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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006-2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007
To Agroforestry and Farm Forestry Completed Projects
3.1 Agroforestry and Farm Forestry – Research in Progress Project No Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation 1. Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders
ANU-52A Assessing the extent, ecological condition, wood values and other tangible and intangible forest values of privately owned dry schlerophyll forests Dr John Field 02 6125 3566 The Australian National University CVF-1A (NHT) Communicating sustainable forest management for the private forest resource in East Gippsland and Central Victoria David Fiskin 03 5341 7759 Central Victorian Farm Plantations Inc CVF-2A Conference on 'Plantation eucalypts for high value timber: Enhancing investment through research and development' David Fiskin 03 5341 7759 Central Victorian Farm Plantations Inc HAS-13A (NHT) Adoption and impact of farm forestry: suite of projects Robert Hudson 02 6746 2212 Hassall & Associates UM-72A Australian Master TreeGrower: Building capacity for integrated vegetation management on private land Rowan Reid 03 8344 5011 The University of Melbourne 2. Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives
ANU-67A Sideroxylonal: a valuable extract from oil-mallee crops in Western Australia Dr William Foley 02 6125 2535 Australian National University CSF-66A Four-year genetic analysis of low rainfall tree breeding genetic trials (ALRTIG III) David Bush 02 6281 8323 Ensis CSF-67A Genetic improvement for naturally durable hardwood posts David Bush 02 6281 8323 Ensis UNT-7A Green ants as biological control agents in agroforestry Keith Christian 08 89 466706 Charles Darwin University and Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries & Mines of NT URS-2A (NHT) Agroforestry industry evaluation: product groups, industry size, market penetration, regional coordination and value-adding opportunities Mark Kelly 03 8699 7592 URS Forestry UWA-98A FloraSearch (Stage 3) – Selection and development of multi-purpose perennial species for large-scale development in the wheat-sheep belt of southern Australia Mike Bennell 08 8303 9486 Cooperative Research Centre for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity
3.1 Agroforestry and Farm Forestry – Research in Progress Project No Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
4. Facilitate new policy and institutional arrangements that stimulate agroforestry investment
CSF-68A (NHT) Prioritisation of regional opportunities for agroforestry investment Phil Polglase 02 6281-8204 Ensis 5. Bioenergy Australia
SSC-5A Bioenergy Australia Management – Stephen Schuck contract Dr Stephen Schuck 02 9416 9246 Stephen Schuck and Associates Pty Ltd
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1. Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders
Project Title Assessing the extent, ecological condition, wood values and other tangible and intangible forest values of privately owned dry schlerophyll forests RIRDC Project No.: ANU-52A Start Date: 1 Dec 2001 Finish Date: 31 Mar 2008 Researcher: Dr John Field Organisation: The Australian National University Phone: 02 6125 3566 Fax: 02 6125 0746 Email: John.Field@anu.edu.au Objectives A methodology (toolbox) for assessing the extent, nature, condition and health of dry schlerophyll forests using remote sensing and GIS procedures. Conservation, biodiversity and timber values are all integral to the research. Current Progress Research continues on assessing the condition of dry schlerophyll forest (DSF) in the SE Highlands Bioregion using remotely sensed and ancillary spatial data. PhD research on building models to predict forest structural and biodiversity variables from Landsat and ancillary data has produced some predictive layers of variable reliability. Texture measures have been found useful in preliminary investigations of the value of SPOT-5 data (resolution 10 m) for classifying DSF condition. By classifying patches of forest rather than pixels in a decision tree classifier, some success has been achieved in mapping forest structure, but further validation is needed. The DSF Toolbox to guide landowners towards possible actions on their land to enhance the value of their forest to them, has been further improved and the steps needed to add further capability have been mapped out. Research into the wood products available from DSF and their likely value is underway, and a comparison with likely costs of management will show whether such actions can be economically sustainable. Our industry sponsors have contributed a further $5,500 in cash during the current year and an additional $5,000 in kind (supervision and project support).
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1. Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders
Project Title (NHT) Communicating sustainable forest management for the private forest resource in East Gippsland and Central Victoria RIRDC Project No.: CVF-1A Start Date: 31-Jan-2006 Finish Date: 01-Jun-2008 Researcher: David Fisken Organisation: Central Victorian Farm Plantations Inc Phone: (03) 5341 7759 Fax: (03) 5341 7759 Email: dfisken@cvfp.org.au Objectives This project will provide two well-organised, proactive and targeted workshops in Victoria, to effectively communicate practical silvicultural and sustainability principles, including the results of recent JVAP private native forest (PNF) sustainability projects, to landholders and relevant Natural Resource Management bodies including local government and Catchment Management Authorities. The project will also develop and publish a publication ‘Guidelines for the Management of Private Native Forest in Victoria’, of similar style but expanded from the Gippsland native forest guidelines.
Current Progress Two-day workshops were given for both East Gippsland and Central Victoria as these regions have the most active management of the PNF resource in the State. Workshops used regionally specific forest management material, both existing and newly prepared, as a basis for promoting the sustainability of private native forestry and will be delivered by a core team of experts. The workshops were targeted to audience requirements. Following the two field days on sustainable management of private native forestry in Victoria, this project will now spend the next year developing a publication "Guidelines for the Management of Private Native Forest in Victoria".
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1. Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders
Project Title Conference on 'Plantation eucalypts for high value timber: Enhancing investment through research and development' RIRDC Project No.: CVF-2A Start Date: 01-May-2007 Finish Date: 30-Nov-2007 Researcher: David Fisken Organisation: Central Victorian Farm Plantations Inc Phone: (03) 5341 7759 Fax: (03) 5341 7759 Email: dfisken@cvfp.org.au Objectives The conference will review current research and industry knowledge, and encourage greater coordination and investment in the high value timber sector of forestry and invite participation by a range of industry stakeholders. Current Progress Organisation for the conference ‘Eucalypts for High Value Timber’ is well underway. The conference will be held in Melbourne from 9–12 October 2007. The conference will review current research and industry knowledge, and encourage greater coordination and investment in the high value timber sector of forestry. Growers, processors, investors, policy and researchers are invited. The aim is to have 100 or more participants at the conference.
A program of invited speakers is now agreed, and will cover sawlog species site selection, silviculture, processing, markets and investment scenarios - the whole value chain. The conference starts with drinks, registration and poster session on Tuesday evening. The spoken session is on the Wednesday, with a field trip on Thursday and a Friday morning forum on ‘future directions and R&D needs’. The conference brochure has been finalized the web site is www.euc4hvt.org
JVAP is the principle sponsor, with other sponsorship and contributions from Central Victorian Farm Plantations, DPI Victoria, Woollybutt P/L, FWPRDC, GPF, TreeSmart, 3 NSW Private Forestry Development Committees (SE NSW PF, MRFFC, STFFN); Ensis, URS and Radial Timbers.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1. Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders
Project Title (NHT) Adoption and impact of farm forestry: suite of projects RIRDC Project No.: HAS-13A Start Date: 01-Jun-2007 Finish Date: 31-Oct-2007 Researcher: Robert Hudson Organisation: Hassall & Associates Pty Ltd Phone: 02 6746 2212 Fax: 02 6746 2912 Email: Bob.Hudson@bigpond.com Objectives JVAP commissioned four projects, for which Hassalls and Associates successfully tendered. These projects are: The four projects will contribute to: 1. Survey of farm forestry stakeholder information needs and preferred methods of accessing information 2. Evidence of adoption and impact of farm forestry research (case studies)
3. Whole farm financial and environmental returns under farm forestry
4. Quantifying the value of farm forestry – a macro level anlaysis.
·1 an improvement in the understanding of the role and value of farm forestry, and ·2 improved delivery of current farm forestry research knowledge.
Current Progress This project commenced late in 2006-07 and will report next year.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 1. Improve information delivery and increase decision-making capacity of all agroforestry stakeholders
Project Title Australian Master TreeGrower: Building capacity for integrated vegetation management on private land RIRDC Project No.: UM-72A Start Date: 1 Feb 2006 Finish Date: 30 Jun 2009 Researcher: Rowan Reid Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Faculty of Land and Food Resources. School of Resource ManagementPhone: (03) 8344 5011 Fax: (03) 83444665 Email: rfr@unimelb.edu.au Objectives 1. Encourage well-informed innovation and investment in multipurpose agroforestry on farms. 2. Collate and disseminate local and scientific NRM knowledge and experience relevant to agroforestry.
3. Build new, or strengthen existing, formal and informal regional communication and collaborative networks.
4. Identify and support those who can contribute ideas, leadership and insight to agroforestry R&D projects..
5. Evaluate and report on participatory extension methodologies related to vegetation management on farms.
Current Progress The Australian Master TreeGrower Program is a participatory outreach and extension project managed by the School of Resource Management at the University of Melbourne. The program delivers an eight-day regional educational course and other extension programs for farmers and extension agents that help build local capacity for multipurpose agroforestry design and management, extend JVAP research to users and draws on regional experience to identify future research and development needs. During 2006, 127 participants completed eight regional MTG programs which were delivered in partnership with a range of regional organisations including CMAs, AFG Branches, State Agencies and Landcare groups.
Papers and posters outlining the MTG program were also presented at both the International Landcare Conference in Melbourne (2006) and the Australian Forest Growers conference in Launceston (2006). The MTG has also become a core element of regional extension programs run by a number of state government agencies (FPC in WA), CMAs, industry groups and NGOs.
The Master TreeGrower program commenced in 1996 and has been funded by JVAP, University of Melbourne and regional participants since 1997. After more than ten years and seventy five regional education courses, the impact of the Australian Master TreeGrower Program on agroforestry development in Australia is now clearly evident. Participants report of increased confidence about their own farm forestry activities and greater awareness of opportunities. They value the knowledge, skills, networks and experience provided by the MTG program and the recognition of their experience it provides. As a result of the program, many more farmers are taking an active role in farm forestry development at a regional, state and national level as part of landowner groups, regional and state planning committees and private organisations.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 2. Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives
Project Title Sideroxylonal: a valuable extract from oil-mallee crops in Western Australia RIRDC Project No.: ANU-67A Start Date: 01-Jul-04 Finish Date: 31-Jul-07 Researcher: Dr William Foley Organisation: Australian National University
Botany and Zoology
CANBERRA ACT 0200Phone: (02) 6125 2535 Fax: (02) 6125 5573 Email: william.foley@anu.edu.au Objectives The project aims to develop sideroxylonals as new substances extracted from existing oil mallee crops (in particular Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. lissophloia) in Western Australia in a way that is consistent with plans for integrating processing of mallee crops for energy, charcoal and cineole production. Current Progress We have continued to make improvements to the processes of extracting and purifying sideroxylonal from Eucalyptus loxophleba and can now produce hundreds of grams of sideroxylonal with a purity of >95% by HPLC. We also investigated changes in the proportion of isomers of sideroxylonal and concluded that there is significant re-arrangements of isomers in different solvents. Testing to identify useful biological activities of sideroxylonal has been challenging. We approached a number of private companies with a record of developing natural products with an offer to provide compound free of charge in exchange for confidential results on testing against a wide range of targets. The response to this offer was low but there was some take-up but no significant activities have been reported. We have made the compound available to a wider range of agrochemical companies and we are still awaiting feedback from them. We considered placing the compound in commercial compound libraries but after discussion with RIRDC we delayed doing that and have commissioned some fee-for service testing of other potential biological activities ourselves. There are significant barriers to the development of new natural products from the Australian flora particularly related to the scale and resources of the Australian bioactive industries. RIRDC Research in Progress – 2. Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives
Project Title Four-year genetic analysis of low rainfall tree breeding genetic trials (ALRTIG III) RIRDC Project No.: CSF-66A Start Date: 1 Jun 2006 Finish Date: 28 Feb 2008 Researcher: David Bush Organisation: Ensis Phone: 02 6281 8323 Fax: 02 6281 8312 Email: david.bush@csiro.au Objectives The project will assess the performance of numerous genetic improvement plantings established by ALRTIG under the auspices of RIRDC projects CSF-58A and CSF-62A. The proposal is to measure and collate data from the trials, and to provide summary reporting. We will also seek to further exploit the value of the collected data by making them available for more detailed analysis. We propose to actively seek input from post-graduate students to achieve this end. Current Progress Growth and form trait data has been collected from a total of 12 progeny trials of 5 species and 8 genetic gain trials of 3 species. The data will be used to compile metadata. Species for which metadata will be compiled include Eucalyptus cladocalyx, E. tricarpa , E. sideroxylon, E. occidentalis and Corymbia maculata. The gain trial data have been drawn from both ALRTIG Government partner plantings and industry partner plantings. Results of E. cladocalyx and Corymbia spp. genetic gain trials have been published as a poster paper at the 2007 Australia-New Zealand Institute of Foresters Conference. The trials demonstrate the superiority of genetically improved material over the best-bet wild seed sources.
Metadata from the progeny trials are in the process of being compiled. The data will be invaluable to scientists such as growth modellers and practitioners interested in low rainfall plantations. E. tricarpa data were made available to an ANU PhD student, who has published work on genetic variation of leaf chemical constituents. An ANU MPhil student is using data from ALRTIG’s 8 E. cladocalyx sites to determine whether or not genotype-by-environment interaction will be a significant issue for the breeding program. A paper using data drawn from an industry collaborator’s ALRTIG trials was presented at the 2007 Australasian Forest Genetics Conference.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 2. Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives
Project Title Genetic improvement for naturally durable hardwood posts RIRDC Project No.: CSF-67A Start Date: 01-Jun-2006 Finish Date: 31-May-2008 Researcher: David Bush and Kevin McCarthy Organisation: Ensis Phone: 02 6281 8323 Fax: 02 6281 8312 Email: david.bush@csiro.au Objectives The objective is to assess the scope for creation of genetically improved varieties of two naturally-durable low rainfall eucalypts tailored to naturally-durable post production; particularly vineyard posts. Though commercially focussed, the overall drivers for this research are environmental: firstly, there is a need to develop commercial products to encourage wide-scale planting of deep-rooted woody vegetation suited to Australia's sheep-wheat belt, and secondly; there is a need to lessen the use of toxic materials in Australia's agriculture and horticulture industries. Substitution of copper-chrome-arsenic (CCA) posts with naturally durable ones has the potential for significant positive impacts. Current Progress Two species, sugar gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) and swamp yate (E. occidentalis) have been assessed for natural durability traits. A provenance-progeny trial growing at Benalla, Victoria was sampled by stem coring. Significant genetic differences in heartwood to sapwood ratio have been detected, indicating excellent potential to breed for this trait. Accelerated decay studies using white and brown rot fungi have indicated that very young-aged sugar gum heartwood (8 years old) will have acceptable durability for the intended product. Moreover, genetic variation in susceptibility to one of the fungi was also indicated. The next stage of the study will involve determination of variation in extractive content of the heartwood. Extractives play a key role in preventing the ingress of moisture and colonisation of decay organisms. Initial screening of swamp yate sampled from an eight-year-old plantation at Shelford, Victoria have indicated that very young-aged wood of this species is probably not sufficiently durable for this application. We intend to screen similarly aged samples of spotted gum (Corymbia spp.) to determine whether this species is a better candidate for naturally durable products.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 2. Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives
Project Title Green ants as biological control agents in agroforestry RIRDC Project No.: UNT-7A Start Date: 1 Jan 2006 Finish Date: 30 Dec 2008 Researcher: Keith Christian, Renkang Peng and Don Reilly Organisation: Charles Darwin University and Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries & Mines of NT Phone: 08 89 466706 Fax: 08 89 466847 Email: Keith.Christian@cdu.edu.au; renkang.peng@cdu.edu.au Objectives The objectives of the project are to: 1. investigate the role of green ants in controlling a range of insect pests in tree plantations, specifically the shoot borer 2. clarify the mechanism of the ant control on the main insect pests
3. develop a cost-effective and sustainable tree-ant farming system
4. provide recommendations for successful growth of valuable timber species within the family Meliaceae
Current Progress The field experiments at all three study sites are progressing well. The first experiment at Mackay was successful. 70% of trees in the treatments with bags only or with bags and ants were not damaged by the shoot borer while 70% of trees with the ants only were damaged and 100% of trees protected with green ant extract or without treatment were damaged. Also, trees with bags performed much better than those of the other treatments with respect to the number of leaves, leaf colour and tree height. Thus, bags created better growing conditions for the trees. Three treatments are being used in the current long-term experiment (trees with bags and ants, trees with bags only and trees without treatment). We have determined five species of insects to be the main pests of African mahogany: the fruit spotting bug (Amblypelta lutescens), the looper (Gymnoscelis sp), the shoot borer (Hypsipyla robusta), the field cricket and the crusader bug (Mictis profana). No target mahogany trees in the ant treatment (40 trees) were damaged, but of 33 trees in the treatment without the ants, 4 were damaged by the looper, 3 by the fruit spotting bug and 1 by the field cricket. The results showed that green ants are very effective in controlling these five species of pests.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 2. Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives
Project Title (NHT) Agroforestry industry evaluation: product groups, industry size, market penetration, regional coordination and value-adding opportunities RIRDC Project No.: URS-2A Start Date: 1 Nov 2006 Finish Date: 31 Jan 2008 Researcher: Mark Kelly Organisation: URS Forestry Phone: (03) 8699 7592 Fax: (03) 8699 7550 Email: Mark_A_Kelly@URSCorp.com Objectives The project will provide a clear analysis of existing and potential products and markets into which agroforestry can expand or better coordinate, and the regions where this is most achievable. The conclusions of the project will inform future JVAP investments. It will also assist private investors assess potential opportunities and assist in guiding strategic investments by government agencies to promote agroforestry. The project will assemble and analyse relevant data including the extent and nature of existing farm forestry resources, potential opportunities for product development and key market drivers of those opportunities. Implications for growers and investors including the potential for cooperation and for strategic interventions will be identified e.g. infrastructure investment, and identification of agroforestry industry research and marketing needs.
The project will complement outcomes from the Regional Prioritisation study which will identify regional capabilities for agroforestry. There will be close coordination between the projects.
Current Progress The first milestone report which examined the extent of agroforestry planting and markets for farm forestry products in the wheat sheep zone has been completed. The second milestone report which provides estimates of farm forestry resources by regions around Australia has been completed and is awaiting comment from the JVAP Committee before being finalised. The report includes plantations, private native forests and fodder crops in estimates of farm forestry resources. Work on the third milestone report which will provide a market analysis for farm forestry products around Australia has begun. URS Forestry is in the process of analysing domestic and international markets as background for the analysis. The next stage will be to identify regional opportunities for accessing existing or new markets for agroforestry resources. The report is due to be complete in July 2007.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 2. Develop products and markets including environmental services, and new agroforestry systems to meet regional NRM objectives
Project Title FloraSearch (Stage 3) – Selection and development of multi-purpose perennial species for large-scale development in the wheat-sheep belt of southern Australia RIRDC Project No.: UWA-98A Start Date: 01-Apr-06 Finish Date: 30-Apr-08 Researcher: Mr Mike Bennell Organisation: Cooperative Research Centre for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity Phone: (08) 8303 9486 Fax: (08) 8303 9555 Email: bennell.mike@saugov.sa.gov.au Objectives The overarching aim of FloraSearch is to develop new, commercial, broad-scale woody perennial crops for the 250–650 mm rainfall agricultural areas of southern Australia. These crops will assist in controlling recharge associated with dryland and stream salinity, provide other natural resource benefits, and form the foundation of viable large-scale rural industries. The third phase will build on the findings of the first and second phases of FloraSearch. Specifically it will: ·1 Conduct extensive germplasm collection, commence domestication programs and develop agronomic practices for top ranking 'development' (see definitions in Appendix 1) species. ·2 Prepare a refined spatial model that integrates farm economics, productivity, biophysical parameters and existing infrastructure to enable regional analysis of new industries based on woody crops.
·3 Continue to evaluate species suitability in response to newly emerging or technological advances in product areas (eg perennial based grazing systems, bioenergy and mineral smelting utilizing charcoal).
·4 In conjunction with the CRC project 05-10-004 (New Industry and Marketing), identify and establish linkages to industries that can utilise the feedstock produced through these new short cycle crops. Provide updated economic evaluation and modelling of identified opportunities to build a business case of new crop and product options.
·5 Take a lead role in the development of new collaborative projects that support and complement the aims of FloraSearch eg. the development of grazing systems based on perennial species.
Current Progress Twenty-five native species have been prioritised for further evaluations and development by the FloraSearch project. In 2006 most of these species were planted in trial sites in SA, WA, NSW & Vic to evaluate provenance variations in site adaptability and productivity. Two species (Oldman Saltbush & Orange Wattle) have been promoted to next level for development and domestication. Extensive germplasm collections of these 2 species in 2005 have been established in plant evaluation and breeding trial sites in SA, NSW & WA. Assessments of the growth and survival of potential farm forestry species (and some provenances) planted in 2004 and 2005 are providing early insights into potential candidates for further development. Observations on plantation growth rates at other low rainfall trial sites and plantations have been incorporated into spatial yield models. This additional information has strengthened regional growth models which underpin paddock scale economic assessments and regional industry potential analyses. Spatial economic models are being expanded to include emerging new industry types including a range of biomass energy crop types and biosequestration. A high resolution regional case study has been fully developed for the Upper South East region of SA to investigate the potential extent and likely economic returns of a range of biomass industries in that region.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title Large-scale research investments for best practice farm forestry and vegetation management RIRDC Project No.: ANU-70A Start Date: 01 Jul 2005 Finish Date: 30 Dec 2008 Researcher: Professor David Lindenmayer Organisation: The Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Phone: 02 6125 0654 Fax: 02 6015 0757 Email: david.lindenmayer@anu.edu.au Objectives Based on 2 large-scale "natural experiments" established over the past decade, this project aims to capitalise on past JVAP investments to generate new insights and innovations to guide and integrate best practice plantation management, best practice farm forestry, and biodiversity conservation. This JVAP project is an opportunity to draw together major past and ongoing studies to rigorously tackle questions associated with the management of remnant native vegetation and its associated biota when it is embedded within a plantation landscape mosaic. The work aims to: ·1 Investigate the contribution of plantation forestry & farm forestry to sustainable management of natural resources. ·2 Develop cost-effective multipurpose plantation and agroforestry systems to meet commercial & environmental objectives.
Current Progress Based on 2 large-scale "natural experiments" established over the past decade, this project aims to capitalise on past JVAP investments to generate new insights and innovations to guide and integrate best practice plantation management, best practice farm forestry, and biodiversity conservation. This project is proceeding well. Major papers on reptile, mammal and bird responses to plantation development and the retention of native vegetation patches within plantations are currently being peer-reviewed by leading international journals. Two papers on the selection of native vegetation remnants within plantations that can best sample the reptile, bird and mammal fauna have recently been published. The write up of a recently completed project examining the effects on mammals and birds when the surrounding pine stands are clearfelled is well advanced and a paper from that work will be submitted to an international journal in the coming 4-6 weeks. That work has identified those species which are relatively immune to changes in the surrounding landscape context of remnant native patches and contrasted them with the life history attributes of vertebrates which undergo rapid short-term decline. Finally, a new Ph.D program has commenced in the Tumut and Nanangroe plantations and it is re-examining eucalypt patches sampled for vertebrates 10 years ago and quantifying the changes in biodiversity over the past decade. These changes will be correlated with changes in the age class distribution and spatial distribution of pine stands in the Tumut and Nanangroe plantations.
A final reprt to JVAP at the completion of the project will synthesis the results, to provide impoved guidelines on farm forestry design for biodiversity.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title Productivity of mallee agroforestry systems with various competition management regimes RIRDC Project No.: CAL-9A Start Date: 1 Oct 2005 Finish Date: 17 Mar 2011 Researcher: Dan Huxtable Organisation: Department of Environment and Conservation (formerly CALM), WA Phone: (08) 9334 0186 Fax: (08) 9334 0367 Email: Daniel.Huxtable@dec.wa.gov.au Objectives This project is investigating aspects of the management and productivity of integrated mallee/crop/pasture farming systems. It will: ·1 measure biomass growth of unharvested oil mallees and the coppice productivity of mallees subject to four harvest regimes and root pruning. ·2 determine the lateral extent of the competition zone adjacent to mallee belts and crop yield and estimate pasture production within the competition zone for the management regimes described in objective 1.
·3 use these data to assess the economic returns from integrated mallee/agriculture systems with various harvest and competition management regimes.
·4 develop robust guidelines for managing integrated mallee/agriculture systems to maximise economic returns.
Current Progress The project will measure the effects of competition between the mallee and agriculture components under different management regimes, and subject the results to economic analysis. It will test the hypothesis that harvest regime and root pruning can be used to shift the balance of productivity between the crop and mallee components, and choice of management regime can enhance the complementarity between mallee and annual crop. This project is proceeding to schedule. In 2006, nineteen study sites were established in the WA wheatbelt (8 in the north east Wheatbelt, 8 in the Upper Great Southern and 3 in the Esperance region). Three species of mallee were included, with plant age ranging from 5 to 12 years.
Autumn and spring mallee harvest treatments were imposed at all 19 sites in 2006. Site level allometric equations were developed to provide mallee plot biomass estimates at each site. Biomass production, expressed as above ground bone dry MAI, ranged from 2 to 10 dry tonnes/ha/yr. Age 1 mallee coppice growth measurements have been made for Autumn harvest treatments.
Annual crop yields were measured at eleven sites where crops (wheat, barley, oats or canola) were grown adjacent to mallee belts in 2006. Measurements were made at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 meters from the edge of the mallee stump line. Pasture yields (Food On Offer) were measured at five sites, at distances out from the mallee stump line as per crop yield measurements.
At two sites the pasture was too poor to assess due to drought. At two other sites the crop failed due to drought and was therefore not assessed. Significant suppression of crop and pasture yields was observed in the crop zone within 20 meters of the mallee stump line.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title Hydrological impacts and productivity interactions of integrated oil- mallee farming systems RIRDC Project No.: DAW-101A Start Date: 01-Mar-02 Finish Date: 30-Nov-09 Researcher: Kim Brooksbank Organisation: Department of Agriculture and Food (WA)
444 Albany Hwy
Albany WA 6330Phone: 08 9892 8444 Fax: 08 9841 2707 Email: kbrooksbank@agric.wa.gov.au Objectives This project will result in improved design, management and prediction of landscape-scale impacts of integrated agricultural systems that incoporate short rotation coppicing tree species, in terms of productivity expectations and salinity control in the medium to low rainfall zones. Current Progress The management of this project has recently been taken over by Kim Brooksbank, from earlier work by Peter Taylor. Monitoring of groundwater levels and tree growth is being carried out as planned with the next full tree measure to take place in spring 2007. Malfunctions of some of the down hole peizometer loggers has resulted in more of the bore monitoring being undertaken manually.
Negotiations have begun with CSIRO about the use of 3PG growth modelling software which will allow the inclusion of the data collected in this project in the Farm Forestry Toolbox. The proposed economic analysis should also be achievable via this medium. Adrian Goodwin writes the code for the Toolbox, and says he will be able to make the changes by early 2008.
Some of the staff originally involved in this project have moved on and I am in the process of identifying the appropriate people to undertake their work.
During July, Kim intends to visit all three research sites to get a clearer understanding of the project.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title Phase farming with trees – field validation of the cropping phase RIRDC Project No.: DAW-104A Start Date: 01-Jul-02 Finish Date: 30-Sep-07 Researcher: Dr Robert Sudmeyer Organisation: Department of Agriculture (WA)
RMB 50, Melijinup Rd
ESPERANCE WA 6450Phone: (08) 9083 1129 Fax: (08) 9083 1100 Email: rsudmeyer@agric.wa.gov.au Objectives This project will work on phase-farming with trees, a new agroforestry system for the medium and low rainfall agricultural areas of southern Australia. If phase farming with trees can be shown to be viable, it will result in significant revegetation and salinity reduction across southern Australia. The project will deliver evaluations of the economic and agronomic feasibility of pasture and crop production after the tree phase of phase farming with trees, and its potential to ameliorate declining soil structure, fertility and biological activity and to decrease excess recharge to groundwater. The two experimental sites will be used as foci to demonstrate the benefits of phase farming to the farming community. Current Progress Following tree harvesting in 2003, crops and pasture were grown at the Howick and Tincurrin trial sites. Measurements have included regular monitoring of soil water content to 9 m, monitoring waterlogging, soil nutrient analysis, soil permeability, crop and pasture growth yield and quality measurements and annual determination of soil biological activity. At Tincurrin, Eucalyptus polybractea dried the soil to 10 m, creating a soil water deficit of 1350 mm within six years of planting. It is estimated that annual crops and pasture could be grown at this site for 68 years before the soil again reaches field capacity. At Howick, E. globulus dried the soil to 4.5 m, creating a soil water deficit of 300-400 mm. It is estimated that annual crops and pasture could be grown at this site for 2-4 years before the soil again reaches field capacity.
At Howick, crop yields were reduced for 4 years after clearing, pasture yields were unaffected by year two and greater in years 3 and 4. At Tincurrin, reduced plant available water limited crop and pasture growth for three years after clearing. Economic analysis indicates that agriculture 1-4 years after a tree phase is less profitable than continuous agriculture.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title Competitiveness of Acacia saligna in alleys; root morphology and physiology RIRDC Project No.: DAW-110A Start Date: 01-Jul-03 Finish Date: 30-Jun-09 Researcher: Dr Robert Sudmeyer Organisation: Department of Agriculture (WA)
RMB 50, Melijinup Rd
ESPERANCE WA 6450Phone: (08) 9083 1129 Fax: (08) 9083 1100 Email: rsudmeyer@agric.wa.gov.au Objectives The aim of this research is to improve the knowledge base upon which scientists and land managers can draw when designing farming systems incorporating trees. Specifically this project will establish a trial site to test the hypothesis that acacias planted in alleys are less competitive with agricultural crops than eucalypts with similar form. The trial site will be used to assess the relative competitiveness of Acacia saligna and Eucalyptus polybreactea, in terms of tree growth and adjacent crop growth and so gain an understanding of the inherent root morphology of the two tree species, how this is modified by competition with annual species, and how the acacia/eucalypt and crops interact in terms of nutrient and soil water balances. Current Progress The research site has been established on Esperance Downs Research Station. The soil is 70-80 cm of sand over clay (Basic, Mesonatric, Yellow Sodosol). Site preparation (weed control, ripping and fencing) commenced in July 2003, the trees were planted on 7/8/03. Subsequently the alleys have been cropped or mown for hay. Germinating weeds were sprayed out along the tree lines in 2003, 4 and 5, in 2006 the trees were considered capable of competing with any weeds. In September 2006 survival was 83% % for Acacia saligna and 87% for Eucalyptus polybractea. Tree deaths to date have occurred randomly through the tree rows and should not affect the ultimate goal of using the site for research purposes. In September 2006 tree height was 3.9m for Acacia saligna and 2.2 m for Eucalyptus polybractea. Neutron moisture meter access tubes were installed to 2 and 3 m in June 2006. Full instrumentation of the site with Thermal dissipation sap flow probes will commence in December 2007 when the trees and root systems are well established and measurements will begin in 2008. RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title (NHT) Developing appropriate designs to increase biodiversity in commercial eucalypt plantations RIRDC Project No.: DSE-1A Start Date: 31 Jan 2003 Finish Date: 30 Sep 2007 Researcher: Richard .H Loyn Organisation: Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Sustainability & Environment Phone: 03 9450 8703 Fax: 03 9450 8799 Email: Richard.loyn@dse.vic.gov.au Objectives The project will provide new information about ways to enhance biodiversity values of eucalypt plantations and their contribution to rural biodiversity. Outcomes will include new knowledge (disseminated in various ways) and a set of plantations where certain conclusions can be demonstrated on the ground. Specifically, the project will:
·1 test and develop practical modifications to standard design of commercial eucalypt plantations, that will increase the contribution by plantations to regional biodiversity. This involves an experimental study of new plantations with and without understorey. ·2 assess the costs and benefits of such modifications to stakeholders.
·3 undertake a retrospective study of biodiversity in established plantations.
Current Progress Planned fieldwork has been completed, and the project has been extended to September to take advantage of data from supplementary projects catalysed by the JVAP project. Experimental plantations have developed to the extent where they attract various birds and some mammals, despite growth being retarded by the drought. However, differences between treatments remain subtle. Three single rows of planted shrubs appear to attract more forest or woodland birds than the other shrub treatments (shrubs planted in a block or band of 3 rows) and all are marginally superior to the control with no planted shrubs. The retrospective study has shown that eucalypt plantations can support a wide range of forest or woodland birds and mammals. Some species and guilds make extensive use of plantations, including bats and bird species that forage in the canopy, tall shrubs and from open ground among trees. Conversely, arboreal mammals and bark-foraging birds are generally scarce in plantations compared with remnant native forest. The study has been extended with supplementary projects in a wide range of environments.
Presentations have been given at various forums including the International Ornithological Congress in Hamburg, Germany. A paper has been published in Biological Conservation and more will be prepared.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title Improved direct seeding establishment of commercial native plants through improved germination, moisture management and weed control RIRDC Project No.: FFI-1A Start Date: 29-Jun-2007 Finish Date: 31-May-2009 Researcher: Dr Geoff Woodall Organisation: Future Farm Industries CRC Ltd Phone: (08) 9892 8427 Fax: (08) 9841 2707 Email: gwoodall@agric.wa.gov.au Objectives This project will generate new knowledge to address current limitations of direct seeding as a reliable establishment technique. The outcome will be better regional capacity to use direct seeding for landscape scale commercial and environmental revegetation. By gaining a fundamental understanding of the seed and germination biology of the target species, along with some new technologies to enhance their establishment success, the outcomes of the seed enhancement component of this research will be the development of a national program to deliver seed based solutions to overcome seed germination barriers for a profitable and productive broad-acre agroforestry and restoration industry. These two linked components will ensure that JVAP's objective "to improve the field establishment and survival of direct sown commercial woody crops species" will be achieved.
Current Progress This project commenced late in 2006-07 and will report next year.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title Catchment scale evaluation of Trees, Water & Salt (previously CAL-8A) RIRDC Project No.: FPC-2A Start Date: 01-Jul-2003 Finish Date: 30-Nov-2008 Researcher: Dr Richard Harper Organisation: Forest Products Commission Phone: 08 9475 8824 Fax: 08 9475 8877 Email: richardh@fpc.wa.gov.au Objectives 1. Improvement of existing catchment models for salinity prediction and tree placement in low rainfall areas. 2. Field test the principles recommended in "Trees Water and Salt" (TWS) for farmland revegetation, using a sub-catchment scale revegetation experiment/demonstration planting near Wickepin, Western Australia. Trees were established (2000) in an 80 ha sub-catchment using these guidelines and monitoring equipment has been installed as part of NHT-FFP project "Putting Trees in Their Place" (NHT 983297).
3. Evaluation of the suitability of seven other revegetation experiments for strategic measurement and modelling.
4. Improve existing models and the TWS guidelines for tree placement.
5. Extend the findings to landholders, extension workers and policy makers.
Current Progress This project has formed the basis of a groundwater monitoring scheme designed for the Strategic Tree Farming (STF) Project, a joint venture between the National Action Plan for Salinity, the WA Government and regional catchment groups. The STF project will result in 18,000 ha of trees being planted in the medium rainfall zone of WA in various designs. Ongoing measurements were made of trees, soil water and groundwater at the Wickepin site. The experiment is now entering its 6th year and an apparent groundwater response has occurred under one tree belt. Several species were incorporated into the design on the basis of their potential water use and carbon sequestration. Large differences in tree growth are apparent between species, with respective top heights at 6.5 years old of between 2 to 3 m for Eucalyptus sargentii, E. loxophleba, E. salmonphloia, E. wandoo, E. kondinensis and E. rudis and between 4-5 m for E. occidentalis and E. globulus. There are no significant differences in tree growth with slope position.
A plenary paper was presented to the IUFRO Forest Restoration Conference in Seoul, in May 2007. This paper described the challenges in identifying profitable reforestation options for lower rainfall areas and prospective methods of integrating trees into farming systems. A chapter will be prepared for a refereed book to be published in 2008.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title Farm trees: enhancing biodiversity, nature conservation and natural pest control RIRDC Project No.: US-117A Start Date: 30-Jul-02 Finish Date: 02-Apr-08 Researcher: Professor Geoff Gurr Organisation: The University of Sydney (in transition to Charles Sturt University ownership)
Pest Management Group, Faculty of Rural Management
PO Box 883
ORANGE NSW 2800Phone: (02) 6365 7551 Fax: (02) 6365 7590 Email: ggurr@csu.edu.au Objectives To deliver an understanding of how biodiversity of small to medium scale tree plantations may be enhanced, thus increasing nature conservation value and minimising pest problems. Guidelines will be produced on reducing the requirement for use of insecticide applications in the establishment of plantations. Benefits to adjacent crop and pastures will also be quantified, providing an additional incentive for landholders to adopt agroforestry. Current Progress Sixty-six bird species from eight foraging guilds plus 14 species of bats were observed to use 62 shelterbelts in the central-west region of New South Wales, Australia. Many of the birds were woodland species, some known to be decreasing in numbers; two ‘vulnerable’ bird and one bat species were also observed. The diversity of birds and bats has been demonstrated to be significantly related with the woody plant diversity of the shelterbelts. Other variables of significance included woody plant density, width, structural complexity and tree height. Bird-exclusion experiments showed no conclusive evidence of control of arthropod pests by insectivorous birds; rather, the results suggested that insectivorous birds predated not only on arthropod herbivores, but also on spiders.
Arthropods, numbering 32,559, from 18 shelterbelts have been collected and identified to investigate further the effect of plant diversity and other shelterbelt and landscape characteristics. The effects of five nectar- and pollen-rich plants on arthropods are being currently measured in a field experiment. Directional sticky traps, vacuum sampling and sentinel baits using Helicoverpa armigera eggs and Therioaphis maculata nymphs have been used to collect and measure activity of arthropods from shelterbelt to the adjacent areas. Data will be used to determine the extent to which the arthropod natural enemies associated with shelterbelts contribute to pest suppression in adjacent areas.
RIRDC Research in Progress – 3. Develop agroforestry designs that optimize social, economic and environmental factors at the paddock, farm and regional-landscape scale
Project Title Multi-purpose 'healthy' grazing systems using perennial shrubs RIRDC Project No.: UWA-97A Start Date: 14-Feb-2006 Finish Date: 30-Jul-2008 Researcher: Dr Dean Revell Organisation: University of Western Australia Phone: 08 9333 6492 Fax: 08 9383 7688 Email: dean.revell@csiro.au Objectives This project aims to explore the use of shrubs as a feedbase for innovative and profitable grazing enterprises in the livestock-cropping zones of southern Australia. I