RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 & Research in Progress as at June 2003

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To Agroforstry and Farm Forestry   Research in Progress

Agroforstry and Farm Forestry - COMPLETED PROJECTS 2002-2003

Project No	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation
Sustainable use of natural resources
OIL-4A	Silviculture and water use of short-rotation coppicing tree crops	Mr Dan Wildy1, Mr John Pate1, Mr John Bartle2	1 08 9380 2206 & 2 08 9334 0321	1 University of Western Australia 2 Dept. of Conservation and Land Management
UJC-6A	Optimising nutrition for productivity and sustainability of farm forestry systems	Dr Bob Congdon	07 4781 4731	James Cook University
Optimised direct returns from tree products
ANU-35A	Inorganic-bonded wood composites manufactured from mallee eucalypt and melaleuca species	Ms K.E. Semple1 & Dr P.D. Evans2	02 6125 3519	1The Australian National University & 2Center for Advance Wood Processing, University of British Columbia
CAL-5A	Eucalypt hybrids in south-west Western Australia	Dr Liz. Barbour	08 9404 5491	Forest Products Commission
CAL-7A	Acacia Search	Mr. Bruce Maslin	08 93340510	Department of Conservation and Land Management, WA
CPF-1A	Predicting tree growth in farm forestry and following thinning	Dr Michael Battaglia	03 6226 7912	Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry
CSC-1A	Development of a microbial library that utilizes Eucalyptus oil constituents as carbon source	Mr Geoff Dumsday, Mr Norman Pilkington, Ms Melissa Straffon & Prof Michael Zachariou	03 9545 2321	CSIRO Molecular Science
CSE-72A	Impact of insects on eucalypt plantations in the Murray Valley	Dr Rob Floyd &  Dr Grant Farrell	02 6246 4098	CSIRO Entomology
CSE-90A	International workshop in biotransformation	Dr John Oakshott	02 6246 4157	CSIRO Entomology
DNT-27A	Species testing and genetic improvement of forest trees for the Northern Territory	Dr Don Reilly	08 89992316	Dept of Business Industry and Resource Development
PN99.2001	Using portable sawmills to produce high value timber from farm trees in the semi-arid zone	Mr. Mark Stewart	03 5321 4155	University of Melbourne
PN99.2004	Utilisation of Western Hardwoods as specialty timbers	Mr. Bill Leggate	07 3896 9750	Queensland Forestry Research Institute
Cost effective multi-purpose systems for commercial and environmental purposes
DAQ-297A	Review of agroforestry systems in tropical savannah systems in northern Australia	Ms Mila Bristow	07 4092 9902	Department of Primary Industries
UWA-63A	Profitability of medium to low rainfall agroforestry in the southern Australian cropping zone	Mr Amir Abadi & Dr Ted Lefroy	08 9368 3143 &  08 9333 6442	Department of Agriculture Western Australia & CSIRO
UWA-68A	Farm forestry and landscape architecture	Mr John Winchcombe &  Mr Grant Revell	08 97567344 &  08 93801566	University of Western Australia
Effective communications
ANU-61A	The farm forestry and agroforestry research library	Ms Jacki Schirmer	02 6125 3569	Australian National University
REC-1A	Development of communication/ knowledge brokering strategy for the JVAP	Ms Lisa Robins	02 6230 6779	Robins Environmental Consulting

Sustainable use of natural resources
 

Project Title	Silviculture and water use of short-rotation coppicing tree crops
RIRDC Project No.:	OIL-4A
Researcher:	Mr Dan Wildy1, Mr John Pate1, Mr John Bartle2
Organisation:	1 School of Plant Biology Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences University of Western Australia Nedlands WA 6009 2 Dept. of Conservation and Land Management Locked Bag 104 Bentley Delivery Centre Bentley WA 6983
Phone:	1 08 9380 2206 2 08 9334 0321
Fax:	1 08 9380 1001 2 08 9334 0297
Email:	1 danwildy@cyllene.uwa.edu.au; 2 johnb@calm.wa.gov.au
Objectives	To provide a physiological basis for design of harvest regimes for repeatedly cut mallee eucalypts and determine water sources used by trees when incorporated into wheat/sheep farms in low rainfall areas.
Background	Dryland salinity has created a need for deep-rooted woody perennial crops capable of being grown in low rainfall areas (300- 450 mm/yr) to integrate with traditional grain/sheep areas. None currently exist but oil mallee has been the focus of much government, R&D and farmer expenditure and effort. Oil mallee has been planted in belts through paddocks to be cut to ground level for the production of bio-electricity, activated carbon and eucalyptus oil.
Research	Experiments aimed at determining the impact of time of first cut, rotation length and season of cutting on yield and rootstock longevity at a trial site near Kalannie, Western Australia. Water budgets constructed for tree belts and adjacent pasture showed the changing sources used by trees through time, the effect of cutting on water use, the effect of a perched water table on water use, and the extent to which belts reduced net recharge.
Outcomes	Yields of 3- 7 t harvestable dry matter per hectare of tree belt area per year were obtained, depending on silvicultural practices used. Water use was higher by intact trees than cut trees, and higher where there was a fresh perched aquifer.
Implications	From points of view of yield, rootstock longevity and salinity control, cuts should be carried out on at least 2- and preferably 3-year intervals. Between 10 and 30 % of landscape would have needed to be under oil mallee belts to halt recharge depending on situation. The trade off between competition with crops and high water use can be managed by cutting.
Publications	Wildy DT, Pate JS. 2002. Quantifying the above- and below-ground growth responses of the Western Australian oil mallee, Eucalyptus kochii subsp. plenissima, to contrasting decapitation regimes. Annals of Botany 90: 185-197. Wildy DT, Pate JS, Sefcik LT. submitted-a. Factors contributing to water use efficiency at leaf and whole-plant level of a semi-arid mallee eucalypt growing naturally and in short-rotation cultivation. Tree Physiology.  Wildy DT, Pate JS, Bartle JR. submitted-b. Water use by short-rotation Eucalyptus kochii tree belts in the semi-arid wheatbelt of Western Australia. Plant and Soil. Numerous conference and symposium presentations.


 
 

Project Title	Optimising nutrition for productivity and sustainability of farm forestry systems
RIRDC Project No.:	UJC-6A
Researcher:	Dr Bob Congdon
Organisation:	School of Tropical Biology James Cook University Townsville, Qld 4811
Phone:	07 4781 4731
Fax:	07 4725 1570
Email:	robert.congdon@jcu.edu.au
Objectives	The major thrust of the research was to identify pasture legume species which are able to tolerate different levels of shading under tree plantations in the wet tropics - providing improved forage quality and productivity for grazing in agroforestry situations, and improving soil fertility and reducing fertiliser costs through nitrogen fixation. The benefits to tree growers include enhanced tree growth, weed suppression (reduced costs for herbicides), and reduced erosion on steep or degraded sites (due to mixed ground cover).
Background	Significant acceptance of tree plantation-pasture systems has been impeded by the belief that productive pasture cannot be maintained under tree canopies. The benefits of raising livestock in conjunction with tree plantations include increased and diversified income, better use of land resources, soil stabilisation, and the potential for higher plantation crop yield through better weed control, nutrient cycling and nitrogen accretion. Our research will identify a suite of pasture legumes that can be used to improve pasture quality in agroforestry systems under differing rainfall regimes. Nitrogen fixed by these legumes is also likely to benefit tree growth.
Research	A total of 35 species and cultivars of tropical pasture legumes were tested for shade tolerance beneath four levels of shade under shadehouse conditions. Growth and performance of 15 species/cultivars were examined under Khaya senegalensis and Eucalyptus pellita / mixed rainforest species plantations.
Outcomes	A range of potentially useful, shade tolerant legume species suited to both the wet and the seasonally dry tropics were identified. Some of the most promising species include Desmodium intortum, Calopogonium mucunoides, Arachis pintoi, D. ovalifolium, D. canum, Centrosema acutifolium, Pueraria phaseoloides, D. heterophyllum, C. pubescens, D. uncinatum and C. macrocarpum (wet tropical species). Clitoria ternatea, Arachis stenosperma, Macroptilium lathyroides, M. atropurpureum and Centrosema brasilianum were the most successful of the seasonally dry tropical species.
Implications	This study has identified 16 species of pasture legume that show promise for use under trees in farm forestry situations. However many of the species identified as shade tolerant or being relatively productive under shaded conditions (see Outcomes) have a climbing/twining habit that can cause concern in tree plantations, particularly in respect to potential smothering of small trees. When the climbing species are removed the remaining species recommended for the wet tropics are D. intortum, A. pintoi, D. ovalifolium, D. canum, D. heterophyllum and D. uncinatum, while A. stenosperma shows potential for the seasonally dry tropics. However climbing species may still potentially be used beneath older plantations or where a higher level of pasture management is acceptable in order to help prevent smothering of trees through controlling the frequency and intensity of grazing. Further research should examine the possibility of controlling climbing legumes in tree plantations through grazing management in order to broaden the range of legume species available for use. Research is also required in order to examine the longer-term persistence and productivity of the species identified in this study as tree plantations age and shade levels increase. Compatibility with shade tolerant grasses is an important aspect of pasture production beneath tree plantations, which has seen relatively little research and will have an important effect upon the persistence and productivity of both the grass and legume components of the pasture.
Publications	Addison, H., Congdon, R., Gardiner, C. & Holtum, J. 2000 Legumes for forestry systems. In Snell A. & Vize S. (Eds) AFG2000 Proceedings of the Biennial Conference of the Australian Forest Growers, Cairns, September 2000, p. 231-234. Australian Forest Growers, Kingston, ACT. Addison, H. and Congdon, R., 2001 Legumes for agroforestry systems Proceedings of the 10th Australian Agronomy Conference, Hobart, 28th January – 1st February

Optimised direct returns from tree products
 

Project Title	Inorganic-bonded wood composites manufactured from mallee eucalypt and melaleuca species
RIRDC Project No.:	ANU-35A
Researcher:	Ms K.E. Semple1 and Dr P.D. Evans2
Organisation:	1School of Resources, Environment and Society, The Australian National University, 2Center for Advance Wood Processing, University of British Columbia
Phone:	02 6125 3519
Fax:	02 6125 0746
Email:	Kate.Semple@anu.edu.au
Objectives	To assess and improve the compatibility of mallee eucalypt and melaleuca wood with Portland cement and develop suitable processing techniques to facilitate the development of an inorganic-bonded wood composite industry in Western Australia.
Background	An ambitious program of tree crop establishment is underway in the wheat growing zone of Western Australia, comprising principally of short-rotation mallee eucalypts and melaleucas for leaf oil production. Investment in oil mallee requires markets not only for leaf oils but also the waste stem wood. This could form a raw material base for the manufacture of cement-bonded wood composite boards, as investigated by this project.
Research	An assessment of the compatibility of mallee eucalypt and melaleuca species with Portland cement was first undertaken. This was followed by a series of experiments designed to assess and improve the mechanical properties of various types of cement-bonded boards made from mallee eucalypt wood and bark residues. These were compared with similar boards made from plantation blue gum and pine species grown in Western Australia.
Outcomes	Mallee eucalypt wood was of moderate to good compatibility with cement. Melaleuca wood was low in compatibility, but this was easily overcome by pre-soaking the wood in cold water. Simple chipping of mallee stems proved unsuitable for the manufacture of wood-cement boards. Conversion to large, thin flakes produced boards of much better quality. For mallee, board strength was compromised by the production of flakes that were too thick. Flake production from small diameter mallee stems needs to be addressed further. Low-density blue gum wood performed very well in cement-bonded boards.
Implications	With simple but appropriate wood conversion and manufacturing techniques cement-bonded composite boards of acceptable quality can be produced from short-rotation mallee eucalypt waste resides and from plantation blue gum. Further publicity of wood-cement composites in Australia would be recommended.
Publications	Semple, K.E., Cunningham, R.B. and Evans, P.D., 2002. 'The Suitability of Five Western Australian Mallee Eucalypt Species for Wood-Cement Composites," Industrial Crops and Products, Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 89-100. Semple, K.E. and Evans, P.D. 2002. The manufacture of cement-bonded flakeboards from Western Australian mallee, blue gum and commercial pine species, Proc. 6th Pacific Rim Bio-Based Composites Symposium, 11-14 November 2002, Portland, Oregon, pp 298-307.


 
 

Project Title:	Eucalypt hybrids in south-west Western Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	CAL-5A
Researcher:	Dr. Liz Barbour
Organisation:	Forest Products Commission
Phone:	(08) 9404 5491
Fax:	(08) 94045492
Email:	lizb@fpc.wa.gov.au
Objectives	To identify eucalypt hybrids that have a greater productivity than E.globulus on low rainfall, high evaporation sites in the south-west Western Australia by assessing ten field trials.
Background	The project assessed the wood production performance of a range of Eucalypt hybrids in the south-west of Western Australia to determine if an advantage can be gained using a Eucalypt hybrid in the low Eucalyptus globulus productivity areas. Since 1996, the Forest Products Commission (FPC) has established a range of trials across the tree planting areas in the south-west. The main focus was on E.globulus hybrids with E.grandis and E.camaldulensis and E.grandis with E.camaldulensis although other eucalypt hybrid material has been included.  Five of the trials were measured in 1999 and this measurement showed that E.globulus out-performed all the hybrids tested except for the low rainfall (534 mm) and high evaporation (1175 mm) site at Darkan where the E.globulus x E.grandis hybrid showed potential. Additionally, clones of E.grandis x E.camaldulensis at the Gingin site (rainfall 676 mm with evaporation rate of 1850 mm) had potential.
Research	This project completed a further two assessments of these trials which, by the final measurement, had grown in number to ten. The assessments were made in the summer of 200/2001 and 2002/2003, drought years in this region. Assessment of the trials showed that the sites considered typical for E.globulus, E.globulus seedling growth was superior to the hybrid cuttings in a pulpwood rotation. However, the sites that were not atypical E.globulus pulpwood production sites, other hybrid material showed potential to be able to produce a more productive tree crop. This material needs to be further tested in clonal blocks to monitor inter-tree relationships.
Outcomes	establish and assess E.globulus hybrid material in the 600-700 mm rainfall zone with controls of the pure species  test the vegetative propagation ability of selected hybrids clones further test the hybrid clones for their deployment strategy
Implications	This project has not been able to show a hybrid family that has better growth performance than E.globulus on a typical E.globulus site. A small number of clones have shown potential but these have to be further tested in bulk plantings so that inter-tree interactions are tested. Where E.globulus is included in trials that are not typical E.globulus sites, the deep sands of Gingin or low rainfall sites or saline sites, the hybrids appear to show more promise at the family level.  The project further indicates that for lower rainfall areas, to maintain high growth rates, hybrids may not be able to meet growth expectations at high pulp market stockings (1250 stems per hectare). A level of water use control through silviculture may have to be accepted in the project and thus the greater value of the primary product being solid wood perhaps should be considered. The question of the propagation technique and the effects of ageing are of a concern as more experience is gained in this field. Mother plant ageing prior to the setting of the cuttings can have major growth retardation effects. This ageing concern was not quantified in this project.
Publications	Barbour EL Ralph A and Spencer N. Early growth assessment of a range of Eucalypt hybrids in the southwest Western Australia. Hybrid breeding and genetics of forest trees. QFRI/CRC symposium. April 2000.


 
 

Project Title:	Acacia Search
RIRDC Project No.:	CAL-7A
Researcher:	B.R. Maslin
Organisation:	Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, W.A.
Phone:	08-93340510
Fax:	08-93340515
Email:	brucem@calm.wa.gov.au
Objectives	To identify, evaluate and provide detailed information for Acacia species considered prospective as new woody crop plants in the agricultural region of southern Australia (within the 250–650 mm rainfall zone).
Background	The impetus for the study is the need to undertake large-scale commercial plantings with perennial plants as a treatment for salinity control in the southern Australian agricultural regions. Emphasis was given to fast growing species with potential for producing large amounts of wood biomass that may find uses as solid and reconstituted wood products and for bioenergy, and which may possess commercially attractive by-products such as extractives (especially tannin and gum) and fodder.
Research	All Acacia species occurring within the target area were evaluated against a set of plant characteristics that indicate their potential suitability as feedstocks for the selected products. These selection criteria were developed in consultation with appropriate specialists. Species judged as potentially prospective were examined in the field and their biological, ecological and morphological characteristics further assessed. A short list of the most prospective species was subsequently developed. For each of these species relevant information (from both published and unpublished sources) was assembled; the species were ranked as to their perceived ability to meet end product requirements.
Outcomes	Of the 462 Acacia Acacia species occurring naturally within the target area 35 were identified as having some crop potential for the southern Australian agricultural zone. These species were subjectively ranked to indicate how well each might be expected to perform as crop plants capable of delivering anticipated end products. The ranking categories used were 1 (most prospective) through 4 (least prospective). The most prospective species can be expected to display fast or moderately fast growth rates and produce high or moderately high volumes of wood biomass. They should have the potential to be cultivated over a reasonably wide geographic area, although in a number of cases this area is restricted to the temperate outer peripheral regions of the target zone. The more important of these most prospective species are the following. Category 1: A. saligna (W.A.); Category 1-2: A. leucoclada subsp. leucoclada (N.S.W.), A. linearifolia (N.S.W.), A. retinodes 'typical' variant (S.A.), A. salicina (N.S.W., N.T., Qld, S.A., Vic., ?W.A.); Category 2: A. decurrens (A.C.T., N.S.W.), A. lasiocalyx (W.A.), A. mearnsii (A.C.T., N.S.W., S.A., Tas., Vic.), A. microbotrya (W.A.), A. pycnantha (A.C.T., N.S.W., S.A. Vic.), A. retinodes 'swamp' variant (S.A., Vic.); Category 2-3: , A. bartleana (W.A.), A. dealbata subsp. dealbata (N.S.W., Tas, Vic.), A. murrayana (N.S.W., N.T., Qld, S.A., W.A.), A. neriifolia (N.S.W., Qld), A. rivalis (S.A., ?N.S.W.). 31 of the 35 prospective species were assessed as having some potential for development as phase crop plants. Phase crops are defined as short-lived woody species used as a de-watering phase within the crop rotation, these plants are usually planted in large blocks, harvested at 3 to 6 years after which the land reverts to annual crops or pasture. 13 species may possibly have prospects as long cycle crops while only 8 species appear to have any prospects as coppice crops. Plant establishment by direct seeding is essential for the commercial viability of phase crops, and also confers a cost advantage in the establishment of coppice crops and long cycle crops. Therefore, one of the attractive attributes Acacias as potential crop plants (apart from their rapid growth rate, nitrogen fixation capability, etc.) is their large seeds that are amenable to direct-seeding technology (possibly using conventional large-scale cereal seeding equipment).
Implications	The results of this study provide the necessary basis for further exploring the crop potential of Acacia as a new woody crop for the southern Australian agricultural zone. It is not, however, expected that all of the 35 prospective species that have been identified will become new crop plants. Some will undoubtedly be eliminated after testing their growth rates, wood attributes, performance under cultivation, or by their inability to meet end-product requirements. Also, in some cases their potential weed risk may constrain use to their native range.
Publications	B.R. Maslin and M.W. McDonald (in press). AcaciaSearch: evaluation of Acacia as a woody crop option for southern Australia. Report to RIRDC Publication No. 03/017.


 

Project Title:	Predicting tree growth in farm forestry and following thinning
RIRDC Project No.:	CPF-1A
Researcher:	Dr Michael Battaglia
Organisation:	Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry Private Bag 12 HOBART TASMANIA 7001.
Phone:	03 6226 7912
Fax:	03 6226 7901
Email:	Michael.Battaglia@csiro.au
Objective	1. To develop a silvicultural decision support system for farm forestry by incorporating, into an existing process based model (PROMOD) of plantation growth, the effects of tree growth and form of wide spacing, planting in strips and silvicultural practices such as pruning and thinning. 2. A user-friendly PC package will be available for use by landholders, tree growing cooperatives and industry groups by June 2001. It will predict wood product yield from only a few simple site variables and layout of plantations and plantation silviculture applied.
Background	Trees are deployed into the agricultural landscape as part of revegetation activity to create sustainable landscapes. Included in these activities are treebelts on sloping land to use lateral water movement, tree belts in alley designs to access soil water from land occupied by crops or pastures and widely spaced tree plantings to maintain hydrological balance while allowing the benefits of shelter and animal husbandry. These later applications with heterogeneous canopy-cover provide substantial challenges for the existing tools (the Farm Forestry Toolbox contains PROMOD and CAMFor and utilises the production side of 3PG) and they typically fail to predict growth realistically.
Research	This project entailed field work and analysis to better define the physiological and growth response of plantation grown Eucalyptus globulus trees to wide-spacing and then used this to underpin a simple, easy to use predictive model called AGGRO. This model was subsequently verified for growth predictons of E. globulus and E. nitens.
Outcomes	The growth of trees was maximised by wide spacing but stand production was reduced. This was largely because wide-spaced trees individually intercepted more radiation but on a stand basis more radiation fell between trees. Wide-spacing however had a clear impact on the incidence of thick branches, on branch diameter and on branch angle. As well as impacting on wood quality of wide-spaced trees it meant that wide-spaced trees allocated a higher proportion of net primary production to branches and less to stem wood. Surprisingly, a fortuitously for modelling, the efficiency of photosynthetic production was unchanged by spacing simplifying modelling of spacing effects. Considerable horizontal and vertical variation in light penetration into tree crowns was observed in trees at all spacing because of leaf clumping and canopy gaps. A result of this is that light levels, and hence potential carbon fixation are somewhat higher than might be predicted with the big-leaf model. Nevertheless we were able to show that at the whole canopy level a one-dimensional big-leaf approach to modelling carbon fixation in E. globulus crowns provides workable estimates of total stand growth. The distribution of leaf nitrogen concentration in the canopies of E. globulus was neither random nor uniform and varied with spacing resulting in gradients of concentration both horizontally and vertically in crowns. Using these observations a simple radiation interception model based on assumptions of stand structure and geometry was built and verified by comparison with light interception estimates by MAESTRA. The model assumed that light interception initially could be calculated by treating trees as non-interaction ellipsoids, subsequently as non-interacting hedgerows and finally by application of the big-leaf model. Where trees are planted in blocks the Jackson-Palmer method of calculating interception is applied. This radiation sub-model was integrated within a user-friendly stand growth model that predicted well observed growth relationships.
Implications	As a result of this project it is now possible to use simple site factors to predict the growth implications of tree spacing and thinning in plantations of eucalypts. This will provide the basis for evaluating the financial implications of non-conventional forestry activity as part of on-farm enterprises and at the same time will enable conventional industrial forestry companies to assess the growth implications of thinning stands.
Publications	Henskens, F., Battaglia, M., Cherry, M., and Beadle, C. L. (2001). Physiological basis of spacing effects on tree growth and form in Eucalyptus globulus.Trees Structure and Function 15, 365-377. Medhurst, J. L., Battaglia, M., and Beadle, C. L. (2002). Measured and predicted changes in water use of Eucalyptus nitens plantations following high-intensity thinning. Tree Physiology 22, 775-784. Pinkard, E. A., and Battaglia, M. (2001). Using hybrid models to develop silvicultural prescriptions for Eucalyptus nitens. Forest Ecology and Management 154, 337-345.


 
 
 
 

Project Title	Development of a microbial library that utilizes Eucalyptus oil constituents as carbon source
RIRDC Project No.:	CSC-1A
Researcher:	Mr Geoff Dumsday, Mr Norman Pilkington, Ms Melissa Straffon and Professor Michael Zachariou
Organisation:	CSIRO Molecular Science  Bag 10 Clayton South, Victoria, 3169
Phone:	03 9545 2321
Fax:	03 9545 2446
Email:	Michael.zachariou@csiro.au
Objectives	To establish a microbial library that can utilise 1,8-cineole obtained from E. polybractea eucalyptus oil, as sole carbon source and to identify chemical products derived from microbial metabolism of 1,8-cineole.
Background	Land damage by salinity is a serious issue for Australian landowners and agricultural producers. To address this, governments such as the Western Australian government, have established a scheme to help farmers financially by planting Eucalytpus, which will gradually resolve the increasing salinity in the area. Such large plantations of Eucalyptus will result in an abundance of leaf oil. This represents an opportunity for Australia to discover and improve on eucalyptus oil applications.
Research	Using a proprietary device invented at CSIRO, microbes were enriched for those that are able to consume 1,8-cineole as the sole carbon source. These microbes were then isolated, scaled up and the by-products of 1,8-cineole consumption were checked for identification.
Outcomes	Fourteen microbial isolates were discovered and deposited in the 1,8-cineole degrading library. Nine of these are likely to be new strains. Two of the strains can grow up on four times the highest 1,8-cineole concentration previously reported. Five 1,8-cineole derivative by-products were detected, mostly hydroxylated forms. One of these may well be a new chemical entity since a match has not been found in any database searched so far. Industry interest in the project is high with many requests to screen these byproducts against several different types of commercially rewarding activity screens.
Implications	The discovery of microbes that can consume 1,8-cineole as the sole carbon source now allows for a variety of novel derivatives to be discovered from eucalyptus oil being used as the feedstock. Microbes that can tolerate concentrations of 1,8-cineole necessary for commercial viability have been discovered. One potentially new chemical entity has already been discovered within the short time frame of this project. The other derivatives already discovered in this work show potential in their current form or for further modification for application in activity based screens or as surfactants.
Publications	There were no publications written for this work because of the commercially sensitive nature of the findings and the procedures used. A summary of the results will be prepared as a RIRDC report.


 
 

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 4098
Fax:	02 6246 4155
Email:	rob.floyd@csiro.au : grant.farrell@csiro.au
Objectives	1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. Using data from the study and the literature the economic impact of insect damage to plantations was investigated.
Outcomes	Insect exclusion studies showed losses 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 and on current control costs, productivity losses from moderate to heavy defoliation easily justify the costs of insect pest management intervention. Results from the study also indicated that possible non-chemical options for pest management in the Murray Valley include the use of more resistant species such as C. maculata or where plantations are irrigated in resource-rich environments, the use of tolerant species that can out grow insect damage.
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. submitted to Australian Forestry. Floyd, R.F, Farrow, R.A. and Matsuki, M (2002) Variation in insect damage and growth in Eucalyptus globulus Agricultural and Forest Entomology 4: 109-115. 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	International workshop in biotransformation
RIRDC Project No.:	CSE-90A
Researcher:	Dr John Oakshott
Organisation:	CSIRO Entomology
Phone:	02 6246 4157
Fax:	02 6246 4173
Email:	John.Oakeshott@csiro.au
Objective	The first objective of this project was to conduct a Biotransformation Workshop to identify and examine new opportunities for agricultural industries in general and agro forestry in particular for Australia. The Workshop brought together international experts in the field, Australian industry leaders who could capture new technologies or feedstocks and incorporate them into their future operations, and Australian research providers who could carry out the underpinning R&D. The second objective was to capture the main outcomes of the workshop, such as forward plans for development of new biotransformation industries, in a succinct document that can be used as a guide to future investment.
Background	During June 2002 CSIRO along with the GRDC and RIRDC conducted a national survey of interest and expertise available in Australia to build a biotransformation industry. The survey was led by John Oakeshott and an international expert in the field, Alan Gould of Verdant Partners (USA). The team consulted widely with representatives from key industries, State and Commonwealth governments and research providers. It found widespread agreement about the potential value of biotransformation for Australian industry, but relatively little insight as to our competitive niches in the area. To redress the latter a smaller group of key industry, R&D and government representatives were then invited to take part in a workshop with an international panel composed of leaders from various segments of the industry overseas.
Outcomes	One area subject to intense scrutiny at the meeting concerned the opportunities from woody biomass. Many participants also pointed to the possible synergies of some of these areas with the emerging Australian bioethanol industry. Other areas of opportunity supported by the meeting were development of enabling enzyme and other biotechnologies and downstream processing know-how to underpin a)-c) below. Three areas of particular promise were thought to be:  a) high value oils expressed in annual crop biofactories b) biomaterials and precursors for them, produced in annual crop and/or fermentation biofactories  c) novel organic, non-metallic pigments, produced in annual crop and/or fermentation biofactories.
Implications	Several participants and groups of participants are now progressing specific R&D and commercial plans in the recommended areas.
Publications	There will be no publications other than this report.


 
 
 
 

Project Title	Species testing and genetic improvement of forest trees for the Northern Territory
RIRDC Project No.:	DNT-27A
Researcher:	Dr Don Reilly
Organisation:	Dept of Business Industry and Resource Development (formerly DPIF)
Phone:	08 89992316
Fax:	08 89992043
Email:	don.reilly@nt.gov.au
Objectives	· More productive genotypes of high value native timber species suitable for planting in northern Australia. · Genetic development facilities for seed and vegetative production of key high value species. · Improved knowledge of potential yields and site suitability for different native species · Enhanced capacity for genetic development research and operational activity in the Northern Territory.
Background	The Dept of Primary Industry and Fisheries (now Business Industry and Resource Development) in association with QFRI entered into a collaborative research project funded by RIRDC in 1999. The project evolved as a result of work the proponents were doing previously. This included; a) work QFRI (in collaboration with the Australian Tree Seed Centre of CSIRO and the NT Conservation commission) had been undertaking on genetic conservation and improvement of a range of Acacia and a few Eucalyptus species, by establishing joint project facilities in north Queensland and Melville Island in the NT. These facilities have been based on seed collections from difficult to collect places in northern Australia, PNG, Irian Jaya and other islands in the Indonesian archipelago. Many of those genotypes have out performed local north Queensland provenances in trial plantings in north Queensland and overseas. It was assumed that these genotypes are therefore likely to perform well on suitable sites in the NT and they are likely to be the most genetically superior material currently available for trial. This project has provided for the testing of these improved genotypes of a number of key species and other potentially useful hardwood species on a range of sites in the region. b) The on-going promise of Khaya senegalensis in the NT, the unique collection of germ plasm of this species at Gunn Point and elsewhere in the NT that was at risk and the potential for genetic improvement of the species. This project has also allowed staff working on farm forestry in the region to take advantage of the fruits of the work of the cooperative relationship between QFRI and CSIRO.
Research	The research has been based on the establishment of two taxa evaluation sites at Berry Springs in 1999/00 and one at Howard Springs in 2002/03. A genetic improvement facility for E. pellita (SSO) was established at Howard Springs in 1999/00 and the genetic improvement facilities for Khaya senegalensis were established in 2001/02 wet season at Howard Springs and Berrimah Farm. All trials were measured soon after establishment and annually subsequent to the initial measure. The results of all trial work has been recorded and analysed up to April 2003. The findings and results have been written up for the final report and is currently in the review process awaiting publication.
Outcomes	The final report has been drafted and all chapters on the research aspects, the introduction and executive summary have been forwarded to RIRDC subject to the review process. Upon finalisation of the document, it will be published.

This project was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust.
 

Project Title	Using portable sawmills to produce high value timber from farm trees in the semi-arid zone
RIRDC Project No.:	PN99.2001
Researcher:	Mr. Mark Stewart
Organisation:	University of Melbourne
Phone:	03 5321 4150
Fax:	03 5321 4135
Email:	marks@unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	· To investigate the development of high value wood products from dense timber species occurring in the semi-arid zone. · To develop and investigate the efficiency of different farm-based sawing techniques to maximise recovery of high value wood. · To benchmark small-scale and farm-based timber production against a large, fixed installation.
Background	There is a perception by some within the sawmilling industry that portable sawmills cannot produce the sawing quality in hard high-density timbers that is required to be merchantable in the manufacturing industry – especially the higher value sectors such as furniture.
Research	This study investigated the on-site processing of farm timbers from the semi arid regions of Australia using two different portable sawmills. They were at the low end of automation available on portable sawmills. Both mills required an operator to push and pull the power head along the log to produce sawn boards. The mills used in the sawing trials were a single circular blade type sawmill, which were represented by a ‘LucasMill Model 8’ and a horizontal bandsaw, which was represented by a ‘Laidlaw Farmill’. There were a limited number of plantations with sufficient quantity of suitable sawlogs within the low rainfall regions of south-eastern Australia for sawing trials. The only plantations that had sufficient sawlogs were of high-density eucalypt species. The four species selected were brown mallett E. astringens,sugar gum E. cladocalyx, yellow gum E. leucoxylon and swampl yate E. occidentalis. Initial results showed the selected species produced dimensionally consistent 150 mm wide boards that could be used in the manufacture of furniture or other products. The key criterion for investigation of sawing with both types of portable mill was the straightness of cut as the measure of sawing accuracy. This was measured with a modified straightedge and digital calipers. A total deviation or waviness in the cut of less than 1.5 mm was considered acceptable. An investigation using the single circular blade sawmill sawing with four different width blade-tips revealed the 5 and 5.7 mm wide carbide tipped blades produced straighter cuts than the 4.5 and 5.4 mm wide carbide tipped blades in each of the trial species. The 5.0 mm wide blade also produced straight cuts with the fastest feed-speed in the majority of species while the 5.7 mm blade was the slowest sawing blade. The use of a 5.0 mm tip-width blade on a single circular blade sawmill could be considered as the most versatile blade that is capable of producing more straight cuts and at the fastest feed-speed when sawing high-density hardwood species than other tip-width blades. Investigation using the horizontal bandsaw sawmill and varying the blade parameters of hook angle, toothset and blade tension showed the consistency in obtaining the blade tension was a major factor in accurate sawing. At low blade tension, the straightness of cut was adversely affected. The other variables revealed that at the widest tooth set the deviation along the cut increased with the faster feed-speed. The range of book angles tested had no effect on straightness. It is possible that at higher hook angles problems might occur, as experience within the sawmilling sector suggests, but the range selected in this study, inadvertently, did not extend that far. Investigation of three blade types with different tip construction and different widths revealed the 32 mm wide bi-metal blade was the best blade over the range of species. Although this blade did not produce the straightest cuts in all the species, the cuts were within the accepted tolerance of 1.5 mm. The carbon steel and carbide tipped blade did not produce the straightest cuts in some species but were outside the acceptable range in other species. A final trial to assess controlled feed-speed required the horizontal bandsaw to be modified with the attachment of a variable power feed unit to the sawing carriage. This modification allowed the feed-speeds to be doubled in most species without any reducing in the straightness of cut.
Outcomes	The production of quality timber is technically feasible using portable sawmills if the conditions and parameter of the blade, timber and mill are matched to meet the problems each log will demonstrate during the milling process.
Publications	Blackwell, P. and Stewart, M. (2003) Using portable sawmills to produce high value timber from farm trees in the semi-arid zone. RIRDC Publication No 03/046.

This project was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust.
 

Project Title	Utilisation of Western Hardwoods as specialty timbers
RIRDC Project No.:	PN99.2004
Researcher:	Mr Bill Leggate
Organisation:	Queensland Forestry Research Institute DPI
Phone:	07 3896 9750
Fax:	07 3896 9628
Email:	legate@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· To establish basic resource and marketing information on selected native (desert) hardwoods of western Queensland.  · To assist with the development of a viable new wood processing industry by researching and developing technology allowing efficient and sustainable harvesting, processing and marketing of these remote area timbers, which are currently poorly utilised.
Background	There is a substantial timber resource in western Queensland that has been traditionally viewed as an impediment to agricultural and pastoral development. These timbers have been used for on-farm purposes such as fencing and firewood, with small volumes for specialty application (e.g. musical instrument manufacture) where high prices have been paid. It has become evident that many hardwood species of western Queensland possess unique timber properties, such as high density, and attractive colours, grain and figure. Nevertheless the scarcity of straight-boled trees, their typically small stem diameters, the prevalence of timber defects, remoteness from major markets and lack of information about the resource and potential markets, have impeded the establishment of a more substantial industry based on western Queensland hardwoods. If these timbers could be marketed effectively and sold to customers who demand timber with these unique properties, then market prices could be achieved that would make the management of remnant stands attractive and provide opportunities for landholders to diversify their incomes.
Research	To make the findings of this study accessible and adoptable by landholders, all research has focussed on processing opportunities appropriate for small-scale operations. For example, harvesting and portable sawmilling trials have been undertaken with a farm truck, tractor and a portable sawmill. Seasoning trials assessed the merits of air drying versus solar kiln and dehumidifier kiln drying, the latter two being low-cost kiln drying technologies. Finally, financial assessments of potential enterprises have been made assuming two-person operations and the types of equipment utilised in QFRI’s research trials.  Information on wood properties and market opportunites has been collected for the following 11 species: mulga Acacia aneura, gidgee A. cambagei, desert oak A. coriacea, ironwood wattle A. excelsa, prickly acacia A. nilotica, lancewood A. shirleyi, red lancewood Archidendropsis basaltica, Queensland yellowjacket Corymbia similis, sandalbox Eremophila mitchellii, bimble box Eucalyptus populnea and beefwood Grevillea striata. The timber processing trials and financial analyses have been limited to mulga and gidgee, because of their wide distribution, potentially large sustainably harvestable volumes and promising timber properties. Potential markets for western Queensland hardwoods are examined, and financial analyses are conducted based on several western Queensland hardwood production scenarios. Comparisons of estimated returns are made with grazing. Factors to consider when purchasing a portable sawmill are outlined, and the final section of the project suggests some ares for future research to encourage growth of the western Queensland hardwood industry.
Outcomes	The uniqueness of western Queensland hardwoods, compared to other Australian and overseas timbers, has been highlighted in this research by the determination of wood properties, particularly air dry densities (ranging from 1,000 kg/m3 to 1,300 kg/m3) and hardness (14 kN to 18 kN). Portable sawmilling trials with mulga and gidgee achieved green off saw (GOS) recoveries of 34.6% and 27.6% respectively. The variable costs of production in these trials were estimated at between $730/m3 GOS and $980/m3 GOS, and shown to be highly sensitive to imputed labour cost and GOS recovery. Knowledge and experience gained throughout the project has indicated that, from the range of portable chainsaw mills, bandsaw mills and circular mills, the latter type are likely to be the most appropriate for small-scale production of western Queensland hardwoods. A small-scale veneering trial conducted with mulga proved that this species was unsuitable for the commercial production of veneer. Seasoning trials were conducted with mulga and gidgee to determine drying times and the suitability of unprotected air drying, protected air drying, solar kiln, dehumidifier kiln and conventional kiln drying. Seasoned mulga and gidgee boards were graded in accordance with AS2796 – 1999 – Timber – Hardwood - Sawn and Milled Products, which indicated that high feature recovery was in the order of 10% of log volume. Wane, insect damage and decay were primarily responsible for this low recovery. A financial analysis (including the time value of money and the graded quality of seasoned boards) identified air drying as the most economically efficient seasoning technique for mulga and gidgee in western Queensland. When kiln drying is required, a solar kiln is shown to be the best investment option for a landholder in western Queensland. A postal survey sent to 225 Australian and international wood product manufacturers and discussions with several current and potential consumers of western Queensland hardwoods, indicated that these timbers have highly marketable qualities. It was suggested that parquetry flooring, small-scale furniture and musical instrument manufacturers, and timber merchants would likely be the major purchasers of western hardwoods. It was asserted that prices would initially be in the vicinity of $1,500/m3 to $3,000/m3 dried roughsawn. There is also potential for small volumes of the highest quality western hardwood boards to be sold to domestic and international musical instrument and knife handle manufacturers at $20,000/m3 to $30,000/m3.  Comparisons of estimated financial returns from several small-scale western Queensland hardwood production scenarios with grazing in western Queensland, indicated that the former could generate competitive to superior returns. Clear wood production for high value niche markets and a landholder co-operative producing parquetry flooring were found to be the most profitable hardwood production scenarios. It is concluded that substantial financial and environmental benefits could be generated in western Queensland from the expansion of the western Queensland timber industry.
Publications	Venn, T.J., McGavin, R. L. and Leggate, W. W. (in press) Utilisation of western Queensland hardwoods as specialty timbers. RIRDC Publication.

This project was supported by the Natural Heritage Trust.

Cost effective multi-purpose systems for commercial and environmental purposes
 

Project Title	Review of agroforestry systems in tropical savannah systems in northern Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-297A
Researcher:	Ms Mila Bristow
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences Forestry Research
Phone:	07 4092 9902
Fax:	07 4093 3903
Email:	Mila.Bristow@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objective	This project aims to complete a desktop study reviewing the tree component of agroforestry systems in tropical savanna regions of northern Australia incorporating a review of research results and other activities. The specific objectives are: 1. To review suitable, sustainable and commercial agroforestry for the tropical savanna regions of northern Australia. 2. To identify a list of high priority alternative sustainable land use options based on regional soils, climate and industries that can be integrated into existing agricultural enterprises. 3. To recommend areas of further research in tropical savanna regions of northern Australia.
Background	There is a need for new industries to supplement existing primary industry and natural resource based activities in the tropical savannas of northern Australia. Other regions of Australia have shown that new industries based on timber plantations, tree crops, grazing systems and sustainable management of native forest could provide ecological sustainable development, long-term employment and wider benefits to those regional economies.  This report collates and reviews information on the tree component of past and current agroforestry, farm forestry and/or plantation forestry activities in Australia’s tropical savannas. Developing from the RIRDC-JVAP report on ‘Agroforestry R&D Priorities for Northern Australia’ , this study focuses on the climatically unique tropical savanna region. Poor soils, high evapotranspiration and medium to low rainfall distributed in a distinct wet season, followed by a variable but often extended dry season, characterise the region. Eco-environmentally sustainable land use options in the savanna region are limited. Despite these biophysical challenges, plantation forestry shows promising early growth rates of potentially high-value timber and non-timber species.
Research	Results and location for a number of older (1970-1998) and more recent (1998 onwards) tree establishment projects funded by a range of agencies across northern Queensland, Northern Territory and northern Western Australia are presented. Thirteen (13) research/demonstration projects, consisting of 74 plantings were considered in all. Each of these projects was short-term (1-4 years), and focused on identifying suitable species to grow on sites in northern Australia. Locations of sites and species growth rates are presented, and recommendations from these projects discussed.
Outcomes	Key outcomes from existing agroforestry activities: Suitable species and provenances in northern Australia can be the immediate starting point for genetic improvement. For example, selections can be made in appropriate plantings and clonal seed orchards established; alternatively, local material may be supplemented by appropriate introductions to broaden and enrich local germplasm; other strategies are also available. In addition, it is important to enlarge the suite of species/hybrids investigated. Furthermore, new hybrid combinations are continually emerging and need to be assessed on a range of sites. It is vital to create an integrated approach to research into exotic species including species-site matching, silviculture, pest and diseases and wood properties across the region. Work of this nature should be confined initially to high priority species already emerging as promising for certain parts of the region. There is an urgent need for research to determine optimal silvicultural regimes for agroforestry plantings in northern Australia, including: · responses to ripping, mounding on various soils; · irrigation (amount, timing type, water balance, economics, environmental impacts); · weed control; · nutrition (fertiliser rates, timing, response); · espacement and design (mixtures vs. monocultures); · stand management (pruning and thinning: age, timing and products from these activities); · monitoring of, and protection from pests & diseases. Sawing studies and wood quality testing should be undertaken on samples from trees of adequate age or size and number grown in appropriate, stand conditions. This information is essential to evaluating the economics of a plantation resource.  Improved market information should be collected for non-timber agroforestry products and services, both those that are unique to tropical savannas, and those that are common to other areas of Australia. Stakeholders in northern Australia should be invited to collaborate in an integrated and focussed, research and development projects designed to underpin the development of a sustainable agroforestry industry in the region. This could be facilitated through the revised 2020 vision, perhaps in a Regional Plantation Committee, or similar structure. A result should be that agroforestry research and development in Australia’s tropical savannas be integrated.  More than 30 years of research on woodland management in grazing lands in Queensland can benefit the implementation, success and integration of native forest agroforestry systems across Australia’s tropical savannas.  It is important address policy solutions to attract investment and participation in all systems of agroforestry. For example, there is a need to resolve forest property rights on leasehold land, to remove any impediment to further development.
Implications	For the potential of this region to be fully evaluated, the need for long-term, strategic approaches to R&D including land suitability investigations; economic feasibility; species-site matching; targeted genetic improvement; establishment silviculture; utilisation and value-adding of forest products from both plantations and native forest resources are recommended.
Publications	Final RIRDC report: Review of Agroforestry in Tropical Savanna Regions of Northern Australia


 
 

Project Title	Profitability of medium to low rainfall agroforestry in the southern Australian cropping zone
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-63A
Researcher:	Mr Amir Abadi and Dr Ted Lefroy
Organisation:	Department of Agriculture Western Australia and CSIRO
Phone:	08 9368 3143; 08 9333 6442
Fax:	08 9367 4265; 08 9333 6444
Email:	aabadi@agric.wa.gov.au; Ted.Lefroy@csiro.au
Objective	· To compare the relative profitability of existing, emerging and prospective agroforestry systems with profitability of conventional agricultural land uses in the cropping zones of Western Australia and New South Wales.  · To map out the economic boundary conditions under which several promising agroforestry systems may be viable in the lower rainfall zones.
Background	Economic analyses identifying key drivers of profitability of alternative agroforestry systems can help focus R&D effort in generating the information required by growers, investors and governments to make sound investment decisions.
Research	This project proceeded in two stages. In Stage 1, a database was established containing the bio-physical and economic data for existing and emerging agroforestry systems. The dataset for WA included oil mallees (Eucalyptus kochii subsp. plenissima and E. polybractea), tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus), maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and wattle (Acacia spp.). The NSW dataset included blue mallee (E. polybractea), narrow-leaved peppermint (E. radiata), jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) and river red gum (E. camaldulensis). In the second stage, partial budgeting and discounted cash flow techniques were used to conduct a comparative analysis of alternative land use scenarios. The cash flow pattern, Net Present Value, Annual Equivalent Return, Break-Even Time, Payback Period and Peak Debt of each scenario were reported. Estimates of temporal and spatial interaction effects of trees on agricultural crops and pastures were included to obtain indirect economic value of trees.
Outcomes	Some tree species such as oil mallees and tagasaste were nearly as profitable as conventional land uses. Others such as jojoba were highly profitable, creating doubt in the assumptions about its production and the long term market outlook for its products. For several species, this project offered the first opportunity for an assessment of their profitability. Results of ‘what-if?’ analyses of key variables identified their economic importance. Recommendations were made for future studies of agroforestry.
Implications	The analytical technique, the database templates and the development of the spreadsheet application have proven to be highly useful in the Search Project based at CALM in WA. The CRC for Plant-Based Management of Dryland Salinity is also actively using the methodology and the economic analysis tool developed in this project.


 
 

Project Title	Farm forestry and landscape architecture
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-68A
Researcher:	Mr John Winchcombe Mr Grant Revell
Organisation:	University of Western Australia. Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts.
Phone:	08 97567344 08 93801566
Fax: