RIRDC Completed Projects in 2001-2002 & Research in Progress as at June 2002

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AGROFORESTRY AND FARM FORESTRY
COMPLETED PROJECTS 2001- 2002 (cont.)
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Project Title:	Technologies for managing native forest on farms
RIRDC Project No.:	CSF-59A
Researcher:	Dr Bob McCormack and Mr Peter Clinnick
Organisation:	CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
Phone:	02 6281 8220
Fax:	02 6281 8396
Email:	Peter.Clinnick@csiro.au
Objectives	· The introduction of technologies relevant to small-scale operations, with emphasis on the management of native forest. · The production of forest practice guidelines for improving income, biodiversity and landscape values of private forests. · The identification of research, development and demonstration needs of small-scale operations with an emphasis on native forests on private land
Background	The major private forest production areas are the tall open forest and open forest of the east coast. Each year NSW produces 200,000m3/year, Queensland 276,000m3/year and Victoria ~25,000 m3/year from private land. Together, this amounts to about 500,000m3/year from the mainland. Tasmania is exceptional in that it produces 1.6 million m3/year of logs and 5 million m3/year of firewood from private forests across 800,000 ha of private land. There are a number of major impediments to private native forestry including the complexity of management tasks, lack of knowledge and safety issues. In addition, exploitation of the private forest resource has resulted in the loss of the high value component, leaving mostly trees with poor form and growth rate.  The other problem for many forest owners is that they do not engage in the wood sales frequently enough, or have sufficient resource, to establish either, a sound market knowledge, or a continuous wood flow. Forest assessment and wood marketing processes are generally not well understood by many landholders. Improved silvicultural management is needed to return what is potentially the most diverse and productive private forest land in Australia to a sustainable, usable and valuable resource, catering for preservation, conservation, timber and other forest outputs.
Research	· Development of a model framework for private native forest management planning. · Assessing the cost of using chemical stem injection for thinning. · Investigation of the effectiveness of timber co-operatives.
Outcomes	Model Planning Framework The private native forest planning framework will facilitate the uniform linkage of planning at the property level to the Australian Forestry Standard certification system. Cost of stem injection for thinning The assessment will provide information on the operational cost effectiveness of the treating different stand densities. Effectiveness of Co-operatives The project will provide information on the critical mass (numbers of members) and needs for establishing a co-op and minimum timber volumes for at least some timber product outputs. The costs of regulation and other cost factors for growers as well as the issues confronting small scale operators within co-ops will be identified. Suggested mechanisms for co-ops to overcome impediments to formation and development will be developed.
Implications	The three studies (above) will contribute valuable information toward the "Guidelines for Native Forest Management". It is expected that information from the studies and technology transfer to both extension officers and landholders will lead to the wider understanding and adoption of cost effective and productive management practices in private native forest.
Publications	Guidelines for ‘Native Forest Management’.  Report on ‘Effectiveness of co-operatives’.  Literature publication on ‘Costs of thinning using stem injection’. Final report on ‘Future research directions for private native forest’.


 

Project Title:	Quantifying the tradeoffs between tree and crop productivity on farms
RIRDC Project No.:	CST-6A
Researcher:	Dr Peter Carberry
Organisation:	CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit 203 Tor Street Toowomba QLD 4350
Phone:	07 4688 1377
Fax:	07 4688 1193
Email:	peter.carberry@csiro.au
Objectives	To enable landholder assessment of the productivity and risk of commercial agroforestry investment on grain farms in Australia's medium to low rainfall regions; including: · simulating tree-crop competition for light, water and nutrients; · quantifying potential benefits and risks of planting trees; · Assistance for landholder assessment of the viability of agroforestry investments for their farms.
Background	The incentive to plant trees on farms would increase if tree competition could be offset by economic returns gained from farm forestry products and by the beneficial impacts of tree windbreaks on crop yields and resource sustainability. Landholders would benefit from access to tools which could quantify this tradeoff.
Research	The specification and testing of the APSIM multi-point model for agroforestry systems consisting of belts of trees established along the borders of cropping paddocks represents an innovative and new simulation capability. This system incorporated the explicit simulation of the differential growth of inner and edge trees, as well as crop yield losses due to tree competition and yield increases due to windbreak protection.
Outcomes	New datasets on the competition between trees and crops were collected for several sites in southeast Queensland. A "rule of thumb" was established which specifies the width of the competition zone to be equal to three times the height of adjacent trees.  APSIM-Forest was parameterised to enable the dynamic simulation of the growth of several tree species, including Eucalyptus argophloia ("Chinchilla White Gum"), Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus pinaster, and the simulation of steady-state growth of brigalow (Acacia harpophylla).  APSIM multi-point simulations were tested against measured data for four tree-crop systems located in Queensland and WA.  Preliminary assessment of the economic benefits and costs of planting E. argophloia as windbreaks on cropping paddocks at five sites in northeast Australia suggested that the economics of E. argophloia windbreaks would be unattractive at likely prices and costs.  A case study analysis of a hypothetical short-duration "oil mallee" system in WA suggested that short-duration trees grown within agroforestry systems may compete with traditional cropping systems at some locations. Interactive discussions with landholders demonstrated interested in simulated results for agroforestry systems relevant to their own farms.
Implications	The tradeoffs involved with implementing agroforestry systems are difficult to determine and so the ability to combine economic analyses with APSIM’s simulation capabilities provides a powerful tool for landholders to evaluate agroforestry options for their own farms. This tool can be employed for simulating tree-crop interactions for a range of site, soil, climate, crop or windbreak designs. Current initiatives to utilize APSIM within established commercial advisory services and in public extension activities will potentially facilitate the extension of this new agroforestry capability to landholders around Australia.
Publications	Huth, N.I., Carberry, P.S., Poulton, P.L., Brennan, L.E. and Keating, B.A., 2002. A Framework for Simulating Agroforestry Options For The Low Rainfall Areas Of Australia Using APSIM. Eur. J. Agron. (in press) Carberry, P.S., Huth, N.I., Poulton, P.L. and Keating, B.A., 2001. Simulating agroforestry systems using APSIM. In book of proceedings, 2nd International Symposium Modelling Cropping Systems, Florence, 16-18 July 2001, Italy. (Eds. Bindi, M., Donatelli, M., Porter, J.R. and van Ittersum, M.K.) p. 115-116. (European Society for Agronomy: Florence).

This project was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust
 
 

Project Title:	Silvicultural management of blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) for growth, form and wood quality
RIRDC Project No.:	CPF-2A
Researcher:	Dr Chris Beadle
Organisation:	CRC Sustainable Production Forestry GPO Box 252-12 Hobart TAS 7001
Phone:	03 6226 7911
Fax:	03 6226 7942
Email:	Chris.Beadle@csiro.au
Objectives	Prescriptions will be developed for silvicultural management of blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) based on: the effect of stand density and patterns the effect of frequency and severity of pruning on growth and form; and the interaction of nurse crop species with blackwood.  Results will be incorporated into a decision support system. Guidelines to ensure the applicability of prescriptions to a wide range of sites and environmental conditions in the medium to high rainfall zones will be produced.  The project will contribute to the education of blackwood growers, and assist them to produce high value blackwood from plantations and assist them to manage blackwood sustainably
Background	In Australia, blackwood is logged from native forest stands. The limited size of this resource and its capacity to meet the demand for blackwood timber in the longer term, has resulted recently in the establishment of plantations in Australia. A major problem in plantation establishment is that blackwood has poor apical dominance, producing large numbers of branches and trees of poor form when grown under high light conditions. This project addresses the silvicultural methods that are required to develop good form in plantations.
Research	· To investigate the feasibility of silvicultural intervention in blackwood plantations grown with a Pinus radiata nurse-crop, to improve stem form and growth rate. · To measure the photosynthetic responses of the blackwood to form pruning treatments and their implications for managing canopy size. · To examine the role nurse-crops play in producing good stem form in blackwood, and the planting designs required to establish good form from an early age.  · Using artificial shading to control sidelight suppression, quantify the link between light environment and blackwood stem form.
Outcomes	Altering canopy structure by thinning the P. radiata nurse crop had a positive effect on diameter growth of blackwood. However less desirable changes were also evident following the thinning, such as reduced height increment, loss of dominance and a greater incidence of large branches in blackwood trees. Appreciable changes in the light environment of the blackwood crowns occurred only after more than 50% of P. radiata trees were removed. Form pruning of blackwood significantly reduced growth when as much as 50% of foliage area was removed. An increase in photosynthetic capacity was observed immediately after pruning in the 50% pruning treatment, although this increase was confined to the upper two-thirds of the crown. Relative to the Amax measured prior to pruning, the greatest increase in Amax occurred in the middle crown zone of both the 25 and 50% pruning treatments and the increase was limited to the first month post-treatment. The manipulation of sidelight using shadecloth showed that sidelight (defined here as the daily light conditions measured at mid-stem height) was not significantly reduced unless the shadecloth height was the same height as the blackwood, or taller, at a distance of 50 cm from the blackwood. The sidelight suppression achieved with this treatment was matched with improved stem form.
Implications	Improvements in form by pruning are transient in nature, and highlight the need for on-going, low-intensity form pruning to establish good stem form. The rapid deterioration in form after heavy thinning of the nurse crop indicated the need to establish form before reducing nurse-crop competition. Form pruning that removes foliage from upper crown positions will have the greatest impact on physiological functioning. Fast-growing nurse-crop species, planted at close spacing, provide the earliest substantial sidelight suppression for blackwood. Height growth of slower-growing species planted at a similar distance from the blackwood do not suppress sidelight sufficiently early in the rotation.
Publications	Medhurst, J.L. and Worledge, D. (2000). Silvicultural options for plantation-grown Acacia melanoxylon: form pruning and nurse-crop thinning. Technical Report No. 50, 12 pp. (CRC-SPF, Hobart, Tasmania) Pinkard, E.A. and Beadle, C.L. (2002). Blackwood plantation silviculture: a review. Australian Forestry 65, 7-13.


 

Project Title:	Silviculture of rainforest cabinetwoods
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-240A
Researcher:	Mr Mark Annandale
Organisation:	Queensland Forestry Research Institute PO Box 629 Atherton Queensland. 4883
Phone:	07 4095 7507
Fax:	07 4095 7555
Email:	annandm@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· To determine appropriate sites for preferred tropical rainforest timber species · To increase the rate of successful plantation development of red cedar (Toona ciliata) by development of the most appropriate light environments and establishment procedures. · To develop management prescriptions for spacing, thinning and pruning in single and mixed species plantations of high-value tropical timber species. · To improve understanding of inter-species interactions in mixed species plantations.
Background	Australia has seen a major decline in the availability of rainforest cabinet timbers since the north Queensland State Forests became World Heritage listed in 1988. This has led to an increasing interest in establishing plantations of high-value, tropical hardwood species on cleared, private land. While there is a strong demand in the market for high-value rainforest cabinet timbers, and numerous people interested in growing timber for this market, there is just one crucial piece missing from this supply and demand chain. The ‘how to’. There is little known about ‘how to’ grow many hardwood species in plantations in north Queensland. Those wanting to grow these plantations need information that can be used as a basis for management decisions such as species choice, site selection or silviculture regimes.
Research	The growth of a range of species in Community Rainforest Reforestation Program (CRRP) plantings was measured across the region. Of the nearly 2,000 ha of plantations established through the CRRP, comprising of a range of native and exotic rainforest and other tropical hardwood species, QFRI established 104 permanent growth plots to look at growth rates of different species across different sites. The preliminary data, which shows the best performing species and the excellent growth rates they are achieving, points towards a positive, and profitable future.  Three monoculture vs polyculture trials each of 4 high value rainforest timbers were established to investigate the interactions between these species. Early results suggest productivity benefits with some mixtures, and disadvantages in others. Spacing, thinning, pruning and competition relationships have been monitored. There is a keen interest by landholders to grow red cedar on ex-agricultural land but these desires are largely being thwarted by the damage caused by the shoot borer Hypsipyla robusta Ragonot (Pyralidae). This problem is common to a number of high-value tree species belonging to the subfamily Swietenioideae of the family Meliaceae. Trials of companion plantings, enrichment planting, provenances, insecticides and fertilisers have been established to investigate the interaction between silviculture and incidence of tip moth attack.
Outcomes	The permanent growth plots have shown that in each region the species performed differently due to different site and climatic conditions. Summary results suggest the following results: Cooktown-Ayton  Best performing species included: Acacia mangium (average height increment of 3.3 m year-1), Elaeocarpus angustifolius (2.6 m year-1) and Eucalyptus cloeziana (2.5 m year-1). Eucalyptus tereticornis, Acacia aulacocarpa, Eucalyptus pellita, Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora,Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Elaeocarpus angustifolius also performed well in this region. Innisfail Region  Eucalyptus urophylla had best average growth (3.3 m year-1). Other species with average growth rates greater than 2 m year-1 included Eucalyptus cloeziana, Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus robusta, Eucalyptus pellita, Acacia mangium and Cedrela odorata. Other notable species include Flindersia brayleyana and Agathis robusta. Cedrela odorata has reasonable growth, but form is poor due to tip borer attack. Ingham  Plantations in this area were located on the coastal lowlands and upland areas around Mt. Fox. The best performing species, with average mean annual height increments greater than 2 m year-1 were Eucalyptus grandis (2.4 m year-1), Eucalyptus cloeziana, Tectona grandis, Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus resinifera and Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora. Other good performers are Elaeocarpus angustifolius, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Grevillea robusta, and Flindersia brayleyana. Atherton Tableland  Growth on higher altitude sites was generally lower than on the lowlands with only two species (Eucalyptus grandis and Euclalayptus pellita) achieving average height growth rates greater than 2 m year-1. A number of other eucalypts had a height growth of 1.5 to 2.0 m year-1: E. cloeziana, E. camaldulensis, E. crebra and E. dunnii. Rainforest species that grew well included Elaeocarpus angustifolius (1.7 m year-1), Alphitonia petriei and Flindersia brayleyana (1.4 m year-1).  Results so far indicate that native and exotic rainforest species and other tropical hardwood species can be successfully established in mixed species plantations on a range of sites throughout the Wet Tropics, including marginal agricultural land.  The results of the mixtures trials suggest that the early age productivity of Flindersia brayleyana, Queensland maple, can be increased in mixtures as compared with monocultures of this species. In addition, when appropriate establishment techniques are applied, early growth of this species can be quite rapid. These stands have been managed to maintain steady above-ground competition, whilst being thinned and pruned for quality timber production.  Promising results with growing tip moth-free red cedar are being generated from the companion and enrichment planting trials, with provenance having some effect in the early stages. The early insecticide trials did not show any decrease in incidence of attack.
Implications	The overall outlook for a burgeoning industry in plantation grown rainforest timber species is positive. With the application of appropriate establishment and management techniques, north Queensland rainforest timber plantations can be profitable industry with a sustainable product.
Publications	A field guide to growing rainforest timber trees for north Queensland (draft)

This project was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust
 
 

Project Title:	Commercial eucalypt hybrid plantings for marginal lands in northern Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-261A
Researcher:	David Lee, Valerie Debuse, Peter Pomroy, Ken Robson, and Garth Nikles
Organisation:	Queensland Forestry Research Institute Locked Bag 16 Fraser Road, Gympie Queensland 4570
Phone:	07 5482 0885
Fax:	07 5482 8755
Email:	david.lee@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	To address the issue of growing commercial plantation in the 650-900 mm MAR zone of northern Australia, by initiating the identification of taxa suitable for commercial hardwood plantation in this zone: · by commencing the genetic improvement of eucalypt species and hybrids with potential for this region, and · by investigating the vegetative propagation of a range of eucalypt species and hybrids that have potential as plantation varieties in marginal areas of northern Australia
Background	In tropical and sub-tropical Australia, the predominant source of hardwood timber is native forests. However, the supply of timber from native forests is diminishing owing to declining private forest supplies and increasing environmental controls on Crown forests. While similar declines occur worldwide, the world demands for timber and timber products are predicted to increase substantially (DPI-Forestry 1998). To meet this anticipated shortfall a commitment to establish a hardwood plantation sector is needed.
Research	This project was developed and managed by the Queensland Forestry Research Institute with the aim of identifying and initiating the genetic improvement eucalypt species and hybrids with potential as commercial hardwood tree crops in the 650 – 900 mm rainfall zone in northern Australia. This study has developed controlled pollination and vegetative propagation skills, initiated improvement of the genetic resources of potentially valuable parents of Eucalyptus hybrids (E. camaldulensis) and commenced the testing of a selection of eucalypt hybrids on marginal areas in northern Australia.
Outcomes	· An E. camaldulensis genetic base (seed orchard) was established on the Davies Creek State Forest near Mareeba, in north Queensland. The E. camaldulensis seed orchard comprises 58 seedlots, originating from 500+ seed parents. The seedlots assembled have provided a facility (gene pool) that is expected to show a remarkable amount of genetic diversity and potential, and should provide tropical northern Australia with a great asset for the future. · Five taxa (species – provenance – hybrids) trials were established across three key zones in the marginal rainfall area of Queensland. These trials will guide taxa selection for future plantation development in marginal areas of Queensland. · The vegetative propagation study has clearly shown that no single treatment of potting medium and rooting hormone concentration is optimal for the rooting of Eucalyptus and Corymbia species and hybrids; however, higher concentrations of rooting hormone generally resulted in higher rooting success.
Implications	The E. camaldulensis seed orchard will provide improved seed and be a source of pollen for the production of eucalypt hybrids to help underpin the development of a viable hardwood plantation sector on marginal areas of northern Australia. Early results of the taxa trials suggest that eucalypt hybrids have good early potential in marginal sites in northern Australia, and indicate that further testing and development of these types of hybrids is justified.  This study has clearly shown that no single treatment is optimal for the rooting of Eucalyptus and Corymbia species and hybrids and each new taxon will require development of unique protocols to ensure rooting success.


 

Project Title:	Biomass energy production alternatives in Australia: status, costs and future opportunities for major technologies
RIRDC Project No.:	EPL-1A
Researcher:	Mr Col Stucley
Organisation:	Enecon
Phone:	03 9817 6255
Fax:	03 9817 6455
Email:	cstucley@enecon.com.au
Objectives	This study will help establish general guidelines for development of biomass for energy in Australia by summarising technologies and opportunities that will be most cost competitive for new renewable energy applications. The study will provide information in a user friendly and easy to read handbook for a range of interested groups, including farming and regional groups, industry organisations, and the research and development community. It is intended that the study be highly quantitative, and focused on Australian opportunities rather than dwelling on international case studies.
Background	The many parties interested in bioenergy projects include current and potential suppliers of feed, technology providers, purchasers of product, government agencies, and researchers, consultants, financiers and operators. Many of these groups have little knowledge of bioenergy generally, or of where they fit and how they can play an active and successful role in a bioenergy project. EPL-1A will provide a significant reference document for all parties. In particular, the role of forestry as a source of biomass feed and the supply chain for provision of feed to bioenergy plants will be of assistance to individuals and organizations seeking new ways of commercializing tree planting.
Research	This project involves personnel from three organizations assembling considerable data available from literature reviews and previous work, as well as the preparation of new text, commercial data and worked examples of projects.
Outcomes	This project and its report will help all interested groups understand, investigate, and develop new bioenergy projects.
Implications	This project is considered as a stand alone activity. Feed back from report users on particular topics may prompt subsequent, more detailed work on areas of particular interest.
Publications	Draft report prepared and currently under internal peer review.


 

Project Title:	Estimating the productivity of forest systems in southeast Queensland
RIRDC Project No.:	QDN-3A
Researcher:	Dr. Kristen Williams (QDNR&M) and Mr. Paul Ryan (QFRI)
Organisation:	Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines  Queensland Research Forest Institute (Queensland Department of Primary Industries)
Phone:	07 38969395 (DNR&M) and 07 54820868 (QFRI)
Fax:	07 38969898 (DNR&M) and 07 54828755 (QFRI)
Email:	Kristen.Williams@epa.qld.gov.au Paul.Ryan@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	To research and develop the integrated modelling frameworks needed to deliver reliable estimates of forest productivity as a baseline for addressing contemporary land use planning issues linked to forest resource sustainability, productivity and inventory in Southeast Queensland. To demonstrate the capacity of the technology to provide valuable information for native forest and forestry plantation managers at both the farm and regional scales, and for use in planning by local and State government.
Background	The increasing need for repeatable and accurate information on the state of Australia’s forests has led to the development of new approaches to map geographically changing patterns in growth, regeneration, health, and biological diversity of forested landscapes. One area of rapidly increasing research is the development of general models of ecosystem operation which link the growth of vegetation on landscapes with estimates of climate, water and soil. The quality of the input spatial data, which is often only available at coarse spatial scales, and the development of suitable species’ parameters, are key issues when using these models to derive meaningful predictions of forest growth relevant to forest managers and planners.
Research	This project was undertaken in two stages. Stage 1 involved the development of a suitable spatial modelling platform for Southeast Queensland and Stage 2 demonstrated its application to contemporary land use planning issues relevant to forest resource sustainability, productivity and inventory. The project successfully parameterised a simple, process-based model (3-PG – Physiological Processes Predicting Growth) for a local eucalypt species Eucalyptus grandis, which has significant potential as a forest plantation species in moist temperate climates. Once the accuracy of prediction was verified, the model was used to estimate relative forest productivity in five case studies. Considerable emphasis was given to the development of appropriate spatial estimates of climate and soil that take into account, as far as possible, contemporary developments in landscape process modelling.  The first case study was a standard application of the model to predict the plantation potential of a "wet forest" species in Southeast Queensland. The results are applicable to regional planning with map presentations and tabular output generated for Local Government Areas. Maps of plantation growth potential were produced for different harvest cycles (approximating 20 and 40 years) and used to provide an indication of plantation suitability on cleared freehold land. The effect of local variation in soil on estimates of plantation growth was addressed through a look-up table of eight sets of soil water and fertility. The sensitivity of plantation growth potential to variation in soil conditions were displayed in a second map series as the mean and variance in relative productivity.  By way of comparison, finer-scale soil attribute information was produced for a study area in the Brisbane Valley and a second case study evaluated the predictions of forest growth made from these fine scale estimates compared with those derived for the broad-scale mapping of soil type.  The third case study was a pilot application of 3-PG to investigate the impacts of various agroforestry options on catchment water balance and salinity in red soil areas in the South Burnett region of Southeast Queensland. The project used 3-PG (Eucalyptus grandis parameters), the crop model APSIM (fixed rotation and opportunity cropping), the pasture model GRASP (pasture and bush grazing) and the hydrology model PHROG, to pose and answer questions relating to land use and catchment water balance at the East Wooroolin sub-catchment. The models allowed the relative effects of different agroforestry options on the hydrology of the catchment to be examined using different land use patterns.  The fourth case study focused on using satellite-derived estimates of foliage condition to predict annual native forest growth in the Biggenden region of Southeast Queensland and provides an indication of the environmental limitations (soil water, temperature and vapour pressure deficit) to growth. The satellite application of 3-PG represents a mechanism for extending expensive forest inventory data over complex terrain and over a variety of stand conditions. The approach allows past management decisions such as thinning that affect forest productivity, to be accounted for as well as disturbances such as clearing and wildfire. Ground based estimates of productivity parameters such as leaf area index and accumulated biomass rates are required before the model can be applied with any degree of reliability.  A fifth case study involved the assessment of climate change impacts on the growth potential of a range of native forest types in Southeast Queensland. Forest productivity, estimated for current climatic conditions, was compared with estimates based on hypothetical future scenarios. One of the climate change scenarios included a quantum canopy efficiency increase by 20% above that assumed for current climate conditions, which may reflect elevated CO2 concentrations.  Two scientific forums on the forest model 3-PG and the parameter estimation software PEST were held in Brisbane. Over 30 individuals involved in research, policy and management of forest systems attended. These workshops facilitated collaborations and partnerships for the project, supported capacity building and set the research directions.


 

Outcomes

Integrated Spatial Modelling Framework The project succeeded in establishing the integrated spatial modelling framework needed to routinely produce reliable estimates of forest productivity for Southeast Queensland. A series of workshops, planning meetings and informal and formal training sessions ensured staff were skilled in the application of key components of the spatial modelling platform or were supported through professional networks.  Model Parameterisation  Forest growth information was utilised for Eucalyptus grandis, which has been well described from the Shell plantation trials near Gympie. 3-PG parameters were developed using available stem diameter increment data for four plots in Experiment HWD110, from Woondum State Forest. These plots were unique in the duration of the measurement period (approximately 60 years), compared with most other plantation trials in the region (<10 years old). Non-linear parameter estimation software, PEST, was used with 3-PG to establish values for 5 parameters. Other parameters were fixed according to experimental results or expert opinion. Model simulations with the parameter values accurately predicted growth of the four plots at Woondum. These were then synthesised and used for the entire Southeast Queensland region.  Forest Plantation Land Suitability in Southeast Queensland The 3-PG parameters developed for Eucalyptus grandis were used to estimate forest productivity in Southeast Queensland with long-term climate and generalised substrate conditions. A second series of output generated for eight sets of constant soil water and fertility conditions demonstrated the increased importance of site selection in inland areas where rainfall is limiting. Productivity estimates were generally lower and more variable (uncertain) as mean annual rainfall declined away from the coast. It appears possible to achieve high levels of productivity in marginal rainfall areas where the soils are characterised by exceptionally high water holding capacity and fertility. Agroforestry options and catchment water balance: A pilot study Transpiration outputs from the forest model 3-PG, a crop model and a pasture model were used to investigate the impacts of various agroforestry options on local catchment water balance and salinity over four decades of climatic variation (1937-1975) at Kingaroy in Southeast Queensland. The hydrology submodel, PHROG, coupled with the other models was sensitive to terrain shape and position, responded to real rainfall variation and reflected the influence of agricultural and agroforestry land uses on water movement and accumulation. With a relatively simple parameter set, this approach has realised a flexible and sophisticated model of the landscape, which can be used to inform the land management choices within the catchment and in the many similar catchments nearby. The linking of land use via transpiration and historical climate data into catchment hydrology is an effective step in characterising these systems and assists in developing remedies to the serious salinisation problems that occur in the region. Application of remote sensing imagery to 3-PG model Within the Biggenden region of Southeast Queensland, the 3-PG model was used to predict the spatial patterns of environmental growth modifiers. In June, July and August, the model predicted significant restrictions to forest growth due to lack of soil water concurrent with slight temperature constraints due to the lower winter temperatures. In the earlier part of the year the restrictions to growth due to water and vapour pressure deficit were significantly less making summer the optimal time for forest growth. The 3-PG model predicted an annual accumulated net primary productivity from 2.7 – 11.0 tons of dry matter per hectare per year in the Biggenden region.  Analysis of high spatial resolution soil data: A demonstration  Within the Brisbane Valley area, the high spatial resolution soil attribute information (~1:50 000) had a significant effect on the prediction of spatial variation in forest productivity estimates for average stem diameter and leaf area index. The use of a high spatial resolution soil water holding capacity layer appears to simulate the distribution of soil water within the catchment more accurately than when derived from broad scale estimates of soil type (>1:500 000). As a result, the 3-PG growth predictions appear more consistent than the predictions made with constant or broad scale estimates of soil type. Sensitivity of native forest types to climate change Over the entire Southeast Queensland region, the growth of a range of native forest types was simulated under both current climatic conditions and a future climate scenario (percentage change from current: +8 summer rainfall, -4 winter rainfall, -20 frost, +2 temperature), including a scenario of 20% increased quantum canopy efficiency. Results indicate that using the climate change scenario only, growth in the region will be reduced almost universally by around 5%. This is principally due to the predicted reduction in winter rainfall, when current growth is already highly restricted by lack of water. The effect of increased summer rainfall is much less as the forest is currently not usually water-limited in summer. The future climate change scenario that included an increase in the quantum canopy efficiency, which may reflect elevated CO2 concentrations, indicates forest growth increasing in the region by between 12 and 18%.

Implications

Capacity of State agencies to establish and utilise 3-PG The capacity to develop complex spatial modelling platforms is highly dependent on computer hardware and software and trained staff in disciplines such as meteorology, soil geomorphology, terrain analysis, geographic information systems, spatial data management, remote sensing, and computer programming. Forestry applications require additional skills in environmental modelling and forest inventory. Collaborative linkages with pre-eminent researchers in the developing field of ecosystem modelling, predictive uncertainty analysis and forest ecophysiology are crucial.  Reliable estimates of forest productivity 3-PG can accurately predict forest growth provided suitable site based information and ecophysiology data are available for parameter estimation. Key areas for data collection including canopy leaf-area index and biomass partitioning with stand age.  Non-linear parameter estimation techniques are valuable tools in helping determine the role and sensitivity of important parameters in semi-empirical process models such as 3-PG. Software tools, such as PEST, have a critical role to play in future applications of this type.  The required scale and accuracy of soil attribute mapping must be addressed before spatially accurate predictions of forest growth can be made over whole landscapes. If this cannot be done then the spatial uncertainty in productivity estimates due to limitations in the resolution of soil information should be assessed and presented along with the productivity estimates.  Simple models of soil water balance are unlikely to produce accurate estimates of forest growth. While these effects may be masked at regional scales by the variability in climate, they need to be addressed at local scales. The hydrology submodel PHROG was originally developed to improve the accuracy of water balance in 3-PG.  Remote sensing has a valuable role to play in modelling current forest growth as it allows the actual forest canopy condition to be incorporated into growth predictions. Limiting environmental conditions, such as soil water holding capacity, soil fertility, vapour pressure deficit and temperature, can be spatially identified. Remote sensing data, calibrated with field estimates of leaf area index and integrated into a predictive modelling framework, is an essential component of contemporary forest inventory and monitoring programs. These field estimates are rarely available for calibration.  Climate change scenarios imply that overall growth in forest vegetation will be reduced by almost 5% in Southeast Queensland, principally due to a reduction in winter rainfall. If an increase in foliage quantum canopy efficiency occurs, due to increases in CO2 concentration, then it is possible that growth in the region will increase rather than decrease.


 
 

Project Title:	The Cost Benefits of Small Log Processing – Laminated Three-Ply Flooring (A Case Study in WA)
RIRDC Project No.:	PN99.2007
Researcher:	Phil Shedley
Organisation:	VALUWOOD International Pty Ltd
Phone:	08 9534 3258
Fax:	08 9534 5658
Email:	pshedley@iinet.net.au
Objectives	To stimulate private investment in farm forestry throughout Australia by demonstrating the cost/benefits of processing short rotation timber crops.
Background	Hardwood plantations in the last two decades have expanded rapidly in Australia, largely in response to a demand for pulpwood and partly as a means of lowering the water table in salt affected agricultural land. Prices for wood chips have recently fallen and are predicted to fall further as the rapid expansion of these plantations worldwide threatens to exceed the pulpwood demand. This scenario has stimulated the search for additional value added markets for the wood. The 1997 FWPRDC report entitled "Adding Value to Small Eucalypt Logs" concluded that juvenile eucalypt wood is technically suitable for laminating into value added products and identified laminated flooring as having the best potential for an additional market of volume and value for the juvenile wood.


 

Research	To test the findings of the previous study, this project conducted a case study for the manufacture and testing of laminated three-ply flooring from Southern blue gum (E.globulus). In order to apply the results to other species and growth situations it also developed a computer model, VALUFLORã , to model all the commercial cost parameters from establishing plantations through log processing and manufacturing to the laying of floors.
Outcomes	The flooring produced has a unique walnut colour attractive to some niche markets. Although Southern blue gum is not considered a high grade sawlog species; the techniques applied by the project team resulted in a laminated flooring product suited to domestic floor applications. Artificial hardening treatments are available and would need to be applied if the flooring is to be used for heavy industrial purposes. The VALUFLORã model predicts that the costs associated with processing wood from short rotation plantations can be as low as 19% of the cost of a laid floor in Australia. Without the application of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, however, lamination and polishing is unlikely to be competitive within Australia. The techniques applied in conversion of very young Southern blue gum show considerable promise for applying to other plantation grown juvenile eucalypt species.
Implications	The results fall short of demonstrating commercial acceptance at this stage but sufficient technical and market opportunities are presented to justify a detailed feasibility study for a commercial flooring plant and for industry to adopt some of the technical developments for successfully processing juvenile eucalypts.
Publications	Shedley, P. Cost benefits of small log processing (laminated three- ply flooring) RIRDC In press


 

Project Title:	An electronic atlas of Australian biomass energy resources
RIRDC Project No.:	UA-55A
Researcher:	Ian Nuberg and Adrian Bugg Lyndon Zimmermann
Organisation:	Department of Agronomy & Bureau of Rural Sciences Farming Systems, P.O. Box E11, Kingston, ACT 2604 Roseworthy Campus,  University of Adelaide, SA 5371
Phone:	08 83037729 02 6272 3503
Fax:	08 83037979 02 6272 4687
Email:	ian.nuberg@adelaide.edu.au Adrian.Bugg@brs.gov.au lyndon.zimmermann@adelaide.edu.au
Objectives	To produce an atlas and GIS database of existing and potential resources for biomass energy in Australia. To have improved data availability and accessibility to assist in planning for the development of the biomass- energy industry and improved biomass- energy research cooperation between research agencies, policy makers and industry.
Background	Concern over potential impact of greenhouse gases and interest in sustainable environmental management have prompted interest in bioenergy resources in Australia and overseas.  Bioenergy resources include agricultural production residues, such as rice husks and cotton trash, material from trees plantations and forest harvesting residues that can be used to generate bioenergy. Bioenergy material may occur in the field as left over material during harvesting or from as waste material at processing sites. In addition to information on the location and amount of existing and potential resources, bioenergy projects require infrastructure such as transport, industry processing sites and electricity generation facilities and distribution networks. The On-line Bioenergy Atlas for Australia was developed to provide maps and information on the existing and potential bioenergy resources in Australia.
Research	Development of the Atlas was a collaborative project between the University of Adelaide and the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) with funding provided by the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) and the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program of RIRDC. The process included selection and implementation of delivery software, access and processing of required datasets, and the consultation, development and delivery of decision support system (DSS).
Outcomes	The Atlas is currently accessible at the following URL but will shortly be available through the RIRDC and AGO websites. http://afs30.waite.adelaide.edu.au/bioenergy_atlas/atlas_index.html The GIS enables the user to create maps and retrieve information about existing and potential bioenergy resources. The DSS enables the user to perform a set of predefined analyses to answer questions such as what are the bioenergy resources of a particular type (eg Agricultural production) within a specified distance of major population centres, major roads and electricity distribution networks, nationally and for the case study regions. The detailed case studies are for the Lachlan (NSW) and Broken-Goulburn (Vic) catchments. The project also used the Atlas for a preliminary assessment of the potential for the establishment of a bioenergy industry in the Dryland Salinity National Action Plan (NAP) target catchments
Implications	This project has shown that internet based GIS systems can function and deliver useful maps developed from large datasets quickly and reliably; and those systems can add value to the data with limited decision support functions. By doing so, it has provided a readily accessible planning tool for the many stakeholders in the emerging bioenergy industry.
Publications	Nuberg, I, LC Zimmermann, A Bugg and R Keenan (2001) ‘Bioenergy Atlas of Australia", paper presented at the Bioenergy Australia 2001 Conference "Realising the potential of Bioenergy" 2-5 December 2001, Broadbeach Qld. Nuberg, I, Zimmermann, L.C. Bugg, A, Keenan, R (In press) ‘Bioenergy Atlas of Australia’, RIRDC publication (in press)


 
 

Project Title:	A workshop on the potential of broadacre wattle seed production
RIRDC Project No.:	WS012-06
Researcher:	Dr Peter Chudleigh and Ms Sarah Simpson
Organisation:	Agtrans Research
Phone:	07 3870 9564
Fax:	07 3371 3381
Email:	info@agtrans.com.au
Objectives	· Compare a broadscale wattle seed industry to other opportunities for commercial solutions to salinity and related rural issues- in particular to consider how it relates to the Flora Search initiative. · Consider existing knowledge on production, processing and marketing factors associated with developing a wattle seed industry · Determine future activities, including R & D, necessary for the appropriate future growth or large-scale commercialisation of the wattle seed industry, taking into account recent reports.
Background	Wattle seed (Acacia spp.) has been used as a food source by Australian Aboriginal people for thousands of years. More recently, there has been a small but increasing demand for wattle seed as part of the commercial bush food market. Further, Acacia spp. are often used in planting programs aimed at ameliorating land degradation. With this background it has been suggested that the opportunity for broadscale wattle seed production and use of wattle seed in mainstream food production industries such as bread and biscuit making as well as in animal feed industries be investigated as a commercial output of future plantings of perennial species to combat rising water tables and dryland salinity.
Research	The workshop involved the presentation of a series of invited papers from a total of nine speakers. These papers covered a range of issues relating to a potential broadscale wattle seed industry, from the genetics of the seed through to high level processing and markets, and including sustainability aspects.  Following the presentation of all nine papers, a plenary discussion was held with the aim of establishing four or five key topics which needed further consideration, and which could be addressed in working groups.  The workshop divided into four separate working groups and following about an hour of discussion, each of the groups reported back on conclusions of their group, including potential R&D priorities. The day concluded with a plenary session that had the aim of determining some further directions for the development of a wattle seed industry, and identifying the most important R&D priorities.
Outcomes	There is not sufficient information currently available to make conclusions about the potential for a broadscale wattle seed or Acacia industry. The most limiting factor is knowledge about the nature or size of the markets that wattle seed may be able to supply. The prospects for a broadscale wattle seed industry need to be assessed further before a decision to support R&D funding from JVAP for developing a wattle seed industry is made. To assist with these decisions, and to further the development of a wattle seed industry, it is recommended that further R&D activity should be undertaken in phases.
Implications	It is recommended that further R&D activity should be undertaken in phases. R&D imperatives include: · a marketing study that establishes current and future demand for certain food ingredients · an initial scientific analysis of the nutritional and functional constituents of selected species · a review of the legislative and regulatory aspects of developing food ingredients · the nature and economics of potential production systems · once a target market(s) has been determined, more detailed systems based research on species selection and breeding should be taken, as should harvester development.
Publications	A Proceedings of the Workshop is currently being published

Cost Effective multi-purpose systems for commercial and environmental purposes
 

Project Title:	Policy and Investment options for achieving environmental and commercial benefits
RIRDC Project No.:	BDB-2A
Researcher:	Barry Buffier and the Allen Consulting Group
Organisation:	Gucane Pty Ltd
Phone:	02 9440 8647
Fax:	02 9449 9287
Email:	bbuffier@optusnet.com.au
Objectives	To find ways of encouraging more trees on farms in low to medium rainfall areas in places where they are also useful for the environment
Background	The pursuit of agroforestry for environmental benefits additional to economic factors raises substantial barriers for farmers with the most important being low returns. To overcome this we firstly need new agroforestry industries that are profitable in low rainfall areas. Secondly we need payments for off farm environmental services as most of the environmental benefits flow off farm.
Research	The five key areas investigated in relation to agroforestry were: · existing investment frameworks and tax policies · environmental services markets · environmental management systems  · other policy and investment options for agroforestry leading to environmental and commercial outcomes · ways to attract investment in agroforestry consistent with environmental objectives
Outcomes	The study found: · unless governments are prepared to purchase, or facilitate a market for, the environmental benefits delivered by private sector agroforestry investors, there will not be significant levels of additional investment in agroforestry which also delivers environmental advantages · there are a multitude of measures available which, if used in appropriate combinations, achieve the desired policy outcomes. The combinations need to address issues in terms of information shortfalls, fulfilment of new institutional roles and provision of new incentives. · the National Action Plan and associated catchment level plans and business plans provide a pathway for the implementation of measures that will leverage private investment and direct investment in a strategic manner · the National Action Plan process could be made more efficient if it was more explicit about where public benefits exist and having a menu of pre-approved measures available to regional catchment bodies to help them develop their catchment plans


 
 

Implications

The following changes are required in the National Action Plan: · give regional catchment bodies a list of pre-approved measures relating to information, institutions and incentives that they can use in developing their plans · catchment plans should be more transparent about the relative priority placed on salt, water, biodiversity and other outcomes and the public good aspect of these outcomes · the magnitude of the public benefit needs to be estimated so as to allow priorities to be assigned within and between regions · some NAP funding should be held centrally so that national initiatives can be applied across catchments · put more focus on leveraging private sector investment rather than concentrating on government money, community activity and altruistic behaviour · implement in some key catchments, a pilot program which leverages private sector investment by paying them for some of the public benefits they are contributing towards

Publications

Buffier, B & the Allen Consulting Group 2002, Environmental and commercial outcomes through agroforestry- Policy and investment options, Publication no. 02/057, RIRDC, Canberra. Buffier, B & the Allen Consulting Group 2002, Environmental and commercial outcomes through agroforestry- Policy and investment options, The Short Report no 113, RIRDC, Canberra.


 

Project Title:	A whole-farm and regional agroforestry decision making system
RIRDC Project No.:	QDN-4A
Researcher:	Dr Paul Lawrence
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources and Mines  80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly Qld 4068
Phone:	07 3896 9560
Fax:	07 3362 9379
Email:	paul.lawrence@nrm.qld.gov.au
Objectives	A decision making system for agroforestry that delivers: · A link between financial and bioeconomic modelling; · Biological models that integrate current knowledge on tree growth and silvicultural options for agroforestry species; · An improved process to assess and plan agroforestry options for landholders and regional stakeholders; · A user guide to assist landholders to assess the financial viability of preferred agroforestry options; · Extension of outcomes to landholders through existing networks; · A report on general economic viability of agroforestry on a range of farms in the northern tablelands; and · A system to identify commercial and environmental values of different agroforestry options.
Background	This project, funded from the RIRDC/L &WA/FWPRDC Joint Venture Agroforestry Program, commenced in January 1999 and was completed in February 2002. The project was created out of four initial funding submissions from different research groups, namely the Rainforest Cooperative Research Centre (Rainforest CRC), the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), the Centre for Agricultural and Resource Economics (CARE) at Armidale, and the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines (NRM). The research was conducted in two regional study areas, the Eastern Darling Downs of Southern Queensland and the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. The project addressed the RIRDC identified research need for additional financial information and decision support systems for farm forestry.
Research	This interdisciplinary project had four main themes, namely:  · development and refinement of a whole-farm agroforestry financial model;  · survey of farmer participation and attitudes to farm forestry;  · construction and evaluation of regional farm forestry case studies; and  · the development of a multi-objective decision support system for evaluation of forestry options from a regional and farm perspective.  While each theme provided individual research outcomes, additional value was achieved by linking to other components. For example, results from the landholder attitudes component, combined with discussions with forestry experts were used to design farm forestry options and also used in the spatial analysis of these options in the Hodgson Creek catchment. These outputs from the landholder survey were subsequently incorporated into the MODSS component. The financial model developed was used to generate economic information for the MODSS study. Feedback from various people involved in the stakeholder and expert panels used in the MODSS process also provided valuable guidance for development of the financial model. In this way, the project was successful in achieving its objective of providing farmers and policy makers with a multipurpose decision support system (DSS) that will allow comprehensive assessment of the suitability, sustainability and profitability of alternative forestry options in relation to agricultural enterprise in a variety of farm systems.
Outcomes	The outcomes from the project are categorised into decision support tools and processes, farm financial modelling, and farmer attitudes towards agroforestry. This project has highlighted the dichotomy of objectives between providing decision-support information for individual landholders and providing support for policy in relation to natural resource management at the district and regional scale. Multiple objective decision support systems (MODSS) are relevant in both cases, but the analysis can be quite different. From the governance perspective, social and environmental externalities become much more important. However, they do allow information from a variety of sources to be compiled, structured and analysed in a transparent way, and presented in an organised manner to enhance understanding of the system to be managed. In particular, they perform an integrating function in evaluating a variety of management options, providing a common framework and language and taking into account the performance criteria regarded as important by the stakeholders making decisions.  The development of the Agro-Forestry Farm Financial Model (AFFFM) provided a useful tool for evaluating plantation and native forest management options. The combination of features – such as ability to include mixed species plantings, facility for whole-of-farm-business analysis, and default stand growth data – make this a highly versatile and useful generic financial analysis package. However, a major lesson arising from the AFFFM is that development of the user interface and testing of the user-friendliness and operational reliability of the model is a greater and more time-consuming challenge than programming of the analysis capabilities. If the objective were simply to develop a research tool to be applied by a small group of people closely familiar with the model, much of the effort would not have been required. However, the objective has been to develop a tool that can be used widely to evaluate farm forestry scenarios. Even though it has not been the intention to develop a commercial software package, for the AFFFM to be useful it must be suitable for operation by a wide variety of people in the farm forestry industry. This has implications for the menu system, output and displays, the on-line help system, stability of the package during computer runs, training and future maintenance of the software to support previous versions and data tables. The model is now in a suitable form for widespread application, and it is to be anticipated that payoff from the development efforts will now be realized. A survey of farmers in Darling Downs and New England regions has identified opportunities as well as barriers to the adoption of farm forestry. It is clear that landholders on the larger and more commercially successful properties have relatively low interest in farm trees, whereas farmers involved in Landcare activities are more likely to invest in farm forestry for reasons associated with soil and water conservation. Those on smaller holdings, with less prime cropping land, and considerable off-farm income, are more likely to be interested in a forestry enterprise. Also, in general landholders plant trees for multiple goals, with a strong emphasis on land and catchment protection. The perception of sovereign risk – relating for example to harvest rights and changes in taxation policy – again appears to be a serious impediment to tree planting. However, it is notable that some major differences exist relative to the more traditional farm forestry areas. The species choice is much narrower, and more difficult sites are encountered. Property sizes are larger, and it is likely that forestry will remain a relatively minor activity, particularly where profitable cropping options are available. Interest in managing native forests is relatively strong in this region.
Implications	Engaging farmers in decision making at the regional or district level needs to be facilitated and involve extension officers or farm forestry advisors. The recommended approach developed in this project will require training for these officers for effective use of the decision support software in conjunction with the participatory processes to identify the forestry options that are economically, socially and environmentally feasible and the evaluation decision criteria. It has been suggested that a non-computer based tool would also be useful. Such a tool in the current climate would indeed be useful, however computer literacy is rapidly increasing in all sectors of the community. It is likely that computer based decision support systems are going to become increasingly widespread and accepted as a component of agroforestry businesses. The AFFFM can be modified to enhance and support informed decision making in agroforestry. The enhancements may include modules that allow assessment of the financial impact of: (i) joint venture financing arrangements; (ii) annuity payments to growers for joint venture participation; (iii) annuity payments to growers or for environmental services (e.g. carbon and salinity credits); and (iv) taxation benefits and liabilities of forestry activities for the farm business. Each of these areas of refinement relates to an issue in which there is currently considerable interest by landholders and forestry extension officers. This would make the AFFFM an even more powerful and versatile tool that individual landholders can use to assess the potential financial performance of forestry projects in their particular circumstances in a whole-farm context. A further potential extension of the AFFFM is the inclusion of non-wood forest benefits, in relation to both native forests and plantations. A great deal of research has recently been undertaken into the recreation and environmental benefits of forestry. Future funding support for models such as AFFFM should also be directed by a clear understanding of the target audience involved. The AFFFM was largely aimed at farm and forestry advisors and one of the core outcomes of this was a progressive simplification of the model structure and capability as it became clear that initial versions were too complex for the target audience. It is often the case that farm forestry is of marginal profitability, but generates considerable on-farm and off-farm environmental benefits. For this reason, there is a case for taxpayer support to encourage tree planting, or at least for government to take steps to remove unnecessary impediments. It would appear that commercial forestry will develop only slowly, and that extension effort probably will be most successful if focused on more environmental plantings. Since these are likely to have the greater externality benefits, this would appear to be consistent with maximizing the community benefits of taxpayer expenditure to promote forestry.

Publications

Norman, P., Cockfield, G., Harrison, S., Herbohn, J. Lawrence, P., Thompson, D., and Williams, K. 2002. A whole-farm and regional agroforestry decision making system. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Multiple Objective Decision Support Systems for Land, Water and Environmental Management (MODSS’99), 1-6 August, 1999, Brisbane, Australia, P.A.  Lawrence and J. Robinson (eds.) Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Australia 2002, Report QNRM02143, ISBN 0 7345 2668 7. Lawence, Norman. A Whole- farm and regional agroforestry decision making system. In review.


 
 

Project Title:	Feasibility of local, small scale native plant harvests for indigenous communities
RIRDC Project No.:	UNT-6A
Researcher:	Dr Peter Whitehead
Organisation:	Key Centre for Tropical Wildlife Management Northern Territory University
Phone:	08 8946 6703
Fax:	08 8946 7088
Email:	peter.whitehead@ntu.edu.au
Objectives	To identify opportunities for small-scale enterprises, based on harvest of native plants by Aboriginal communities, and to provide an assessment of cultural, economic and ecological sustainability.
Background	Aboriginal people use native plants as a component of a vigorous customary economy, depending on intimate knowledge of important species and value as food or medicine. Nonetheless, Aboriginal people have rarely engaged in commerce based on native plants. Exceptions mostly involve art and crafts. This project looks at additional options that Aboriginal people have identified and have sought support to examine.
Research	Options were initially identified through desktop review of ethnobotanical literature, taking account of ecological, economic and cultural issues. Possibilities were then reviewed with several Aboriginal communities. A number of small scale harvest trials were designed and partially implemented. Trials advanced sufficiently to provide information on some costs and levels of community interest, but market interest in some novel products was not comprehensively tested.
Outcomes	There is widespread Aboriginal support for enterprise based on native plants. Preferred options are often very small-scale, reflecting a desire to retain control and avoid loss of intellectual property, and to gain familiarity with the various demands in servicing markets. Wild harvests of bushfoods are often commercially marginal at current prices. At present and anticipated levels of demand, many items (e.g. Kakadu Plum) are at little risk of general over-exploitation, but localised over-harvest can be anticipated. Some niche products (e.g. sale of unique live plants for landscaping or domestic use) probably offer better prospects but face onerous and sometimes misguided regulatory constraints.
Implications	There are many options for commercial use of native plants. However, comparative advantage for remote Aboriginal communities is probably confined to markets that value highly a direct connection with the culture and/or harvest from "clean, green" sites. Markets must be better understood before investments are made in potentially larger-scale prospects such as botanical medicines.
Publications	Whitehead, et al. Feasibility of local, small scale native plant harvests for indigenous communities. RIRDC In press.

This project was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust

Effective Communications
 

Project Title:	Integration Series- riparian zone guidelines
RIRDC Project No.:	MS012-18
Researcher:	Ms Lisa Robins
Organisation:	Robins Environmental Consulting
Phone:	02 6230 6779
Fax:	02 6230 6771
Email:	robins.consulting@bigpond.com
Objective	To prepare a summary guideline outlining how landholders and groups can manage riparian land to achieve multiple management objectives.
Background	This project seeks to develop a management guideline to enable landowners to meet commercial and environmental objectives in riparian zones.
Research	The project integrates the findings from the National Riparian Lands R&D Program, the Native Vegetation R&D Program, the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program and the Dryland and Riverine Strategic Investigations & Education Programs. The methods for the separate elements are outlined below.  Using the two-volume publication Riparian Land Management Technical Guidelines, and Riparian Land Management Technical Update 1 – ‘Designing filter strips to trap sediment and attached nutrient’, review existing quantitative data about riparian functions, in order to produce a set of principles that relate riparian width to management objective.  Using the publication ‘Managing the Bush’ (Williams 2000) as a guide, review relevant research projects and publications that provide material on the importance of riparian areas for biodiversity conservation and guidance on the management of these areas to meet both environmental and commercial objectives.  Incorporate the JVAP ‘Design guideline’ philosophy into the Riparian guidelines. This philosophy is followed in the book ‘Design guidelines for Farm Forestry’ (Abel et al. 1997) and other upcoming publications (eg Trees, Water and Salt) in our Guideline series. Using the publication ‘Strategic Investigations & Education Forum 99’ as a guide, review relevant Dryland and Riverine research projects and publications that provide material on the importance of riparian areas for achieving catchment objectives for conversation and production.
Outcomes	The guideline provides a (plain-English) reference document for riparian managers that integrates research findings from the National Riparian Lands R&D Program, Native Vegetation R&D Program, Joint Venture Agroforestry Program, and the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s Dryland and Riverine Strategic Investigations & Education Sub-programs.
Implications	One of the most common inquiries from landholders and groups undertaking on-ground management of riparian lands is about how to achieve multiple objectives. This project provides a guideline to aid their decision-making processes in making these tradeoffs.
Publications	Robins, L. (in press). Managing riparian land for multiple uses. Integration Series Guideline. Number 1. L&WA/RIRDC/MDBC.

This project was also supported by the Land & Water Australia Riparian and Native Vegetation Programs and the Murray Darling Basin Commission
 

Project Title:	Continuation and expansion of the Australian Master Treegrower R&D Program
RIRDC Project No.:	UM-44A
Researcher:	Mr. Rowan Reid
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne School of Resource Management The Institute of Land and Food Resources PARKVILLE VIC 3010
Phone:	03 8344 5011
Fax: