Research Branch Report No. 104

Early growth responses of radiata pine to grass control and superphosphate in the Strzelecki Ranges.  D. W. Flinn.  February 1978.  5 pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

A field experiment is described which evaluated the growth response of Pinus radiata to chemical grass control and superphosphate. The study was undertaken in the Strzelecki ranges on a site with a dense grass sward, moderately deep and fertile soil, and a relatively high and uniformly distributed rainfall. A strip application of Vorox M2 at 2.33 kg/planted ha soon after pine planting resulted in a 3 to 4 fold increase over control in mean tree volume after three years growth. Superphosphate application with or without chemical grass control was not associated with a growth response. Though an economic analysis was not feasible, the results indicated that chemical grass control is justified during P. radiata establishment on sites where grass competition is severe.

Also published:

Flinn, D.W. (1978)  Early growth responses of radiata pine to grass control and superphosphate in the Strzelecki Ranges.  Proc. 1st Conf. Counc. Of Aust. Weed Sci. Soc., Melbourne, 1978, pp. 317-20.