Guiding early silvicultural interventions through predicting canopy and crown dynamics in plantations of sub-tropical eucalypts. This project aims to establish the scientific basis for silvicultural treatments of eucalypt plantations for clear wood production. While eucalypt plantations in north-eastern NSW have dramatically increased in recent times, the knowledge base for the production clear, branch-free wood from the tree species used does not exist. A physiological, mechanistic understandin ....Guiding early silvicultural interventions through predicting canopy and crown dynamics in plantations of sub-tropical eucalypts. This project aims to establish the scientific basis for silvicultural treatments of eucalypt plantations for clear wood production. While eucalypt plantations in north-eastern NSW have dramatically increased in recent times, the knowledge base for the production clear, branch-free wood from the tree species used does not exist. A physiological, mechanistic understanding of crown and canopy dynamics as well as branch shedding will form the scientific foundation for stand manipulations such as pruning and thinning to enhance wood quality. Project outcomes will provide the basis for a stand management simulation model for the most important eucalypt species.Read moreRead less
Site factors and genotype-site interaction affecting growth of eucalypt hybrids bred for commercial agro-forestry as a salinity management tool. Preliminary results indicate that with appropriate site-genotype matching, commercial plantation forestry can be pushed well below the current limit (650-700mm/yr). Outcomes from this project will potentially facilitate doubling of Australia's forest plantations, eliminate the annual trade deficit of $2 billion in forest products; ensure the long term e ....Site factors and genotype-site interaction affecting growth of eucalypt hybrids bred for commercial agro-forestry as a salinity management tool. Preliminary results indicate that with appropriate site-genotype matching, commercial plantation forestry can be pushed well below the current limit (650-700mm/yr). Outcomes from this project will potentially facilitate doubling of Australia's forest plantations, eliminate the annual trade deficit of $2 billion in forest products; ensure the long term environmental and productive sustainability of our agricultural production systems; diversify and drought proof farm income through the introduction of perennial tree crops whose yield and harvest is independent of short term seasonal fluctuations; and re-invigorate the economy of rural Australia brought about by investment in new, inland forest and wood processing industries.Read moreRead less