exciting information
will greatly assist with the selection of superior families and clones
and ensure farmers deploy genotypes with superior wood properties. In addition,
it will enable the exclusion of low stiffness trees during thinning operations.
· Data that supports
published information that dimensional measures currently used to grade
wood (e.g., DBHOB) of standing trees and logs are less able to predict
grade outturn than acoustic tools that predict the average stiffness of
logs.
· A preliminary understanding
that the relatively simple technology used for evaluating stress wave velocity
in this project does not directly lend itself for detecting the disposition
of branches and knots and other defects, and other approaches may be required
in addition. The variation around the correlation lines for minimum stress
grades and sound velocity indicated that the impact of knots and defects
affected the stress grades more than the sonic values.
|
| Implications |
Timber
customers are going to require some sort of product identification for
suitability and this study is working towards providing it. We argue that
small woodlot owners have an exciting opportunity to use acoustic tools
to sort logs according stiffness and identify logs likely to produce high
or low quality boards. This offers greater assurance to processors that
the overall quality of the wood flow is improved by the removal of outliers.
It will also enable higher royalty negotiations to be achieved through
greater product certification. |
| Publications |
Dickson,
R.L., Raymond, C.A., Joe, B. and Wilkinson, C.A. 2000 Segregation of
Eucalyptus dunnii logs using acoustics. Capturing the benefits of
forestry research: putting ideas to work. Wood Technology Research
Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, October 2000.
Dickson, R.L. and Matheson,
A. C. 1999. Management intervention points to improve the wood quality
of current and future crops. Emerging Technologies for Evaluating Wood
Quality for Processing. Forest Industry Engineering Association, Melbourne
2nd December 1999.
The Bush Telegraph - State
Forests of NSW:
Listening to logs
(Nov - Jan 2000)
Linking pedigree with
performance (Aug - Oct 2000)
Tumut and Adelong Times.
Unique trial links pedigree of genetically improved trees with sawn timber
(May 12th, 2000)
Forests and Timber. Trial
links trees with sawn timber (June 2000, p 20)
Tree pedigree linked to
production. Rural News, Southern NSW and Rural ACT Independent Weekly
Rural Newspaper - May 2000 |
