Logo image
Back
Effect of establishment density on yield from eucalypt pulpwood plantations in southern Australia
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Effect of establishment density on yield from eucalypt pulpwood plantations in southern Australia

T. G. Baker, I. C. Dumbrell, J. F. McGrath, B. M. May, D. S. Mendham, P. J. Smethurst, J. C. Wiedemann and D. Wiseman
Australian forestry, Vol.89(2), pp.144-153
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00049158.2026.2693825
pdf
Published5.03 MBDownloadView
Open Access CC BY V4.0

Abstract

Forestry Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology
Planting density remains a primary silvicultural decision influencing productivity and financial outcomes in eucalypt pulpwood plantations. Growth data from 20 Eucalyptus globulus and E. nitens planting-density experiments established in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania were collated and analysed. Under-bark stem volume growth to age 10 years (range 50-450 m(3) ha(-1)) was strongly correlated with site mean annual rainfall (range 500-1200 mm). On the higher-productivity sites (>270 m(3) ha(-1)), greater established densities increased stand-level yield, whereas on lower-productivity sites (<170 m(3) ha(-1)) density effects were modest and sometimes similar across the range 600-1200 stems ha(-1). Mortality-related volume losses were relatively small and unrelated to density. Stem diameter distributions were strongly site productivity- and density-dependent, with consequences for harvesting productivity. There is a need for contemporary experiments using improved germplasm under second or subsequent rotation growing conditions, given changes in climate and operational practices.

Details

Metrics

2 Record Views
Logo image