Response of messmate stringybark regrowth to release in irregular stands of mixed eucalypts.  J. D. Kellas, J. G. Edgar and R. O. Squire.  January 1986.  14pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

The response in basal area and height of messmate stringybark regrowth stems to release from competition was examined in irregular stands of mixed eucalypts in the Wombat and Creswick State Forests. These stands contain a mixture of small trees (diameter breast height over bark, dbhob < 30 cm) less than 40 years old (regrowth), with larger (dbhob to 80 cm) trees 80 to 100 years old (overwood). Competing stems were identified by the 'zone count' method using a 9.2 m²ha^-1 optical wedge.

Although competing overwood and regrowth reduced both regrowth basal area increment (bai) and height increment, regrowth stems retained a capacity to respond to complete release from this competition. All regrowth regardless of crown position within the regrowth stratum responded to the removal of competition, with the magnitude of the response in bai and height increment generally increasing with increasing crown dominance.

These results indicate that in the mixed eucalypt forests of central Victoria, where partial cutting is practised, selected regrowth stems, preferably of good form and in the dominant crown position class, can be released from their competitors to reduce the production time for the new crop.

Also published:

Kellas, J.D., Edgar, J.G. and Squire, R.O. (1988)  Response of messmate stringybark regrowth to release in irregular stands of mixed eucalypts.  Aust. For. 50(4): 253-259.