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| Rural Industries |
Objectives
Background
There has been a dramatic increase in tree planting
by individuals and community groups in recent years. However,
tree planting projects are more effective when appropriate species
and provenances (seed sources) are used. Many revegetation research
trials on species and provenance performance have been established
throughout Australia, but results have not been readily available
to other researchers and general extension staff.
A tree database is one way to improve accessibility. MPDAT (Multi-purpose Tree Database) was developed in 1990/91 by the CSIRO Division of Forestry in conjunction with Winrock International Forestry/Fuelwood Research and Development Project (F/Fred). It is a PC database designed to present experimental data from field trails in a summary form. Despite some limitations, MPDAT provided a suitable medium for collecting and collating research trial and field data.
Research
An experienced Scientific Officer was engaged, on contract, to compile, collate and enter data on species performance from selected research trials around South Australia into the CSIRO MPTDAT data base.
Outcome
Data on species performance has been collected from
61 research trials and 46 sites around South Australia and forwarded
to CSIRO for incorporation into the national MPTDAT data base.
When distributed by the CSIRO, researchers will have wider access to species/provenances performance data. A training seminar on MPDAT for various interested researchers and extension staff was held at State Flora, Murray Bridge on 16th June 1994.
Implications
If MPDAT is to realise its potential, there will
need to be wide participation, a policy for distribution of the
information to non-participating organisations, more effective
software developed to allow easier use/access of the data and
a central distribution arrangement.
The effect of improved species/provenance recommendations
are expected to be a reduced use of species beyond their range,
more extensive revegetation stimulated by more successful projects
and increased numbers of suitable species considered for a project.
This will help increase total farm productivity by
improving shelter from taller windbreaks, increasing life spans
and service from plantings because of better species selection.
It effectively locates plantings to protect crops, stock and land,
lowers costs; and produces more reliable results and greater benefits
for the same investment in revegetation.
RIRDC Project No: PIF-1A
RESEARCHER: Mr Peter Bulman
ORGANISATION: Sustainable Resources
South Australian Department of Primary Industries PO Box 752 MURRAY BRIDGE SA 5253PHONE: 08 339 5055 or 085 323 344
FAX: 08 339 5055 or 085 325 646
Last updated: 10 October 1996
Copyright © RIRDC
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