Tropical plantation establishment challenges debated
Owners and operators of both forest nurseries and forest plantations met recently in Noosa, Queensland, to discuss the challenges involved in establishing plantations in Australia’s tropical regions.
Coordinated by Ensis (the forest industries R&D joint venture between Australia’s CSIRO and New Zealand’s Scion) the event provided a forum for open discussion of issues common to both the professional nurseryperson and plantation growers.
Discussion took a lively turn as the many issues associated with planting in the often harsh conditions of both Queensland and the Northern Territory were discussed and debated.
Issues such as the importance of hardening-off seedlings prior to distribution, root distortion and the water holding capacity of seedlings, dominated nursery discussions, while consideration of tree-establishment issues focused on the narrow window of opportunity for planting, planting methods, and the tools and methodologies available.
According to Ensis research scientist David Boden, the proceedings presented attendees with the opportunity to better understand the many challenges and how they might be overcome.
“By talking amongst ourselves we can learn far greater than alone, and this recent discussion highlights the opportunities created from a collaborative approach,” Mr Boden says.
“There are still some fundamental questions unanswered that require some research as a result of this discussion, however scientific research alone is not the answer.
“This is only step one. We all now have a better understanding of what we do know, and more importantly what we don’t know. So we now need to develop practical solutions for these complex issues in a collaborative manner,” he says.
“It was generally agreed that plantation establishment in the tropical environment of both Queensland and Northern Territory is relatively ‘un-chartered territory’ compared to some of the southern states and that by working together the industry can benefit considerably.”
More information:
David Boden, Ensis
+61 7 5442 6375
To view copies of the Ensis Challenge Workshop presentations or for a short summary visit the News and Events/Past Events page.