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Titled Trees and Biodiversity: a guide for Australian Farm Forestry, the report has found that, contrary to some previous opinions, support for biodiversity does not necessarily have a negative impact on economic performance.
Compiled by well-known researchers Professor David Lindenmayer, David Salt (Australian National University) and Professor Richard Hobbs (Murdoch University WA), the book discusses a range of management techniques that can be used to provide this dual benefit.
Prof. Lindenmayer said Trees and Biodiversity is designed to increase knowledge among farm foresters of how natural ecosystems function, how to build natural values into the management of a farm forest, and how to turn a plantation of trees into an asset for biodiversity.
“No conclusive studies have yet identified precisely the biodiversity benefits that farm forestry provides and most evidence suggests that plantations, even if they contain a mix of native and introduced tree species, are not a substitute for a native forest or a patch of remnant native vegetation,” he said.
“Plantations lack the structural complexity, the mix of ages, and the range of resources needed to support a diverse assemblage of native animals and plants.
“Nevertheless, a farm forest can provide some of the resources necessary for some of the wildlife and native plants present in a given region. If planned sympathetically with the retention of existing native vegetation, planted forests can have significant conservation benefits for farms.”
Not all farm forestry is good for biodiversity, and each farm’s situation is unique. In different situations, a single practice can often produce varying results. However, an understanding of the basic principles and an ability to identify the basic requirements for wildlife will enable farm foresters to make informed judgements about their options.
The book is written for farmers, farm foresters, extension officers, plantation managers, conservationists and investors who want to take into account the conservation of biodiversity. Information is relevant to most forms of farm forestry, from small to large-scale plantations.
Trees and Biodiversity is the latest publication from the JVAP providing guidelines for agroforestry design and practice for farm advisers, catchment managers and landholders. Other titles in the series include Design principles for farm forestry; Trees, water and salt: an Australian guide to using trees for healthy catchments and productive farms; and Trees for shelter: a guide to using windbreaks on Australian farms.
Copies of Trees for Biodiversity: a guide for Australian farm Forestry can be ordered from RIRDC Ph: (02) 6272 4819, email: publications@rirdc.gov.au, online: www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop. The book costs $34 (inc postage & GST for orders.)
The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program was established in 1993 and is jointly funded by the Rural Industries R&D Corporation (RIRDC), Land & Water Australia (LWA), Forest and Wood Products R&D Corporation (FWPRDC) and the Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBC).
ENDS
Media inquiries
David Lindenmayer (02) 6125
0654
RIRDC Martin Field (02)
6272 4735 or 0418 430 760
 
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