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The effect of wide initial spacing on wood properties in plantation grown Eucalyptus pilularis

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Abstract

Eucalyptus pilularis planted at three initial stocking densities of 833, 1111 and 1,667 stems ha−1 grown at either square or rectangular spacing was assessed for the effects of stocking and rectangularity on wood properties. Sample trees from each stocking and rectangularity combination were harvested at age 7 years and assessed for the commercially important wood properties of bow, as an indication of growth strain, shrinkage and basic density. Crown length ratio was used as an indicator of stand vigour and clear wood availability. Furthermore comment is made on the financial ramifications of wide inter-row spacing. Stocking and rectangularity significantly influenced bow but not shrinkage or basic density. Reducing within-row spacing to 2 m with a larger between-row-space of 6 m had minimal affect on wood properties. Reducing the number of rows, whilst still retaining a commercial stocking, reduces the establishment costs and increases the ease of mechanical harvesting without adversely affecting log value.

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Acknowledgments

Forest NSW for the provision of the study material. Peter Bligh-Jones, for his invaluable assistance in processing the material to obtain the data. Prof Jerry Vanclay for proof reading and suggestion of improvements to the manuscript. Dr Kevin Glencross for proof reading of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forestry Research Centre, School of Environment Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW, Australia

    M. Cassidy, G. Palmer & R. G. B. Smith

  2. HQ Plantations, Building 3, 2 Flinders Pde, North Lakes, QLD, 4509, Australia

    M. Cassidy

  3. Cooperative Research Centre for Forestry, Lismore, NSW, Australia

    M. Cassidy & G. Palmer

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  1. M. Cassidy
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  3. R. G. B. Smith
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Correspondence to M. Cassidy.

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Cassidy, M., Palmer, G. & Smith, R.G.B. The effect of wide initial spacing on wood properties in plantation grown Eucalyptus pilularis . New Forests 44, 919–936 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-013-9385-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-013-9385-5

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