A study of eucalypt species and site preparation methods for reforestation of denuded sites on the Toorongo Plateau. First progress report.  R.J. McKimm.  May 1974.  10 pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

Reforestation trials established at the Toorongo plateau in 1972 show that it is possible to achieve satisfactory early growth and survival of both Eucalyptus nitens and Eucalyptus delegatensis.

Four species were tried with four different site preparation treatments on three areas. These represented harsh, moderate, and relatively protected sites, which carried vegetation of predominantly grass, bracken, and dogwood scrub respectively.

This study indicated E. nitens to be the most suitable species, and ploughing the most successful site preparation procedure, for reforestation of the plateau.

E. regnans and E. globulus were completely unsatisfactory in this harsh environment, but E. delegatensis was suitable on the less exposed sites provided these were prepared for planting by either ploughing or furrowing.

Although ploughing was generally the most successful site preparation procedure, furrowing was also quite satisfactory. Because of the rocky terrain this treatment seems a more practical procedure than ploughing and is very much cheaper.

The results of this study apply only to fertilised trees, as the use of fertiliser was regarded as mandatory in such an environment. However, a separate trial has been established to examine the validity of this assumption and to decide the optimum type and rate of fertiliser required.

Because time of planting, seasonal conditions, planting espacement, hardiness of stock, and perhaps seed provenance, are critical for trials in harsh environments, the findings of this work are regarded as promising, not definitive. Further studies have to be undertaken to examine the extent to which the conclusions reached are reliable.

Also published:

McKimm, R.J. and Flinn, D.W. (1979)  Eucalypt species, site preparation and fertiliser requirements for reforestation of the Tooronga Plateau in central Victoria.  Aust. For. 42 (2): 117-24.