NT FF Trials Report

Farm Forestry Species Trials
in the Northern Territory

RIRDC Publication No. 09/091
Farm Forestry Species Trials in
the Northern Territory
by Mike Clark, David Carr, Tim Vercoe and Mat Hardy
November 2009
RIRDC Publication No 09/091

RIRDC Project No GAL-4A
© 2009 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
All rights reserved.
ISBN 1 74151 890 3

ISSN 1440-6845
Farm Forestry Species Trials in the Northern Territory

Publication No. 09/091
Project No. GAL-4A
The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion
and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in
this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.
While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct,
the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication.
The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the
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The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.
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should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165.
Researcher Contact Details

Dave Carr
Greening Australia Ltd
PO Box 74
Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6281 8585

Fax: 02 6281 8590
Email: dcarr@greeningaustralia.org.au
In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form.
RIRDC Contact Details

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
Level 2, 15 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600
PO Box 4776
KINGSTON ACT 2604
Phone: 02 6271 4100

Fax: 02 6271 4199
Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au.
Web: http://www.rirdc.gov.au
Electronically published by RIRDC in November 2009

Print-on-demand by Union Offset Printing, Canberra at www.rirdc.gov.au
or phone 1300 634 313
ii
Foreword
This report communicates results of a series of farm forestry species trials established in the Top End
of the NT from 1998 until 2003. The complete details relating to the trials include trial site
descriptions, establishment and maintenance details, species performance results, key findings and
recommendations.
The main body of this report presents the results to help identify the best appearance grade tropical
hardwood timber tree species and management options for a range of biophysical regions in the Top
End of the Northern Territory (NT). These trials compared the genetic and silvicultural variables of
species under controlled conditions, and demonstrated differences within trials and between trials in a
repeatable way.
The report also provides some background information in relation to the economic outlook for farm
forestry, as the opportunities are generally not well accepted by landholders and may be undervalued
by government institutions in the Northern Territory.
The results to date identify a preliminary set of four preferred species to be selected for further
silvilcultural management trialling: Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany), Tectona grandis (teak),
Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) and Eucalyptus pellita.
This project was funded by the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP), which is supported by
three R&D Corporations - Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), Land &
Water Australia (L&WA), and Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation1
(FWPRDC). The Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) also contributed to this project. The
R&D Corporations are funded principally by the Australian Government. State and Australian
Governments contribute funds to the MDBC.
This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1900 research publications. It forms part
of our Agroforestry and Farm Forestry R&D program, which aims to integrate sustainable and
productive agroforestry within Australian farming systems. The JVAP, under this program, is
managed by RIRDC.
Most of RIRDC’s publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online at
www.rirdc.gov.au. Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313.
Peter O’Brien
Managing Director
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
1
Now Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA)
iii
Abbreviations
ACIAR Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
AFFA Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia (now Department of Agriculture,

Fisheries and Forestry)
DBH Diameter at breast height
DBIRD Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)
DNREA Department of Natural Resources, Environment & the Arts (NT)
DPI&F Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (Qld)
DPIFM Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines (NT)
GANT Greening Australia NT
NT Northern Territory
NTF&TPN NT Forestry & Timber Products Network
QFRI Queensland Forestry Research Institute
RIRDC Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
TERTHFP Top End Regional Tropical Hardwood Forestry Project’
iv
Acknowledgments
We thank the Australian Government who, through the National Landcare Program, provided support
funding for the various farm forestry programs from 1998 to date. The specific programs included the
Farm Forestry Program, Farm Forestry Support and Farm Forestry Regional Support. A big thankyou
to all the landholders who generously made available areas of their properties to establish the 24 sites
from 1998/99 – 2000/01. We also thank Mr Kurt Neitzel, the Farm Forestry Coordinator who
coordinated the planning and established, monitored and documented most of the trials. The initiation
of the project concept was by Mike Clark of Greening Australia NT who played a major role in its
inception and organisation.
Other major players in the project were Don Reilly and Beau Robertson from the major partner in the
project, the then Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and now Department of Primary
Industry, Fisheries and Mining. Others who were also involved with this project and on the steering
committee were Greg Wills (NT Forestry & Timber Products Network) and Peter Brocklehurst of the
then NT Dept. of Infrastructure and Planning (now Department of Natural Resources Environment &
the Arts).
Thanks to all who assisted with the measuring of the trial sites including Don Reilly, Beau Robertson,
Vicki Simlesa, Nick Hartley, Jim Stuart and Kevin Flockhart. A special thanks goes to Dr Garth Nikles
for his continued support of forestry development in the Northern Territory and his expert knowledge
in the collection and analysis of data during the assessments of the trials. Roger Arnold and Emlyn
Williams from Ensis (the joint forces of CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products and Scion NZ) provided
valuable advice on data management and analysis. Aaron Simmons from Southern Cross University
assisted with the data analysis during a placement with Greening Australia.
Finally, but importantly, we acknowledge Kurt Neitzel (1945-2008).
Kurt was the Farm Forestry Coordinator for the Top End Regional Tropical Hardwood Forestry
Project for 4 years and coordinated the establishment, maintenance and monitoring of most of the trial
sites in this report. He was a true pioneer of modern farm forestry in the Top End of the NT. He was a
colleague and friend of Greening Australia and is sadly missed
v
Stakeholders involved in the project
Stakeholder Organisation/property Role in Project

Mike Clark Greening Australia NT Project Manager/Steering
Committee
Kurt Neitzel Greening Australia NT/ DPIF Farm Forestry Coordinator
Don Reilly Dept of Primary Industry & Fisheries Steering Committee & operational
– Agroforestry Unit. support
Beau Robertson DPIF – Agroforestry Unit Technical forestry support and
advice
Peter Brocklehurst Dept Lands Planning & Environment Steering Committee
David Carr Greening Australia Ltd Data collection and analysis
Mat Hardy Greening Australia Ltd Report compilation
Sharon Hillen Greening Australia NT Regional support
Michael Crothers Dept Lands Planning & Environment Regional support
Jim Stuart Greening Australia NT/DPIF Technical support
Greg Wills NT Forestry & Timber Products Steering Committee
Network
Gary Adams & Bridgitte Hickey Landholder Trial participant
Mr & Mrs Terry Baldwin Landholder Provide land for demo site
Phil Brooks Freds Pass Reserve Trial participant
Mook Crothers Dept of Lands Planning & Support for field days
Environment
Maree Davis Freds Pass Reserve Maintenance of trial
John Dekoning Landholder Trial participant
Gerry Doherty Landholder Trial participant
Bill Duminski Landholder Trial participant
Sam Griffin Slate Hill Pastoral, landholder Trial participant
Mel Hammett Landholder Trial participant
Tori Hayman Landholder Trial participant
Lee Humphries Landholder Trial participant
Kalano Farm Kalano Community Association Trial participant, Aboriginal land.
Barry Keitel Synden Park, Landholder Trial participant
Claus Kohler Landholder Trial participant

RJ Leal Landholder Trial participant
Tim McGuffog Landholder Trial participant
Geoff Meehan Landholder Trial participant
Darryl Parker Landholder Trial participant
Les Pleitner Landholder Trial participant
Alfie Salzgeber Wooliana Enterprises Landholder Trial participant
Ben Scattini Landholder Trial participant

David Tollner Landholder Trial participant
Henry Van Tilburg Landholder Trial participant
Don Walsh Landholder Trial participant
David Wills Landholder Trial participant
vi
Contents
Foreword ....................................................................................................................................... ii
Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... iv
Acknowledgments.................................................................................................................................. v
Tables .................................................................................................................................... viii
Figures ...................................................................................................................................... ix
Executive Summary............................................................................................................................. xii
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Top End Regional Tropical Hardwood Forestry Project .................................................................. 1
2. Tropical hardwood trials .................................................................................................................. 6
2.1 DeKoning Species Trial .............................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Duminski Species Trial............................................................................................................. 14
2.3 ETA Species Trial..................................................................................................................... 23
2.4 Fred’s Pass Species Trial .......................................................................................................... 32
2.5 Hammett Species Trial.............................................................................................................. 48
2.6 Hayman Species Trial ............................................................................................................... 55
2.7 Hickey Species Trial ................................................................................................................. 63
2.8 Howard Springs Species Trial................................................................................................... 71
2.9 Humphris Species Trial............................................................................................................. 78
2.10 Kohler Species Trial ............................................................................................................... 87
2.11 McGuffog (now Wing) Species Trial ..................................................................................... 95
2.12 Meehan Species Trial............................................................................................................ 110
2.13 Parker (now Harvey) Species Trial....................................................................................... 120
2.14 Pleitner Species Trial ............................................................................................................ 135
2.15 Salzgeber Species Trial......................................................................................................... 143
2.16 Scattini Species Trial ............................................................................................................ 150
2.17 Ter Laare Species Trial ......................................................................................................... 156
2.18 Tollner Species Trial............................................................................................................. 166
2.19 Wills Species Trial ................................................................................................................ 174
3. Species summaries ......................................................................................................................... 184
Summary of Northern Territory species trials .............................................................................. 184
4. Climate Change ............................................................................................................................. 193
5. Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 195
6. References ................................................................................................................................... 197
vii
Tables
Table 2.1.1 Climate (based on Katherine) ............................................................................................................6
Table 2.1.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and score for the De Koning species trial...........10
Table 2.1.3 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the main species in the De
Koning species trial .........................................................................................................................10
Table 2.2.1 Climate (based on Darwin Airport – NW of the site)......................................................................14
Table 2.2.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Duminski species trial ................................................18
Table 2.1.3 Estimated mean diameter, bole and form score for the Duminski species trial ...............................19
Table 2.3.2 Estimated mean height, bole, diameter, score and survival for ETA treatments .............................28
Table 2.4.1. Climate (based on Darwin Airport – NW of the site)......................................................................32
Table 2.4.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Freds Pass species trial...............................................37
Table 2.4.3 Estimated mean diameter, bole and form score for Freds Pass species trial....................................38
Table 2.5.2 Estimated mean height, survival, diameter, bole and form score for the Hammett species trial .....52
Table 2.6.2 Estimated mean height, survival, diameter, bole and form score for the Hayman species trial ......59
Table 2.7.1 Climate (based on Katherine) ..........................................................................................................63
Table 2.7.2 Estimated height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the Hickey species trial..................67
Table 2.8.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the Howard Springs species
trial...................................................................................................................................................73
Table 2.9.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Humphris species trial................................................82
Table 2.9.3 Estimated diameter, bole and form score for the Humphris species trial ........................................83
Table 2.10.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the Kohler species trial.........90
Table 2.10.3 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the main species at the Kohler
species trial ......................................................................................................................................90
Table 2.11.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the McGuffog species trial ...98
Table 2.11.3 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the main species at the
McGuffog species trial ....................................................................................................................98
Table 2.12.1 Climate (based on Katherine) ........................................................................................................110
Table 2.12.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Meehan species trial.................................................115
Table 2.12.3 Estimated mean diameter, bole and form score for the Meehan species trial................................115
Table 2.13.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Parker species trial ...................................................126
Table 2.13.3 Estimated mean diameter, bole and score for the Parker species trial...........................................126
Table 2.14.1 Climate (based on Darwin Airport – NW of the site)....................................................................135
Table 2.14.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and bole score for the Pleitner species trial ......139
Table 2.14.3 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and bole score for the main species at the Pleitner
species trial ....................................................................................................................................139
Table 2.15.1 Climate (based on Wooliana) ........................................................................................................143
Table 2.15.2 Estimated height, survival, bole, diameter and stem form for the Salzgeber species trial.............146
Table 2.16.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score from the Scattini species trial...152
Table 2.17.1 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, form score and diameter for the Ter Laare species trial ..160
Table 2.18.2 Estimated height, survival, bole, diameter and bole score for the Tollner species trial.................170
Table 2.18.3 Estimated height, survival, bole, diameter and bole score for the main species in the Tollner
species trial ....................................................................................................................................170
Table 2.19.2 Estimated mean height, survival, diameter, bole and score for the Wills species trial..................178
viii
Figures
Figure 1.1 Location of the Northern Territory species trials ...................................................................5
Figure 2.1.1 Mean height 18 and 54 months after planting ......................................................................11
Figure 2.1.2 Mean DBH and bole height at 53 months after planting......................................................11
Figure 2.1.3 Mean form score at 53 months after planting.......................................................................12
Figure 2.1.4 Mean survival % 18 and 53 months after planting...............................................................12
Figure 2.1.5 Mean survival curve (%) from 18 to 53 months after planting ............................................13
Figure 2.2.1 Mean height from 7 to 80 months after planting..................................................................19
Figure 2.2.2 Mean survival % from 7 to 80 months after planting...........................................................20
Figure 2.2.3 Mean survival curve (%) from 7 to 80 months after planting ..............................................20
Figure 2.2.4 Mean DBH at 80 months after planting ...............................................................................21
Figure 2.2.5 Mean bole height (m) at 80 months after planting ...............................................................21
Figure 2.2.7 Duminski Khaya and E. pellita plots 16 October 2007........................................................22
Figure 2.3.1 Mean height and bole height at 32 months after planting ....................................................29
Figure 2.3.2 Mean survival % at 32 months after planting.......................................................................29
Figure 2.3.4 ETA plots showing Khaya, E. camalduensis and Gamba Grass (19 October 2007) ...........31
Figure 2.3.5 ETA plots showing Khaya, E. camalduensis and Gamba Grass (19 October 2007) ...........31
Figure 2.4.6 Location of the Freds Pass Trial...........................................................................................41
Figure 2.4.7 Pterocarpus at Freds Pass (16 Oct 2007).............................................................................43
Figures 2.4.8a, b Insect damage at Fred’s Pass. 16 Oct 2007).........................................................................43
Figure 2.4.9 Soil Pit 1 Freds Pass .............................................................................................................44
Figure 2.4.10 Soil Pit 2 Freds Pass .............................................................................................................46
Figure 2.5.1 Mean height 30 and 70 months after planting ......................................................................53
Figure 2.5.2 Mean survival % from 30 and 70 months after planting ......................................................53
Figure 2.6.6 Hayman Chukrasia plot (16 Oct 2007) ................................................................................62
Figure 2.7.1 Mean height at 65 months after planting..............................................................................67
Figure 2.7.8 Hickey Trial Swietenia plot (19 October 2007) ...................................................................70
Figure 2.9.3 Mean survival curve (%) from 6 to 70 months after planting ..............................................84
ix
Figure 2.10.6 Koehler trial showing Khaya plot 18 Oct 2007....................................................................93
Figure 2.10.7 Koehler trial showing Swietenia and acacia regrowth .........................................................94
Figure 2.11.1 Mean height from 18 to 49 months after planting................................................................99
Figure 2.11.2 Mean survival % from 18 to 49 months after planting.........................................................99
Figure 2.11.3 Mean survival curve (%) from 18 to 49 months after planting ..........................................100
Figure 2.11.3 Mean bole height (m) at 49 months after planting .............................................................100
Figure 2.11.4 Mean DBH at 49 months after planting .............................................................................101
Figure 2.11.5 Mean form score at 49 months after planting.....................................................................101
Figure 2.11.7 McGuffog (Wing) trial E. pellita (17 Oct 2007) ................................................................102
Figure 2.11.8 McGuffog (Wing) trial Khaya senegalensis and E. pellita plots (17 Oct 2007) ................102
Figure 2.11.9 McGuffog (Wing) trial Khaya senegalensis and E. pellita plots (17 Oct 2007) ...............103
Figure 2.11.10 Soil Pit 1 Wing ...................................................................................................................104
Figure 2.11.11 Soil Pit 2 Wing ...................................................................................................................107
Figure 2.12.1 Mean height (m) from 6 to 50 months after planting .........................................................116
Figure 2.12.2 Mean survival (%) from 13 to 50 months after planting ....................................................117
Figure 2.12.3 Meehan Trial with E. pellita in foreground (17 Oct 2008) ................................................117
Figure 2.12.4 Soil Pit 1 Meehan ...............................................................................................................118
Figure 2.13.2 Mean height over time from 6 to 54 months after planting................................................127
Figure 2.13.3 Mean survival % at 54 months after planting.....................................................................128
Figure 2.13.4 Mean DBH and bole height at 54 months after planting....................................................128
Figure 2.13.6 Khaya senegalensis (l) and Swietenia humilis....................................................................129
Figure 2.13.7 Khaya senegalensis (with Kurt Neitzel).............................................................................130
Figure 2.13.8 Khaya senegalensis ............................................................................................................130
Figure 2.13.9 Soil Pit 1 Harvey ................................................................................................................131
Figure 2.13.10 Soil Pit 2 Harvey ................................................................................................................133
Figure 2.14.1 Mean height from 18 to 52 months after planting..............................................................140
Figure 2.14.2 Mean survival % from 18 to 52 months after planting.......................................................140
Figure 2.14.3 Mean survival curve (%) from planting to 52 months .......................................................141
Figure 2.14.6 Mean bole score at 52 months after planting......................................................................142
Figure 2.15.1 Mean height at 75 months after planting............................................................................147
Figure 2.16.1 Mean height from 17 to 52 months after planting..............................................................153
Figure 2.16.2 Mean survival % from 17 to 52 months after planting.......................................................153
Figure 2.16.3 Mean survival curve (%) from planting to 52 months .......................................................154
Figure 2.17.3 Mean health score at 7 months after planting.....................................................................162
Figure 2.17.7 Ter Laare Trial (17 Oct 2007) ............................................................................................164
Figure 2.17.8a,b,c Ter Laare trial.....................................................................................................................165
Figure 2.18.1 Mean height at 51 months after planting............................................................................171
Figure 2.18.3 Mean survival % for Eucalyptus pellita from planting to 51 months ................................172
x
Figure 2.18.6 Mean bole score at 51 months after planting......................................................................173
Figure 2.19.6 Will trial showing Chukrasia plot ......................................................................................181
Figure 2.19.7 Wills trial showing Callitris plot........................................................................................182
Figure 2.19.8 Wills Trial showing Callitris and E. pellita plots. (17 October 2007) ...............................182
Figure 2.19.9 Wills Trial showing E. pellita plot (17 Oct 2007)..............................................................183
Figure 4.1 Northern Territory Potential Evapotranspiration 2050 Summer ........................................193
xi
Executive Summary
What the report is about
This report communicates results of a series of farm forestry species trials established in the Top End
of the NT from 1998 until 2003. The complete details relating to the trials include trial site
descriptions, establishment and maintenance details, species performance results, key findings and
recommendations.
The report presents not only the measurements, but also gives some background knowledge and the
economic outlook in farm forestry. This issue is generally still not well accepted by landholders and
may be undervalued by government institutions in the Northern Territory.
Who is the report targeted at?
The trials were established to develop a foundation for practically focused research that will provide
information needed by industry, landholders, government and community organisations to assist
decisions on the long term development of farm forestry in the Top End.
Background
The majority of the trials were established through the ‘Top End Regional Tropical Hardwood
Forestry Project’ (TERTHFP) which was a collaborative project involving Greening Australia NT
(GANT), the then Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the NT
Forestry and Timber Products Network. It commenced in mid 1998 and has received significant
support from the Natural Heritage Trust. Over the first three years of this project, more than 24 farm
forestry species trials (most of approximately one hectare in area) were established across four target
regions: Darwin Rural Area; Lower Mary River Catchment; Douglas\Daly; and Katherine.
Other trials were established as a component of Greening Australia’s Farm Forestry Support contract;
complementing thefollowing:
• RIRDC trials implemented by DPI&F and QFRI researching several northern Australian taxa;
• species trials conducted under the TERTHFP project that concentrates on mainly exotic species;
and
• the ACIAR Project at Nauiyu Nambiyu, Daly River examining a range of traditionally used native
plant species.
Another NHT funded project, Top End Farm Forestry Development, followed on from the TERTHFP
project and included the establishment of a silvicultural trial looking at four best bet species: Khaya
senegalensis, Tectona grandis, Eucalyptus pellita and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The five hectare trial
at Exotic Timber of Australia’s Batchelor Farm included different management regimes such as
spacing, thinning, pruning and soil conditioning at establishment.
The trials were strategically established in the four main agricultural sub-regions of the Top End and
included management support with best practice farm forestry initiatives in mind. They were linked
with research, development and evaluation strategies which provided the focus for extension,
education and training. This included improving landholder skills in the area of planning, silvicultural
management and farm forestry economics. The activities also helped landholders to form and operate
effectively as a network to address regional farm forestry initiatives.
xii
Aims/objectives
The trials aimed to:
• identify the best appearance grade tropical hardwood timber tree species and the management
options for a range of biophysical regions in the Top End of the NT;
• compare the genetic and silvicultural variables of species under controlled conditions;
• demonstrate differences within trials and between trials in a repeatable way.
Objectives included:
• demonstration of the potential of northern Australian native plant species for wood and non-wood
products, looking at different provenances of selected native plant species;
• Assessment of provenance variation in selected native plant species
• promotion of the commercial and conservation benefits of native plant species and the
development of new industries that benefit regional development especially in remote areas
• collaboration with R&D organizations, land management agencies, industry and other relevant
organizations in WA, Qld and the NT to demonstrate the economic potential of native plant
species in the wet/dry monsoonal tropics.
Methods used
For the ‘Top End Regional Tropical Hardwood Forestry Project’ trial planning involved:
• determining best bet species suitable for establishment of appearance grade tropical hardwood
timber plantations in the Top End of the NT;
• estimating optimum planting material for best bet species;
• estimating optimum silviculture practices for management of plantations of best bet species
The trials were designed for objective statistical analysis and for validation of the assumption that
differences are due to genuine variation and not chance. The trials have been designed in collaboration
with CSIRO so that data can be analysed using GENSTAT or DATAPLUS and incorporated in
national data sets such as TREEDAT. Results can thus be compared with similar trials in other areas of
Australia.
Sites represent biophysical characteristics that are common to the areas with the most potential for
farm forestry development. Generally speaking, these are cleared land on well drained soils with a
rainfall over 950mm. A few of the sites were located on more marginal country with poorer soils and
drainage. There is a lot of this country potentially available for farm forestry and some of the species
could perform well with appropriate management
For most of the species involved the provenances/seed sources used were selected on the basis of
availability rather than for genetic superiority, apart from species such as Eucalyptus pellita where
material came from the QDPI/CSIRO improvement program
It is envisaged that the trials will continue through to the end of the respective rotation periods for each
species.
xiii
At least six species were trialled per site according to statistical requirements. A complete block design
was the main trial design used. For each species, 7x7 plots were established spacing 3 m x 3 m) and
repeated 4 times at random for a total of 1,176 trees per site.
GANT’s Farm Forestry Support native species trials comprised parallel testing of ‘best bet’ high yield
native taxa species and provenances for irrigated and dryland sites. Superior species and provenances
will be recommended for potential commercial development.
Results/key findings
The results reported here describe early survival and growth, but later age adaptation, stem form and
growth performance will be revealed only after further years of monitoring.
The results to date from the Top End Farm Forestry Development project enable selection of a
preliminary set of four preferred species for further silvilcultural management trialling; Khaya
senegalensis (African mahogany), Tectona grandis (teak), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum)
and Eucalyptus pellita. . Of these, African mahogany is clearly the most promising species in view of
its adaptability, timber quality, timber values, growth and relative resistance to termites. However,
with the exception of E. pellita, most species have only been represented in the trials by arbitrary (or
readily available) seed sources. So the existing trials are not absolute indicators of the potential of each
species. The substantial genetic variation within these species suggests that other seed
sources/provenances may provide substantially superior growth and/or form. For example, Cedrela
odorata from a single seed source showed only moderate performance across the trial sites, compared
with Cedrela odorata (from a different seed source) in a another taxa trial at Berrimah Farm in
Darwin.
An assessment of the trials in 2004 on most sites that were established in the first two years of the
project showed that the best performing species were African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis A.
Juss), Teak (Tectona grandis Lin. F) and Terminalia belerica (Gaertner) Roxb. Generally, the best
growth was in the Katherine region on the Tippera and the river levee soil types. The soil types that
appeared less favourable for tree growth are the Podzolic and Laterite that exhibit poor drainage and
inhibit root penetration. African mahogany showed the best growth across a number of sites and
appeared more adaptable to site (soil) variability than some other species evaluated such as Swietenia
humilis Zucc. and T. grandis. Another species planted in the second year of trials on only a few sites
but also performing well was Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.
At some sites, demonstration areas of some species were also established to allow observations to be
made on a wider range of species than just the trials allowed. Within the suite of species, Pterocarpus
macrocarpus grew very well on the sites where it was planted.
Implications for relevant stakeholders
Industry
Industry should work closely with DPIFM, GANT and the NTF&TPN to access relevant detailed trial
result information and develop realistic joint R&D programs to select better performing species from
the trials for further genetic development. They should obtain data on wood qualities, preferably from
known age plantation specimens grown in the Top End, and develop a better understanding of the site
influences on growth rates, form and termite resistance.
Communities
There are opportunities for small-scale plantations, grown by rural landholders, to produce enough
timber in a sustainable way to support the conversion of existing sawmilling operations to larger
integrated high value timber producers using improved technologies.
xiv
Farm forestry and forestry provides good opportunities for Aboriginal people in communities as
demonstrated with forestry operations on the Tiwi Islands. For small scale and larger scale plantation
developments there are a plethora of governance issues that require addressing before any activity is to
go ahead in a well planned and successful way.
Policy makers
Policy makers are interested in the potential of forestry to provide economic development alternatives
and jobs in NT while also supporting positive environmental outcomes. Reviews of various Land Acts
including the Pastoral Land Act will impact on the scale and scope of forestry activities in the future.
The interaction of forestry development with Fire and Weed management are key environmental
drivers, while the ability of forestry development to attract additional skilled workers to NT and
provide alternative jobs for a relatively dispersed labour force are particular areas of interest..
Climate change
It is important to include an assessment of current climate change predictions in looking at species

selection, land availability and risk. From a forestry point of view, the primary issues in NT will be
additional land clearing for new plantations and the impact of forests on fire regimes and weeds. It is
possible under current climate predictions that more land will become suitable for tree growing in NT.
Recommendations
It is important that the trials continue through to the end of the respective rotation periods for each
species. The trials are very young and the more valuable results are to come in the longer term, up to
30 years for some of the species.
The full future potential and benefits of these trials will be realised if:
• complete details relating to each and every trial continues to be well documented with relevant
information distributed to all collaborators;
• successful trials are well managed and maintained with all reasonable efforts taken to protect them
from pests, pathogens and fire;
• trial management, maintenance and protection, timely assessments, regular monitoring continues;
• assessment data is recorded in appropriate formats, maintained in a secure database along with
statistically correct analyses of trial data;
• periodic reports of relevant results are well documented and reported in the public arena.
Farm forestry in the Top End can only be successful if good genetic quality planting stocks are readily
available. Capacity to produce and supply such stock should be a very high priority. Attention must
also be focused on soil, nutritional and silvicultural management, particularly as the end-product
objective is larger diameter logs for quality sawn timbers.
The limited number of seed sources/provenances of each species included in the trials is a weakness of
this study. For most of the species the provenances/seed sources were selected on the basis of
availability rather than for genetic superiority. However, the genetic variation between
provenances/seed sources within most of these species can be substantial.
Two large forestry companies have used information derived from these trials in establishing
plantations of Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany). These large scale plantations will provide the
critical mass for local, national and international markets. Other landholders in the region with small
woodlots could feed into this market.
xv
Even with this uptake by forestry companies, at the time of this report the Khaya senegalensis tree
breeding being undertaken by DPIFM is still in the ‘screening phase’ and there is a continual search
for new infusion material. The screening material is still in its infancy and could benefit from
collaboration between government, research institutions, industry and the community.
xvi
1. Introduction
Top End Regional Tropical Hardwood Forestry Project
The Top End Regional Tropical Hardwood Forestry Project is a collaborative project involving
Greening Australia NT (GANT), the Northern Territory Department of Business, Industry and
Resource Development (DBIRD) and the NT Forestry and Timber Products Network. It
commenced in mid 1998 and has received significant support from the Natural Heritage Trust.
Recent support by the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program, enabled new monitoring of the trial
sites.
Over the first three years of this project, more than 24 farm forestry species trials (most of
approximately one hectare in area) were established across four target regions: Darwin Rural
Area; Lower Mary River Catchment; Douglas\Daly; and Katherine.
This network of early trials has already provided some instructive and useful results, however
their real value is as a resource for potentially important results in the medium to longer term. The
results reported here are preliminary, as it cannot be assumed that early survival and growth will
reflect later age adaptation, stem form and growth performance. However, the full future potential
and benefits of these trials depend on:
1) complete details relating to each and every trial well documented in a single formal
report, with copies distributed to all collaborators;
2) successful trials well managed and maintained with all reasonable efforts taken to
protect them from pests, pathogens and fire;
3) facilitated trial management, maintenance and protection, as well as timely

assessments and regular monitoring of all trials;
4) assessment of data recorded in appropriate formats, maintained in a secure database

and statistically correct analyses of trial data carried out by appropriately experienced
personnel; and,
5) periodic reports of relevant results from these trials well documented and, as
appropriate, reported in the public arena.
The results to date have enabled a preliminary set of four preferred species to be selected; Khaya
senegalensis (African mahogany), Tectona grandis (teak), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red
gum) and Eucalyptus pellita. Of this group, African mahogany is clearly the most promising
species in view of its adaptability, timber quality, timber values, growth and relative resistance to
termites. However, with the exception of E. pellita and E. camaldulensis, most species have only
been represented in the trials by arbitrary (or readily available) seed sources. Consequently, the
results from existing trials are not absolute indicators of the potential of each species. Given the
substantial genetic variation within these species (CAB International, 2000; Eldridge et al., 1993),
there is a probability that other seed sources/provenances may provide substantially superior
growth and/or form. This is particularly true of many of the native species which show great
potential in the demonstration sites but have very little material available for more detailed
assessment. Minor deficiencies in growth rates of the natives may be compensated by other
values including gene conservation and biodiversity support.
Significant farm forestry plantations in the Top End, producing larger diameter logs for quality
sawn timbers, will succeed only if adequate quantities of good genetic quality planting stocks are
readily available. Capacity to produce and supply such stock (seeds and/or vegetatively
1
propagated clones proven in the target environments) should be a very high priority, along with
focused soil, nutritional and silvicultural management for plantations.
Farm Forestry Development Program

As part of the next phase of farm forestry development following on from the TERTHFP, a five
hectare trial site was established in 2003 in collaboration with a commercial forestry company,
Exotic Timbers of Australia at Batchelor. Genetic improvement programs for the four preferred
species have commenced, with DBIRD (in collaboration with QFRI and funding assistance from
RIRDC) establishing seed orchards for K. senegalensis and E. pellita.
The trial at Batchelor will be concentrating on developing optimum soil, nutritional and
silvicultural management regimes for these four species as a further step towards
commercialisation.
Native Species Trials for the Wet/Dry Monsoonal Tropics.

Field trials were established in the Darwin region in the 2001/02 wet season. The dryland site was
established at the NT Forestry & Timber Products land at Howard Springs and the irrigated site
was established on a private landholding in Humpty Doo on a previously cleared site.
These trials complement the:
• RIRDC trials currently conducted by DPIF and QFRI which are looking at several
northern Australian taxa;
• species trials under the Top End Regional Tropical Hardwood project concentrating
mainly on exotic species; and
• the ACIAR Project No. FST/96/77 at Nauiyu Nambiyu, Daly River looking at a range of
traditionally used native plant species.
The methodology for this project was the first stage for the development of high yield native tree
species for wood and non wood products. This first stage comprises parallel testing of ‘best bet’
native taxa species and provenances for irrigated and dryland sites.
The species used in the trials were ‘best bet’ species. These comprised species and specific
provenances of species that are more likely to perform well in the climatic zone of the trials.
Species included Acacia auriculiformis, A. mangium, A. peregrina, Canarium australianum,
Casuarina cunninghamiana, Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Maranthes corymbosa, Melia
azedarach, Santalum album, Syzygium armstrongii, S. forte and Terminalia microcarpa in the
dryland trial. The irrigated trial site included: Acacia auriculiformis, A. mangium, A. peregrina,
Blephocarya involucrigera, Castanospermum australe, Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Flindersia
australis, F. brayleana, Santalum album, Syzygium armstrongii, S. forte and S. nervosum. A
demonstration area of exotic timber trees including Khaya senegalensis, Tectona grandis,
Swietenia macrophylla, S. humilis, Pterocarpus indicus and Chukrasia sp. was also established to
provide a comparison of native versus exotic timber species performance.
Ongoing management and monitoring.
• Both trials will be managed using best practice silviculture by GANT with the assistance
of DBIRD and the NTF&TPN.
• A six-monthly measurement was undertaken by GANT and the NTF&TPN and further
measurements will take place at yearly intervals.
2
• Superior species and provenances will be identified in trials and recommended for further
development for possible commercialisation.
Monitoring of the Northern Territory Species Trials for JVAP

In 2002, the JVAP agreed to support an additional round of monitoring for the species trials
established by Greening Australia in the Northern Territory, in order to capture and make publicly
available, the valuable information these trials contain. This allowed 21 sites to be re-measured
and analysed. The results of 19 of these trials are reported here.
Values of farm forestry for the Northern Territory

Agroforestry has the potential to provide economic and environmental benefits to landholders in
the Northern Territory. Although the Northern Territory has less than 1% of cleared land, there
will be increasing pressure to clear more land for agriculture, horticulture and peri-urban
development. Agroforestry offers a means to increase the environmental function of cleared land,
while still providing an income, and complementing other production systems.
Fodder
Many tree species have foliage that can be used as stock fodder. These trees can therefore be
incorporated into the property management plan to be multiple use trees.
Shelter
Shelter from trees can improve productivity by altering the microclimate with benefits to
livestock. Areas providing shelter and shade are advantageous throughout the year in both the wet
and dry season.
Soil Conservation
Large expanses of non vegetated land are subject to severe erosion from both wind and water.
Massive volumes of top soil are lost each year through this process. Vegetation planting including
the planting of suitable trees can assist to minimise this loss.
Fire Control
Through the appropriate selection of species, trees can act as a barrier to fire and can also be a
tool in fire management. Trees that are most suited to fire protection regimes have:
• high moisture content in the leaves
• leaves that are low in volatile oil content
• leaves that have a high ash content after burning
• tough or smooth bark, and low volumes of suspended material such as bark and dead
foliage.
• trees have a suppressive effect on undergrowth.
Weed Control
Forestry can be used to shade out problem weeds while well designed belts of trees can also
provide an effective buffer to prevent the spread of weeds.
Water Quality
Trees can assist in maintaining the quality of surface water. In many parts of Australia the removal
of large numbers of trees has caused widespread salinity with rising saline water tables.
3
Stream Buffers.
Strategic tree planting can be used to stabilise stream banks and create buffer zones. Buffers can
also be used to prevent erosion at the head waters of streams and erosion gullies and to act as
biological filters to reduce the effects of chemical residues.
Remnant Vegetation.
Remnant areas of vegetation can be protected by planting buffers of trees around the margins,
reducing the effects of wind and fire.
Wildlife Corridors.
The greater the species selection in a corridor, the wider the range of wildlife it will attract. While
some wildlife may be damaging (e.g.: wallabies may eat seedlings), the biological pest controls
brought by insectivorous, carnivorous and parasitic insects, birds and mammals can provide a
balance.
Enhancement of Landscape.
While difficult to quantify, the scenic beauty of an area is an asset that should be developed for
quality of life and in support of tourism.
Risks to the development of a tropical hardwood industry for the Northern

Territory
Insects
Termites are the biggest threat to the establishment of plantations in the Top End and have
affected some of the species in these trials. Species that are less prone to termite damage should be
favoured, or termite prevention and control measures implemented.
Species in the family Meliaceae are also prone to the shoot-borer insect Hypsipyla robusta, which
can severely reduce the economic value of trees. These include some of the better performing
species in these trials including Khaya senegalensis, Swietenia macrophylla, S. humilis, and
Chukrasia tabularis (Floyd et al., 2005; (Bygrave & Bygrave, 2004).
Fire
Fire has affected several of the trials reported here, and has the potential to wipe out or severely
damage forestry plantations. The risk of fire is greatly increased in a poorly maintained plantation
where grass is allowed to build up under the trees. To minimise this risk, plantations should have a
clear firebreak around them and be well maintained to prevent grass getting away in the
understorey of plantations.
4
Figure 1.1 Location of the Northern Territory species trials
5
2. Tropical hardwood trials
Location
2.1 DeKoning Species Trial
Map reference
Aim Latitude: 14'34.45 S
Identify the best appearance grade tropical Longitude: 132'07.10 E

hardwood timber tree species and management
Nearest town
options for a range of biophysical regions in
Katherine, NT.
the Top End of the NT.
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables

of species under controlled conditions.
Demonstrate differences within trials and

between trials in a repeatable way.
Develop a practically focused research

program that will provide information needed
by industry, landholders, government and
community organisations to make decisions on
the long term development of farm forestry in
the Top End.
Trial type
Randomised complete block.
Table 2.1.1 Climate (based on Katherine)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total Avg
Number of raindays 14.7 13.6 10.2 2.4 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.7 3.0 7.4 12.1 65.3
Mean monthly 235.0 216.5 161.3 32.9 5.7 2.1 1.0 0.5 5.9 29.2 88.2 197.7 976.1
rainfall
10th percentile 101.4 74.5 23.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 25.3 80.9 620.6
rainfall
90th percentile 391.0 355.7 334.8 99.5 23.0 3.9 0.0 0.2 23.4 78.9 166.3 338.6 1315.0
rainfall
Mean daily max 35.0 34.3 34.5 34.0 32.1 30.0 30.1 32.5 35.4 37.7 38.0 36.5 34.2
temp
Mean daily min 24.0 23.7 22.9 20.4 17.1 14.1 13.2 15.5 19.6 23.6 24.7 24.4 20.2
temp
Highest max temp 41.1 40.5 39.2 38.3 36.0 36.1 35.2 37.3 39.4 41.7 45.6 43.3
Lowest min temp 17.2 16.7 13.8 10.7 7.2 3.4 2.8 5.3 9.8 11.0 17.4 17.3
Mean daily
evaporation
Mean 9am relative 77 81 77 64 58 56 52 52 52 56 62 71 63
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 54 57 51 37 34 31 27 25 25 28 35 45 37
humidity (%)
KATHERINE COUNCIL Commenced: 1873 Last record:2004
Latitude:-14.4589 S Longitude: 132.2572 E Elevation: 103.0 m State: NT
6
Site preparation
Ground preparation
This trial has alternating rows of species, Khaya senegalensis as the main species, and Khaya
nyasica, Cedrela odorata and Tectona grandis as the alternating species. The starting point in
each plot is the southwest corner, with the rows running towards the east.
Establishment
Planting date
20-21 January, 2001. Hot, overcast day.
Seedlings
Species used Treatment number Seed source
Khaya senegalensis - Howard Springs

Tectona grandis 3 La Cumbre/
Saragonza
Cedrela odorata 2 DPI Qld 5525
Khaya nyasica 1 Freshwater RD, jingili
Labelling and design

Pig tail pins were placed in the north west corner of each plot. Each pin has a metal tag with the
replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (RepNo/PlotNo). There is also a plasticised
paper tag with the species name, provenance/seedlot name and treatment number written on it.
There is a pig tail pin at the end of each row in each replicate with a metal tag with the replicate
number and row number stamped on it (Rep No/Row No).
The trial is a randomised complete block with 4 replicates of 3 plots. There is one treatment
(seedlot) assigned to each plot in 10 rows of 10 trees (100 trees per plot). For each plot, tree
number 1 is adjacent to the pin (see diagram).
7
Trial design
Homestead
Demo
I II III IV
Sites
Florina Rd.
1 2 1 2
3 3 2 3
2 1 3 1
Entrance
Tree layout within plots

X Stake
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
Maintenance
Irrigation
Watering regime: 8 l/hr drippers 4 times a week for 90 minutes.
Monitoring
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. The site was reported to need a
few replacement plants. Replacements were made after planting within two months as needed. The
design included rows of Khaya in-between rows of other trial species, to give a better chance of at
least one species at the site growing well.
In addition to the trial – a demonstration of Acacia auriculiformis (PNG provenance),

Allosyncarpia ternata and Enterolobium cyclocarpum was planted.
The owner is keen and does good maintenance and wants to expand the plantation with another
1000 trees next season. The teak and Cedrela were reported to look a bit stressed when no water is
applied for more than two days.
Beau Robertson inspected this site in July 2002 at 18 months after planting. He reported a
reasonably maintained trial, although horse grazing in the paddock had done some damage to the
8
trees. Khaya senegalensis (mean height 1.69 m) and Tectona grandis (mean height 1.68 m) were
reported as showing the best growth. All other species were said to be poor.
The trial was monitored in 2006 by Greening Australia staff. Tree height and DBH was measured
in metres and centimetres respectively. The trial data was checked for uneven variance and
outliers using Data Plus software and then analysed using Genstat software. REML analysis was
used as one plot had to be eliminated, thus preventing simple ANOVA analysis from being used.
Results
Survival and growth in this trial has been poor for most species when compared to other sites.
Only Khaya senegalensis had survival over 50% (54%) after 53 months. Survival declined sharply
for Tectona grandis between 18 and 53 months. All other species suffered most of their losses in
the first 18 months.
Although not a main trial species, Khaya senegalensis was the tallest and had the greatest DBH
after 53 months but this difference is not statistically significant. There was no indication from the
analysis that differences between species was not due to chance alone as the variation within
species was often as high as between species.
Overall growth and survival is poor at this site compared to what would be expected and indicates
moisture stress due to weed competition and damage from horse grazing.
9
Table 2.1.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and score for the De Koning species trial
Height Survival Height Survival

18 18 53 53 Bole 53 DBH 53 Score 53
Treatment Species months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. months s.e.
3 Tectona grandis 1.446 0.258 70.83 8.4 4.751 0.908 46.17 9.26 2.069 0.162 6.017 1.602 2.742 0.423
1 Khaya nyasica 0.947 0.21 34.5 6.86 4.207 0.741 33.5 7.56 1.852 0.132 5.485 1.308 2.915 0.346
2 Cedrela odorata 1.367 0.21 58.5 6.86 2.517 0.741 23.5 7.56 2.153 0.132 2.625 1.308 2.485 0.346
Sigma2 0.177 188.1 2.199 228.6 0.0699 6.846 0.478

Wald statistic 2.93 12.42 4.35 3.61 2.7 3.51 0.78
d.f 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Chi-sq prob 0.231 0.002 0.114 0.165 0.259 0.173 0.677
10
s.e.d. 0.3209 10.46 1.131 11.53 0.2017 1.996 0.5273
Table 2.1.3 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the main species in the De Koning species trial

18 18 53 53 Bole 53 DBH 53 Score 53
Treatment Species months s.e. months months s.e. months months s.e. months s.e. months s.e.
M Khaya
senegalensis 1.69 0.04 61.45 5.05 0.10 54.36 2.27 0.06 6.88 0.18 3.09 0.06
7.00
6.00
5.00
4.00
Height (m)
Height 18 months
Height 53 months
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
Khaya senegalensis Tectona grandis Khaya nyasica Cedrela odorata
Figure 2.1.1 Mean height 18 and 54 months after planting
10.00
9.00
8.00
7.00
6.00
(m) & (cm)
DBH 53 months
5.00
Bole 53 months
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
Figure 2.1.2 Mean DBH and bole height at 53 months after planting
11
4.00
Wald statistic = 0.78; df=2; Chi-sq=0.677
Error bars represent s.e.d.
3.50
3.00
2.50
Score
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
Figure 2.1.3 Mean form score at 53 months after planting
Tectona grandis
80
60
40
20
Survival 18 months
Khaya senegalensis 0 Khaya nyasica
Survival 53 months
Cedrela odorata
Figure 2.1.4 Mean survival % 18 and 53 months after planting
12
120
100
80
Survival (%)
Tectona grandis
Khaya nyasica
60
Cedrela odorata
Khaya senegalensis
40
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Months
Figure 2.1.5 Mean survival curve (%) from 18 to 53 months after planting
13
Trial type
2.2 Duminski Species Trial
Aim
Location
Identify the best appearance grade tropical
hardwood timber tree species and management Darwin Rural, Virginia
the Top End of the NT. Map reference
Latitude: 12'33.47 S
of species under controlled conditions. Longitude: 131'00.42 E
Demonstrate differences within trials and Nearest town

between trials in a repeatable way. Palmerston, NT.

program that will provide information needed Site Description
Original vegetation
Woollybutts (Eucalyptus miniata)
the Top End.
Table 2.2.1 Climate (based on Darwin Airport – NW of the site)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Number of raindays 21.1 20.3 19.3 9.1 2.3 0.6 0.5 0.6 2.3 6.6 12.1 16.5
Mean monthly rainfall 423.3 361.1 319.3 98.9 26.5 2.0 1.4 5.7 15.4 70.7 141.8 247.9
10th percentile rainfall 207.2 147.7 129.3 12.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.4 57.6 93.4
Mean daily max temp 31.8 31.4 31.9 32.7 32.0 30.6 30.5 31.3 32.5 33.1 33.2 32.5
Mean daily min temp 24.8 24.7 24.5 24.0 22.1 20.0 19.3 20.5 23.1 25.0 25.3 25.3
Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean daily evaporation 6.5 5.9 6.1 6.8 7.1 7.0 7.2 7.5 8.0 8.3 7.8 7.0
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
014015 DARWIN AIRPORT Commenced: 1941 Last record: 2004
14
Soil
Lithosol, sandy loamy to clay in southern part (grey podzolic), heavy.
Site preparation
Ground preparation
The trial is laid out with rows 3 m apart and trees planted at 3 m spacings within rows. Glyphosate
was applied along rip lines, before ripping and after. Clearing of Pangola grass also occurred
before ripping. The rows were ripped to a depth of approximately 500 mm, with three rip lines per
tree line. The site is not fenced.
Establishment
Planting date
14-15 December 1998.
The seedlings were planted into the 1m wide rip-lines in weed-free, bare soil. At planting 50 g of
Nitrophoska (NPK) blend was buried close to each seedling. The trees were mulched as a result of
slashing. It was ensured that a fire break was established around the trial. No irrigation was
installed at the site.
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Nursery Seed source Size at Health Container

number planting at
planting
Castanospermum 1 10324 Good
australe
Swietenia humilis 2 HS Honduras Stripling Good
Khaya senegalensis 3 HS D417 Senegal Good
Chukrasia velutina 4 HS Stripling Poor
Terminalia bellirica 5 HS HS Good
Eucalyptus pellita 6 ATSC 19718 Good

(seedlot) assigned to each plot in 7 rows of 7 trees (49 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1
is adjacent to the pin (see diagram).
15
Trial design
1 3 5 6 2 4 Rep. IV
3 1 5 4 6 2 Rep. III
1 5 6 4 2 3 Rep. II
6 2 5 3 4 1 Rep. I

X Stake
1 8 15 22 29 36 43
2 9 16 23 30 37 44
3 10 17 24 31 38 45
4 11 18 25 32 39 46
5 12 19 26 33 40 47
6 13 20 27 34 41 48
7 14 21 28 35 42 49
Maintenance
Weed control post planting

Slashing took place to remove weeds three times per year after planting. Some hand removal of
weeds and spraying of glyphosate also took place.
Follow up fertilising
100g of NPK per tree was applied in October 1999. 150g of DAP was surface applied in
November and December of 2000.
Irrigation
No irrigation occurred at this site.
Replacements
Replanting occurred in January, February and March 1999 for Castanospermum australe. There
was also replanting of the Chukrasia site with Enterolobium cyclocarpum.
Pruning
Eucalyptus pellita trees were form pruned
Pest control
No pest control took place at this trial.
Monitoring
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. Replacement of Chukrasia sp.
with Guanacaste which shows not the expected growth rate.
16
Inspection of the site suggested that the soil was too heavy.
• Black Bean : generally weak, only some healthy, losses too high
• Eucalyptus pellita : leafs affected by insects; in one plot dying caused by infection with
bacterial wilt (Rastonia solanaecarum previously Pseudomonas solanacearum) but
generally best growth on the site
• Swietenia humilis : few trees affected by herbicide, slow growing
• Khaya senegalensis : symptoms of lack of trace elements (Zink)
• Guanacaste : too slow, not healthy
• Terminalia bellerica : good growth
Beau Robertson monitored the site in 2002 and reported it as a very poor site (not irrigated). Most
species were reported as growing slowly and having a somewhat stunted appearance.
Maintenance by the landowner on this trial was reported as good, although a more suitable species
was recommended for this site by Beau Robertson and that the current planting no longer be
monitored.
outliers using Data Plus software and then analysed using Genstat software.
Weed status
Surface fertilising caused extra growth of Pangola around base of trees.
Insect activity
There was some 2nd dry season die-back in Eucalyptus pellita, bacterial wilt from Rastonia
sloanaecarum.
Other observations
Leaf yellowing noticed in Eucalyptus pellita in 2001, likely due to poorly draining soil.
Results
The estimated mean heights for seedlots are presented in Table 2.2.2. Eucalyptus pellita has been
consistently the tallest species throughout the trial, showing significantly greater height than all
other species. Despite reasonable growth rates early on, Castanospermum australe performed
poorly towards the end, having the lowest height of species. Figure 2.2.1. shows the relationship
between the heights of each species throughout the trial.
Survival for all species was excellent until 41 months, whereafter Chukrasia velutina and
Castanospermum australe in particular did poorly.
For diameter, Eucalyptus pellita showed significantly greater DBH than all other species in the
trial, at 6.32 cm (p=0.004) and 9.78 cm (p<0.001) for 41 and 80 months respectively. Figure 2.2.4.
shows the relationship between DBH measurements.
17
Table 2.2.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Duminski species trial
Height Height Height Height Height Height

7 Survival 11 Survival 18 Survival 26 Survival 41 Survival 80 Survival
Treat month 7 month 11 month 18 month 26 month 41 month 80
ment Species s months s months s months s months s months s months
6 Eucalyptus pellita 1.107 84.2 1.395 87.2 2.508 80.6 3.18 89.3 4.12 80.1 6.54 74
5 Terminalia bellirica 0.412 98.5 0.785 93.9 1.632 91.8 2.195 96.4 2.98 95.9 3.97 74
3 Khaya senegalensis 0.27 97.4 0.55 97.4 1.12 90.3 1.637 85.2 2.77 85.2 3.78 56.6
4 Chukrasia velutina * * * * 0.525 73 0.91 50 1.45 21.4 3.15 20.9
2 Swietenia humilis 0.225 94.4 0.367 89.8 0.545 76.5 0.787 53.1 1.11 44.9 2.07 42.3
1 Castanospermum australe 0.567 91.8 0.63 85.7 0.882 81.1 0.93 74.5 1.08 52.6 1.39 31.6
18
Var ratio 187.9 117.35 55.15 16.12 68.83 0.98 28.64 5.83 17.32 10.08 13.97 2.63
d.f 4,19 5,23 5,20 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,21 5,23 5,19 5,23
f prob <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.459 <0.001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.067
lsd 0.0801 10.69 0.1473 23.06 0.2762 22.73 0.5306 24.16 0.905 26.97 1.499 41.02
Table 2.1.3 Estimated mean diameter, bole and form score for the Duminski species trial
DBH 41 DBH 80 Bole 80 Score 80

Treatment Species months months months months
6 Eucalyptus pellita 6.32 9.78 4.32 3.143

3 Khaya senegalensis 4.26 5.6 3.33 3.075
5 Terminalia bellirica 4.26 4.84 3.2 3.277
4 Chukrasia velutina * 3.98 2.6 2.879
2 Swietenia humilis * 2.33 2.43 2.985
1 Castanospermum australe * 1.33 1.45 3.073
Var ratio 13.03 14.58 6.79 0.94

d.f 4,13 5,19 5,19 5,19
f prob 0.004 <0.001 0.004 0.491
lsd 1.004 2.42 1.158 0.4344
Height 7 months
5 Height 11 months
Height 18 months
(m)
Height 26 months
4 Height 41 months
Height 80 months
0
Eucalyptus pellita Terminalia bellirica Khaya senegalensis Chukrasia velutina Swietenia humilis Castanospermum
australe
Figure 2.2.1 Mean height from 7 to 80 months after planting
19
Eucalyptus pellita
100
80
60
Castanospermum australe Terminalia bellirica
40
Survival 7 months
20
Survival 11 months
Survival 18 months
0
Survival 26 months
Survival 41 months
Survival 80 months
Swietenia humilis Khaya senegalensis
Chukrasia velutina
Figure 2.2.2 Mean survival % from 7 to 80 months after planting
120
100
80
Eucalyptus pellita
Survival (%)
Terminalia bellirica
Khaya senegalensis
60
Chukrasia velutina
Swietenia humilis
Castanospermum australe
40
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Age (months)
20
14
F=14.58; df=5,19; p<0.001

Error bars represent lsd
12
10
8
(cm)
0
Eucalyptus pellita Khaya senegalensis Terminalia bellirica Chukrasia velutina Swietenia humilis Castanospermum
australe
Figure 2.2.4 Mean DBH at 80 months after planting
6
F=6.79; df=5,19; p=0.004
4
(m)
0
australe
Figure 2.2.5 Mean bole height (m) at 80 months after planting
21
4
F=0.94; df=5,19; p=0.491
3.5
2.5
Score 1-5
1.5
0.5
0
australe
Figure 2.2.7 Duminski Khaya and E. pellita plots 16 October 2007
22
Location
2.3 ETA Species Trial
Map reference
Aim Latitude: 13’03.08 S
Identify the best appearance grade tropical Longitude: 131’ 02.36 E

options for a range of biophysical regions in Nearest town
the Top End NT. Batchelor, NT.
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Site Description

Elevation
Demonstrate differences within trials and 95 m
Slope
Develop a practically focused research Less than 2 degrees
by industry, landholders, government and Landform
community organisations for decisions on long Sloping plain adjacent to creek line.
term development of farm forestry in the Top
End. Aspect
Northerly
Using the more promising species from these
results, develop a partnership with industry and Original vegetation
establish a large scale commercial farm There is Eucalyptus tetrodonta E.miniata tall
forestry demonstration trial to further promote woodland – open forest nearby.
wood production on cleared agricultural land.
Erosion
Nil. There was a good cover of native grasses
Trial type and herbs on the site.
Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
23
Soil
Coarse sandy loam. Originally very low pH and low in nutrients. Lime used in 50% of the trial to
monitor effect.
Site preparation
Ground preparation
For the Karger soil preparation method, the site was ripped with a single tyne ripper to a depth of 0.5
m. The site had to be ripped twice due to the hardness of the soil. Mataranka lime (minimum
neutralising value 96%) was applied in-between rippings to neutralise the soil. The site was sprayed
with glyphosate before planting.
Establishment
Planting date
January/February 2003.
The seedlings were planted into the rip-lines in weed-free, bare soil. Seedlings were planted at either
4m x 1.8m spacing or 4m x 2.5m spacing as per the trial design. Seedlings were planted with 100g of
mango blend organic pelletised fertiliser, placed on either side of the seedling, 10cm from the plant.
Seedlings were watered at planting.
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Nursery Seed source Container

numbers
Eucalyptus 1-4 20383 CSIRO Lanneck Cell Trays
camaldulensis TSC
Eucalyptus pellita 5-8 20574 Hiko Cell Trays
Khaya senegalensis 9-16 Top End Seeds Lanneck Cell Trays
Tectona grandis 17-24 Lincfel Nursery,

Kunnunurra

replicate number and the plot number stamped on it (RepNo/PlotNo). There is also a plasticised paper
tag with the species name, provenance/seedlot name and treatment number written on it.
The trial is a randomised complete block with 3 replicates of 24 plots. There is one treatment (spacing,
thinning, pruning, establishment and species) assigned to each plot. For 1.8 treatments, trees are in 7
rows of 10 trees (70 trees per plot). In 2.5 treatments, trees are in 7 rows of 7 trees (49 trees per plot).
For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to the pin (see diagram).
24
Trial design
Batchelor Road
112 m
row 1 row 2 row 3 row 4
column 1 24 17 14 21
column 2 8 9 4 23
REP 1 column 3 20 15 12 18 108 m
column 4 7 19 6 22
column 5 16 13 11 10
column 6 5 1 3 2
column 1 24 3 23 10
column 2 21 15 7 4
5 18 11 9
REP 2 column 3
column 4 13 22 14 8
column 5 12 20 19 1 Approximate location of hill/rise
column 6 6 16 17 2
column 1 4 10 17 12 432 m
column 2 18 14 1 7
column 3 24 15 11 22
REP 3 column 4 19 6 8 3
column 5 16 5 21 9
column 6 13 23 20 2
25
1.8m spacing 2.5m spacing
X Stake X Stake
61 51 41 31 21 11 1 43 36 29 22 15 8 1
62 52 42 32 22 12 2 44 37 30 23 16 9 2
63 53 43 33 23 13 3 45 38 31 24 17 10 3
64 54 44 34 24 14 4 46 39 32 25 18 11 4
65 55 45 35 25 15 5 47 40 33 26 19 12 5
66 56 46 36 26 16 6 48 41 34 27 20 13 6
67 57 47 37 27 17 7 49 42 35 28 21 14 7
68 58 48 38 28 18 8
69 59 49 39 29 19 9
70 60 50 40 30 20 10
Maintenance
The site has been slashed once or twice every year.

Targeted weed control was carried out in the first 12 months after establishment with a low native
perennial grass and herb cover being the goal. There were some breakouts of Gamba and mission grass
that were target sprayed.
Irrigation
Low pressure T-Tape was installed prior to planting with 30cm spacing water outlets. The feeder lines
were linked in with the main watering system for the farm.
Pruning
Leaves were pruned from teak at the time of planting.
Monitoring
The trial was measured by Kevin Flockhart from GANT in June 2005. Height, DBH, bole length, fire
status and a straightness score were measured.
The trial was monitored in 2006 by Greening Australia staff. Tree height and DBH was measured in
metres and centimetres respectively. The trial data was checked for uneven variance and outliers using
Data Plus software and then analysed using Genstat software.
Weed status
Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) has been infesting the trial area more and more each year making
the site more prone to fires. The new property owner does not have the resources to undertake
comprehensive management of Gamba grass in the trial area and GANT have been liaising with the
caretaker of the property to ensure some maintenance is carried out. Definitely room for improvement
here.
26
Insect activity
Termite activity was observed and recorded at the time of measuring in 2005.
Other observations
The adjacent paddock on the eastern side of the trial is heavily infested with Gamba grass which burns
every year. Despite a wide graded firebreak there have been 3 fires in the trial in since establishment in
2003. The first fire was just after establishment and only damaged the bottom plots of Replicate 3
when the seedlings were very young. The fire was low intensity as a result of good weed control and
damage was quite minimal. Since then there have been two more serious fires, in 2005 and 2007 as a
result of ignited material being blown in from the fires next door.
Results
Overall, in terms of species, the results obtained from this site show that Eucalyptus camaldulensis,
regardless of treatment, was the best performing species in terms of height and survival. Khaya
senegalensis was the next best performing species, second in height, but first for DBH and form score.
Tectona grandis showed the best mean bole height, although not statistically different from the other
species. Eucalyptus pellita performed poorly in both height and survival, regardless of the treatment
applied (see Table 2.3.2.).
The tallest treatment was Eucalyptus camaldulensis 2.5 Karger, which at 32 months had a significantly
greater estimated mean height than all other treatments, at 4.563 m (p<0.001). This was also the case
for DBH mean estimates, with Eucalyptus camaldulensis 2.5 Karger at 4.467 cm (p<0.001). Although
Eucalyptus camaldulensis 2.5 Karger shows the greatest mean survival at 32 months, at 95.3%, no
significant difference separates it from the other species.
No apparent difference can be seen across species for spacing or establishment techniques, however
within species, some trends can be seen. In terms of height, Khaya senegalensis shows a trend towards
preference for 1.8 m spacing over establishment technique, although no significant difference was
found. Tectona grandis shows a trend towards preference for the Karger establishment technique,
although again this is not statistically significant. Eucalyptus pellita appears to grow best using the 1.8
m spacing with standard establishment, although not significantly different from the other treatments.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis does not appear to show preference for any particular spacing or
establishment treatment.
The estimated mean heights, survival, diameters and bole for treatments are presented in Table 2.3.2
and Figures 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.3.3.
27
Table 2.3.2 Estimated mean height, bole, diameter, score and survival for ETA treatments
Height
Treatm 32 Bole 32 DBH 32 Score 32 Survival
ent Species months months months months 32 months
3 E. camaldulensis 2.5 Karger 4.563 2.553 4.467 2.253 95.3

2 E. camaldulensis 1.8 standard 4.427 2.537 3.817 2.65 91.9
1 E. camaldulensis 1.8 Karger 4.253 2.55 3.723 2.477 90.5
4 E. camaldulensis 2.5 standard 4.217 2.817 3.93 2.353 91.9
12 Khaya senegalensis 1.8 standard 3.327 2.07 3.98 2.763 95.2
9 Khaya senegalensis 1.8 Karger 3.2 2.2 3.967 2.717 93.3
6 E. pellita 1.8 standard 2.663 2.107 2.57 2.163 46.2
19 Tectona grandis 1.8 Karger 2.45 2.673 2.933 2.157 88.6
21 Tectona grandis 2.5 Karger 2.403 2.753 2.8 1.9 85
20 Tectona grandis 1.8 standard 2.297 2.553 2.7 2 92.9
18 Tectona grandis 1.8 standard 2.08 2.437 2.623 2.123 84.8
7 E. pellita 2.5 Karger 1.997 1.727 3.16 2.313 45.6
8 E. pellita 2.5 standard 1.917 1.843 2.393 2.093 44.2
5 E. pellita 1.8 Karger 1.16 2.393 3.02 1.323 41.4
Var ratio 8.77 0.89 3.57 2.38 12.25

d.f 23 23 23 23 23
f prob <0.001 0.604 <0.001 0.006 <0.001
lsd 0.8545 0.839 1.0263 0.6873 14.29
NB. The average bole height of the teak is larger than the overall height because only boles of reasonable size were recorded
during measurement, whereas very small trees were included in the height analysis which worked to reduce the estimated
mean.
28
5
Height 32 months
4.5 Bole 32 months
3.5
3
Height (m)
2.5
1.5
0.5
0
Khaya senegalensis 1.8 Karger
Tectona grandis 1.8 Karger

Tectona grandis 1.8 standard

Khaya senegalensis 1.8 standard

E. pellita 2.5 Karger

E. camaldulensis 2.5 Karger
E. pellita 1.8 standard

E. camaldulensis 1.8 standard
E. camaldulensis 1.8 Karger
E. camaldulensis 2.5 standard
Figure 2.3.1 Mean height and bole height at 32 months after planting
3 1 E. camaldulensis 1.8 Karger

5 100 2 2 E. camaldulensis 1.8 standard
22 1 3 E. camaldulensis 2.5 Karger
80 4 E. camaldulensis 2.5 standard
8 4
5 E. pellita 1.8 Karger
60 6 E. pellita 1.8 standard
24 12 7 E. pellita 2.5 Karger
40 8 E. pellita 2.5 standard
7 9 9 Khaya senegalensis 1.8 Karger
20 10 Khaya senegalensis 1.8 standard
11 Khaya senegalensis 1.8 Karger
18 0 11 12 Khaya senegalensis 1.8 standard
14 Khaya senegalensis 2.5 standard
23 10
16 Khaya senegalensis 2.5 standard
20 16 17 Tectona grandis 1.8 Karger
18 Tectona grandis 1.8 standard
19 Tectona grandis 1.8 Karger
17 15
21 14 21 Tectona grandis 2.5 Karger
19 6 22 Tectona grandis 2.5 standard
13 23 Tectona grandis 2.5 Karger
Figure 2.3.2 Mean survival % at 32 months after planting
29
DBH (cm)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
E. camaldulensis 1.8
Karger
Figure 2.3.3
standard
Karger
standard
Khaya senegalensis 1.8

Karger
standard
Karger
standard
30
Karger
standard
Mean DBH at 32 months after planting

Karger
standard
Tectona grandis 1.8
Karger
Tectona grandis 1.8
standard
Tectona grandis 1.8
Karger
Tectona grandis 1.8
standard
Tectona grandis 2.5
Karger
Tectona grandis 2.5
standard
Tectona grandis 2.5
Karger
Tectona grandis 2.5
standard
Figure 2.3.4 ETA plots showing Khaya, E. camalduensis and Gamba Grass (19 October
2007)
Figure 2.3.5 ETA plots showing Khaya, E. camalduensis and Gamba Grass (19 October
2007)
31
2.4 Fred’s Pass Species Trial Map reference
Aim
Longitude: 131'02.15 E
hardwood timber tree species and management Nearest town
options for a range of biophysical regions in Coolalinga
See Regional, district and property maps.
Site Description
Aspect
Slight inclination to NNW
Original vegetation
Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland with
Erythrophleum chlorostachys common
throughout. Stringy bark.
the Top End. Erosion
There is a distinct erosion channel running
Trial type diagonally through the trial from the SW to the
NE corner.
Randomised complete block with 4 replicates
of 6 plots. Soil
The soil is classified as 2b1. Laterite, red,
partly with ‘coffee rock’. Good drainage.
Location
Darwin Rural, Bees Creek

Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
32
Site preparation
Ground preparation
The trial is laid out with rows 3m apart and trees planted at 3 m spacings within rows. The site
was a cleared paddock and was only slashed before ripping. The rows were ripped to a depth of
approximately 500 mm. The riplines run across the trial from NW to SW. There was not a weed
problem at the time of preparation. The site is not fenced.
Establishment
Planting date
January 1999. (Tectona grandis planted Dec.99/Jan.00)
The seedlings were planted into the rip-lines in weed-free, bare soil. The soil was moderately
moist at the time of planting. The trees were planted with Potti-Putkis, to a depth where the root
ball was just covered with soil. At planting 50 g of Nitrophoska (NPK) blend was buried close to
each seedling. The trees were mulched with wood chip in February 1999. It was ensured that a 10
m wide fire break was established around the trial.
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Seed/stripling Nursery Size at Health Container

number source planting at
planting
Tectona grandis 1 La-cumbre DPIF/GANT Approx Healthy ….litre
(Teak) Honduras nursery, 30cm plastic bag
Berrimah
Khaya senegalensis 2 Howard Springs Planted as Approx Healthy Striplings
(African mahogany) Forestry striplings 20cm
Reserve
Sweitenia humilis 3 Striplings grown K Neitzel Healthy Striplings?
(American mahogany) from Honduras nursery
seed
Cedrela odorata 4 DPI Queensland DPIF/GANT Approx. Healthy 35 Lannen
(West Indian cedar) SL 5525 nursery, 30cm trays
Berrimah
Terminalia belerica 5 Howard Springs Planted as Approx. Healthy Striplings
Forestry striplings 20cm
Reserve
Pterocarpus indicus 6 Howard Springs Planted as Approx Healthy Striplings
(Paduak) Forestry striplings 20cm
Reserve

33
Trial Design
Fence line
Erosion canal
6 3 5 1 2 4
3 6 5 4 1 2
6 5 1 4 2 3
1 2 5 3 4 6
Teak
planted 12/99
X Stake
43 36 29 22 15 8 1
44 37 30 23 16 9 2
45 38 31 24 17 10 3
46 39 32 25 18 11 4
47 40 33 26 19 12 5
48 41 34 27 20 13 6
49 42 35 28 21 14 7
Maintenance
Slashing occurred every three weeks during the wet season. Glyphosate applications on November
1999, March 2000, December 2000, April 2001, November 2001, February 2002, May 2002.
100 g NPK per tree in October 1999, 100 g NPK December 1999, 100 g Nitrophoska Blue
Februaury 2000, 100 g NPK in November 2000, 150 g of Nitrophoska in November 2000, 140 g
Guanagold in January and March 2001, 120 g Terrafosca in November 2001, 150 g Nitrophoska
Blue in February 2002, 20 g Monsoon Tablet in June 2002.
Irrigation
A 19mm poly with 4 L/hr dripper system irrigation installed in May/June 1999. Initially irrigation
was used three times per week for two hours, and then once a week for six hours.
34
Replacements
Teaks were planted in January 2000
Re-mulching
Mulched with hay, May 2000, June 2001 and June 2002
Pruning
Trees were form pruned in December 2000 (not teak). Teaks were form pruned in December
2001.
Termite treatment
Aggregate base drums with Mirant September 1999, July and December 2000. Principally in
American mahogany plots in the southern part of the trial.
Pest control
Traps were set for possums and rats.
Monitoring
The first monitoring took place on the 6th July 1999 by Glen Bailey and included the measurement
of tree survival and height in metres. Beau Robertson again measured the trial on the 23rd
November 1999 for height and survival. Kurt Neitzel measured the trees on the 13th June 2000 and
measured height, survival and gave them a score scaled from 1 to 5 based on stem form and
health. Trees that showed damage from insect activity, multi-branching, damaged tips, double
leaders, erosion damage and signs of cutting or pruning were also recorded during this period.
Kurt Neitzel & Mike Clark inspected the site in September 2001. It was noted that the Khaya and
Tectona required pruning and that weed control was required for Macroptilium. It was also noted
that the mulch is too close to stem and teaks need pruning.
The Khaya and to some extent the Sweitenia are being damaged by possums or something
chewing the apices causing much multi stemming. There is also lateral multi-stemming, which
may be caused by lateral pruning. The managers of the property were notified about the above
issues.
Beau Robertson from DPIF measured the trials in 2002. He reported: The best species are
Pterocarpus indicus with a mean height of 6.83 m and diameter of 7.64 cm, Swietenia humilis
with a mean height of 5.86 m and diameter of 7.3 cm and Khaya senegalensis with a mean height
of 5.3 m and diameter of 9.41 cm. Possums are attacking the Khaya senegalensis very badly in
this trial. They are damaging the growing shoots and also eating the bark from ground level up to
the canopy of the tree. Observations show some damage also starting on the Pterocarpus indicus.
Maintenance by Freds Pass staff has been very good.
The second year monitoring included the measurement of tree survival, height in metres, diameter
of stem 10 cm from the ground, and a score scaled from 1 to 6 for stem form, branching and
health. Height was measured to the nearest five cm using a height pole and diameter was
measured to the nearest mm using a pair of forestry calipers.
Weed status
Weed control proved effective after initial difficulties.
35
Results
Pterocarpus indicus has consistently been the tallest species throughout the trial and has ranked
second throughout on DBH. Swietenia humilis ranked second on height to P. indicus but was not
statistically different. Khaya senegalensis ranked 5th on height after 54 months, much lower than
its high DBH would indicate.
Survival at Freds Pass was excellent up until 42 months for all species except Tectona grandis,
which was planted late. Species planted after the main trial site is planted often fail to thrive due to
changes to ground preparation and weed control over time. At 54 months all species have poor
survival (<50%). It is likely that competition between trees at this stage has caused tree deaths
during the dry. The remaining trees are likely to grow better once released from this competition.
Despite the losses, overall growth for all species is very good, particularly for P. indicus, K.
senegalensis and S. humilis.
36
Table 2.4.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Freds Pass species trial
Treat Species Height 6 Survival 6 Height Survival Height Survival Height Survival Height Survival Height Survival
ment months months 10 10 17 17 24 24 42 42 54 54
months months month months month months month months month months
s s s s
6 Pterocarpus 0.702 91.3 1.473 89.8 3.463 88.8 4.572 88.8 6.707 88.8 9.52 46.4
indicus
3 Swietenia 0.48 89.8 0.968 84.7 2.44 84.2 3.733 78.6 5.772 80.1 8.11 38.8
humilis
5 Terminalia 0.545 92.3 1.185 89.3 2.227 91.3 3.565 91.3 5.455 91.3 7.62 47.4
bellirica
1 Tectona grandis * * * * 0.692 66.8 2.103 51.5 4.855 48.5 7.21 23
2 0.477 86.2 1.09 82.1 2.61 88.3 3.945 83.2 5.275 83.7 6.66 42.3
37
Khaya
senegalensis
4 Cedrela odorata 0.355 85.2 0.74 75 1.645 78.1 3.095 78.1 4.772 75 5.64 31.1
Var ratio 7.57 94.78 6.08 56.41 31.84 2.97 15.93 7.9 8.65 7.46 5.64 4.48
d.f 5,22 5,23 5,22 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23
f prob 0.001 <0.001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 0.046 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.004 0.011
lsd 0.125 10.12 0.2977 12.64 0.501 15.98 0.6339 15.32 0.7282 17.17 1.671 13.55
Table 2.4.3 Estimated mean diameter, bole and form score for Freds Pass species trial
DBH 24 DBH 42 DBH 54 Bole 54 Score 54

Treatment Species months months months months months
2 Khaya senegalensis 6.34 9.03 12.41 3.19 3.03
6 Pterocarpus indicus 5.11 7.75 11.86 3.44 3.295
3 Swietenia humilis 4.83 7.31 11.08 3.36 3.283
5 Terminalia bellirica 4.96 7.06 9.88 5.34 3.66
1 Tectona grandis 4 5.43 8.86 5.16 3.14
4 Cedrela odorata 4.55 6.15 7.82 3.81 3.125
Var ratio 5.45 9.73 4.2 11 3.24

d.f 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23
f prob 0.005 <0.001 0.014 <0.001 0.035
lsd 1.007 1.213 2.624 0.866 0.372
12
10
Height 6 months
Height 10 months
(m)
6 Height 17 months
Height 24 months
Height 42 months
Height 54 months
4
0
Pterocarpus indicus Swietenia humilis Terminalia bellirica Tectona grandis Khaya senegalensis Cedrela odorata
38
Pterocarpus indicus
100
80
60
Cedrela odorata Swietenia humilis
40
20
Survival 6 months
Survival 10 months
0 Survival 17 months
Survival 24 months
Survival 42 months
Survival 54 months
Khaya senegalensis Terminalia bellirica
Tectona grandis
16
14
12
10
(cm)
8 DBH 24 months
DBH 42 months
DBH 54 months
6
0
Khaya senegalensis Pterocarpus indicus Swietenia humilis Terminalia bellirica Tectona grandis Cedrela odorata
39
7
F=11; df=5,23; p<0.001

4
(m)
0
4.5
F=3.24; df=5,23; p=0.035
4
3.5
2.5
Score 1-5
1.5
0.5
0
40
Figure 2.4.6 Location of the Freds Pass Trial
41
42
Figure 2.4.7 Pterocarpus at Freds Pass (16 Oct 2007)
Figures 2.4.8a, b Insect damage at Fred’s Pass. 16 Oct 2007)
43
Detailed Soil Assessment
Soil pit 1 is likely to be representative of tree plots 2, 3 and 4. There were areas close to the pit with
surface sheet rock exposed. There is also a small erosion gully that has been stabilised with foreign
rock running through the tree plots. Possibility that this area was scraped to make the nearby area level
playing fields, but the manager thought that this hadn’t been the case.
Figure 2.4.9 Soil Pit 1 Freds Pass
44
Horizon Depth (cm) Description
Surface Hard setting, with common medium gravelly (6-20mm) sized
coarse fragments of sub-rounded shape and ironstone lithology.
The surface was slightly rocky with some areas of exposed sheet
rock (possibly bedrock or a laterite pan)
A1 05-16 Very dark gray (10YR 3/1) fine sandy clay loam. Massive
structured sub-angular blocky large peds of 10-20mm size
breaking down to granular <2mm sized small peds. Consistence
was very weak and slightly sticky with the soil water status being
dry. There were 2-10% ferruginous segregations of nodular form
and of 2-6mm size. There were many roots of medium size (2-
5mm). With a clear change to……
A2 05-16 Yellowish red (5YR 5/8) fine sandy clay loam. Massive structured
sub-angular blocky large peds of 10-20mm size breaking down to
granular <2mm sized small peds. Consistence was firm and
slightly sticky with the soil water status being dry. There were
<2% ferruginous segregations of nodular form and of 2-6mm size.
There were common roots of fine size (1-2mm). With an abrupt
change to ……
B21 16-57 Yellowish red (5YR 5/8) light clay. Massive structured sub-
angular blocky large peds of 10-20mm size breaking down to
massive structured 2-5mm sized small peds of sub-angular blocky
shape. Consistence was very firm and slightly sticky with the soil
water status being dry. There were 10-20% ferruginous
segregations of nodular form and of 2-6mm size. There were
common roots of very fine size (1-2mm). With an abrupt change
to ….
R 57 Possibly lateritic bedrock
Soil pit 2 was slightly lower in the landscape than soil pit 1, with no sign of any exposed sheet rock in
the near vicinity. This soil pit was representative of tree plot 1.
45
Figure 2.4.10 Soil Pit 2 Freds Pass
46
Surface Hard setting with very few (<2%) medium gravelly (6-20mm)
sized coarse fragments of sub-rounded shape and ironstone
lithology.
A1 0-12 Very dark gray (10YR 3/1) fine sandy clay loam. Massive
structured sub-angular blocky large peds of 5-10mm size breaking
down to granular <2mm sized small peds. Consistence was weak
and slightly sticky with the soil water status being dry. There were
2-10% ferruginous segregations of nodular form and of 2-6mm
size. There were many roots of medium size (2-5mm). With an
abrupt change to ….
A2 12-23 Brown (10YR 4/3) fine sandy clay loams. Massive structured
lenticular shaped large peds of 5-10mm breaking down to
granular small peds of <2mm. Consistence was weak and slightly
sticky with the soil water status being dry. There were <2%
ferruginous segregations of nodular form and of 2-6mm size.
There were common roots of medium size (2-5mm). With a clear
change to…
B1 23-46 Light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) coarse clayey sands. Massive
structured sub-angular shaped large peds of 5-10mm breaking
down to granular small peds of <2mm. Consistence was weak and
slightly sticky with the soil water status being dry. There were 10-
20% ferruginous segregations of nodular form and of 6-20mm
size. There were common roots of fine size (1-2mm). With an
abrupt change to …..
Pan 46-74 Very strongly cemented, continuous ironstone pan of
concretionary nature. With a gradual change to …….
B21 74-240 Light greenish gray (Gley 1 7/1) light clays with many (20-50%)
15-30mm sized mottles of prominent contrast and primary color
of brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) and secondary color of yellowish
red (5YR 4/6). Strongly structured angular blocky large peds of 5-
10mm, breaking down to moderately structured polyhedral shaped
small peds of 2-5mm. Consistence was strong and moderately
sticky, with a dry soil water status. There was >50% ferruginous
concretions of >60mm size. There were no roots found in this
horizon. With a gradual change to …..
B22 240-270+ Light greenish gray (Gley 1 7/1) heavy clays with common (10-
20%) 5-15mm sized mottles of distinct contrast and primary color
of brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) and secondary color of yellowish
red (5YR 4/6). Moderately structured sub-angular blocky large
peds of 20-50mm, breaking down to moderately structured sub-
angular shaped small peds of 5-10mm. Consistence was firm and
very sticky, with a moist soil water status. There were no roots
found in this horizon.
47
Location
2.5 Hammett Species Trial
Darwin Rural
Aim
Map reference
Identify the best appearance grade tropical Latitude: 12'35.00 S
options for a range of biophysical regions in Longitude: 131'07.20 E
Nearest town
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Humpty Doo, NT.
See Regional, district and property maps.
between trials in a repeatable way. Site Description
Develop a practically focused research Landform
program that will provide information needed Plain
community organisations to make decisions on Original vegetation
the long term development of farm forestry in Open forest with stringybark, woolly butt,
the Top End. ironwood 15-20 m. spear grass.
Trial type
Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
48
Soil
Lithosol, loamy sandy with gravel, good drainage.
Site preparation
Ground preparation
The site was a cleared paddock and was previously used for growing vegetables. Ripping and tilling in
strips of 1m wide were used in site preparation. Slashing was carried out between rows. The trial is
laid out with rows 3 m apart and trees planted at 3 m spacings within rows. The block was fenced.
Establishment
Planting date
January 2000.
Some rain during planting. At planting 50 g of Nitrophoska (NPK) blend was applied close to each
seedling. A dripper irrigation system was also installed, using partly sprayers and partly overhead
watering.
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Nursery Seed source Health at

number planting
Eucalyptus pellita 1 DPIF/GA Nursery GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest
Cedrela odorata 2 DPIF/GA Nursery GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest
Callitris intratropica 3 DPIF/GA Nursery GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest
Chukrasia velutina 4 DPIF/GA Nursery GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest
Enterolobium 5 DPIF/GA Nursery GA, DPIF, NT Good
cyclocarpum Agroforest
Swietenia humilis 6 DPIF/GA Nursery GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest

The trial is a randomised complete block with 4 replicates of 6 plots. There is one treatment (seedlot)
assigned to each plot in 7 rows of 7 trees (49 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is adjacent to
the pin (see diagram).
49
Trial design
2 3 1 6
Rep1
4 5 3 5
mix
2 1 6 4
Rep2
1 5
mix 4
Housing Rep3
area
3
2
Rep4
5 1 4 6
3 2 6 Teak
Road

X Stake
1 8 15 22 29 36 43
2 9 16 23 30 37 44
3 10 17 24 31 38 45
4 11 18 25 32 39 46
5 12 19 26 33 40 47
6 13 20 27 34 41 48
7 14 21 28 35 42 49
Maintenance

Some hand removal and slashing of weeds for the first six months, then neglected. Only front of trial
treated.
Irrigation
Irrigation took place until the end of the wet season in 2001.
Replacements
Some replanting took place in February and March 2000, and further replanting in January 2001.
Pruning
No pruning.
50
Termite treatment
No termite treatment at this site.
Pest control
No pest control at this site.
Monitoring
Kurt Neitzel reported: Trial surrounding house, wallabies plenty but almost no damage, termites and
maintenance overdone.
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. They reported that some of the
trees were being choked out by weeds. Follow up: needs termite control .
The plantation urgently requires mulching and fertilising (100g/tree except Callitris). Sent Trent and
Geoff down in the early wet season with the spray unit. Organise for Green Reserves to come for
maintenance.
S. macrophylla being attacked by termites. Some neglected areas in the trial, mission grass bad and
Calopo choking out Chukrasia. Irrigation was taken out this year
Site was well managed in the first half year, but later neglected causing losses, deformation and
stunted growth. There was obvious nutrition deficiency in the front part of the plantation.
Recommendation: not to follow up as a trial as variation within the site too great.
Beau Robertson monitored this site in 2002. He reported that the site had potential, but through a lack
of maintenance it was performing poorly. No species were reported as growing well here, as weeds
dominated the site in the early stages, particularly Callopo.
The trial was monitored in 2006 by Greening Australia staff. Tree height and DBH were measured in
Weed status
At the front of the plantation weed control was good, however the back of the plantation was
neglected.
Results
At both 30 months and 70 months, Enterolobium cyclocarpum proved the tallest species in the trial,
although not significantly different from Euclayptus pellita or Callitris intratropica. Enterolobium
cyclocarpum also showed the greatest estimated DBH mean at 70 months of 11.7 cm, although the
difference was not significant.
Survival at this site was poor, particularly in relation to other sites in this trial. At 30 months, for all
species except Callitris intratropica, survival had fallen below 50%. Callitris intratropica
significantly outperformed other species for survival at 30 months and also at 70 months, at 91.8%
(p<0.001) and 91.3% (p=0.001) respectively. All other species performed poorly in terms of survival.
This is most likely due to the weed competition.
51
Table 2.5.2 Estimated mean height, survival, diameter, bole and form score for the Hammett species trial
Height
Height 30 Survival DBH 30 70 Survival Bole 70 DBH 70 Score 70
Treatment Species months 30 months months months 70 months months months months
Enterolobium
5
cyclocarpum 3.35 34.2 * 6.42 36.7 * 11.7 2.7
Eucalyptus
1
pellita 2.85 45.9 * 4.95 32.7 4.12 4.89 3.03
Callitris
3
intratropica 2.29 91.8 * 4.68 91.3 3.94 * *
Swietenia
6
humilis 1.7 28.1 * 3.23 19.4 2.99 3.85 2.29
Chukrasia
4
velutina 1.68 48 5.542 2.27 19.4 1.56 2.61 2.45
Cedrela
2
52
odorata 0.96 18.9 4.235 2.23 5.6 1.79 8.66 2.43
Var ratio 6.7 7.96 66.27 7.52 18.62 18.31 9.57 1.1
d.f 5,22 5,23 4,11 5,19 5,23 5,18 5,19 5,19
f prob 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.414
lsd 1.019 27.39 0.7491 1.896 21.02 0.915 3.377 1.019
9
5
Height 30 months
(m)
Height 70 months
4
0
Enterolobium cyclocarpum
Chukrasia velutina
Cedrela odorata
Eucalyptus pellita
Swietenia humilis
Callitris intratropica
Figure 2.5.1 Mean height 30 and 70 months after planting
100
80
60
Cedrela odorata Eucalyptus pellita
40
20
Survival 30 months
0
Survival 70 months
Chukrasia velutina Callitris intratropica
Swietenia humilis
Figure 2.5.2 Mean survival % from 30 and 70 months after planting
53
16
F=9.57; df=5,19; p=0.001
14
12
10
(cm)
0
Eucalyptus pellita
Swietenia humilis
Chukrasia velutina
Cedrela odorata
F=18.31; df=5,18; p<0.001

4
(m)
0
Eucalyptus pellita Callitris intratropica Swietenia humilis Chukrasia velutina Cedrela odorata
54
Location
2.6 Hayman Species Trial
Darwin Rural
Aim
hardwood timber tree species and management Map reference
options for a range of biophysical regions in Latitude: 12'38.05 S
Nearest town
Parap, NT.
between trials in a repeatable way. Site Description
program that will provide information for Plain
industry, landholders, government and
community organisations to make decisions on Original vegetation
the long term development of farm forestry in Open woodland, stringybark, ironwood, 15-20
the Top End. m height
Trial type
Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
55
Site preparation
Ground preparation
The site was a cleared paddock that was previously a mango plantation. The site was ripped (but
partly not) in accordance to projected tree lines. Slashing took place and glyphosate was applied
along tree lines. The trial is laid out with rows 3m apart and trees planted at 3 m spacings within
rows. Fencing for the site was already in place.
Establishment
Planting date
December 1999 – February/March 2000.
At planting 50g of Nitrophoska (NPK) blend was applied on the surface soil close to each
seedling. A dripper system was installed in March/April 2000.
Seedlings

number planting
Swietenia humilis 1 DPIF GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest
Eucalyptus pellita 2 DPIF GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest
Chukrasia velutina 3 DPIF GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest
Cedrela odorata 4 DPIF GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest
Swietenia macrophylla 5 DPIF GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest
Tectona grandis 6 DPIF GA, DPIF, NT Good
Agroforest

56
Trial design
STUART HIGHWAY
Natural Stand - Strip -
~160 m
1 3 5 6 2 4 IV
90 m
3 1 5 4 6 2 III
s
go
an
1 5 6 4 2 3 II
M
6 2 5 3 4 1 I
123 m ~42 m

X Stake
1 8 15 22 29 36 43
2 9 16 23 30 37 44
3 10 17 24 31 38 45
4 11 18 25 32 39 46
5 12 19 26 33 40 47
6 13 20 27 34 41 48
7 14 21 28 35 42 49
Maintenance

Glyphosate was applied twice each wet season. Slashing was also carried out within rows twice
each wet season.
100g NPK per tree in May/June 2000, 150g NPK December 2000.
Irrigation
A dripper system was installed in March/April 2000. Initially the system was used four
times/week for four hours. Irrigation was turned off at the end of the 2001 dry season.
Re-mulching
Individual trees were mulched in June 2000.
Pruning
Eucalyptus pellita trees (1.5-2m) were form and stem pruned in the wet season 2001/2002.
Termite treatment
Aggregate base drums with Mirant in November 2001.
57
Pest control
Irrigation was used to control bandicoots.
Monitoring
Generally the site is in very good condition. The Teak is growing well but on shallow parts behind
other plots (as expected) leaves are being attacked. Cedrela growth is uneven but satisfactory, and
the Chukrasia shows good growth. Swietenia macrophylla and Swietenia humilis are showing
good growth but some are being attacked by termites. Eucalyptus pellita is showing very good
growth, as is Khaya senegalensis. The site is very well maintained.
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. They reported that termites
were attacking the Swietenia humilis, and that watering was occurring once every 4 days for 3
hours.
Beau Robertson inspected the site in July 2002. He reported the best species as being Eucalyptus
pellita (mean ht 5.38 m & mean diameter 5.92 cm) and Tectona grandis (mean height 4.22 m and
mean diameter 4.19 cm). He also reported a reasonable amount of termite damage in this trial
affecting the Teak, Eucalyptus pellita and Swietenia species. Some of the smaller Swietenia
species were also starting to show signs of drought stress after the irrigation had been turned off or
cut back. The site had been maintained fairly well, however some time was recommended to be
spent on pruning the Teak.
The trial was monitored in 2006 by Greening Australia staff. Tree and bole height and DBH was
measured in metres and centimetres respectively. The trial data was checked for uneven variance
and outliers using Data Plus software and then analysed using Genstat software.
Weed status
Large amounts of Pangola grass at the site.
Insect activity
Stem borers were found in the branch axis of Eucalyptus pellita. The leaves of the teaks were also
attacked. Some termite damage also seen in Swietenia humilis (20% in plot of Rep I, close to
natural stand), in Eucalyptus pellita and Teak (only 1-3 trees).
Other observations
The teaks suffered after the water was turned off after the 2001 dry season. Termites attacked
mainly Swietenia humilis. The termite control appeared to work well. The site was noted to be
well maintained.
Results
Eucalyptus pellita proved consistently the tallest species throughout the trial (see Table 2.6.2), and
was significantly taller than all other species at 54 months at 7.09 m (p<0.001). Eucalyptus pellita
also showed the greatest diameter in both 30 and 54 month measurements, at 5.51 cm and 8.94 cm
respectively, significantly different than other species at 54 months (p<0.001). Comparisons
between bole mean estimations at 54 months also show Eucalyptus pellita having the highest
mean at 3.807 m, although not significantly different.
Survival for all species at this site was excellent, with Chukrasia velutina showing the highest
percentage consistently throughout the trial. Survival percentages for this trial are shown in Figure
2.6.1.
58
Table 2.6.2 Estimated mean height, survival, diameter, bole and form score for the Hayman species trial
Height Height DBH Height DBH Score

Height Survival 14 Survival 30 Survival 30 54 Survival Bole 54 54 54
Treat 6 6 month 14 month 30 month month 54 month month month
ment Species months months s months s months s s months s s s
2 Eucalyptus pellita 0.82 89.8 2.293 88.3 5.14 86.7 5.51 7.09 78.6 3.807 8.94 2.975
6 Tectona grandis 0.642 95.41 2.288 92.3 4.46 88.8 4.61 5.86 86.2 3.53 7.46 3.045
3 Chukrasia velutina 0.255 99.49 1.408 98.5 3.49 97.4 4.64 5.7 94.9 3.542 7.54 3.372
5 Swietenia macrophylla 0.422 98.47 1.323 94.9 3.53 86.2 4.04 5.58 77 3.53 5.81 3.207
1 Swietenia humilis 0.255 96.43 1.14 85.2 3.16 77.6 3.83 5.46 79.6 3.09 6.09 3.065
4 Cedrela odorata 0.372 97.45 1.055 89.8 2.59 83.2 3.6 3.52 62.2 2.673 3.6 2.667
Var ratio 6.48 3.61 11.1 1.01 14.04 1.47 4.58 7.78 2.74 4.09 10.64 4.36
d.f 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,23
59
f prob 0.002 0.024 <0.001 0.448 <0.001 0.256 0.01 <0.001 0.06 0.015 <0.001 0.012
Lsd 0.268 5.461 0.4861 14.35 0.742 16.33 0.979 1.246 19.74 0.6093 1.074 0.3123
Eucalyptus pellita
100
80
60
Cedrela odorata Tectona grandis
40
20
Survival 6 months
Survival 14 months
0
Survival 30 months
Survival 54 months
Swietenia humilis Chukrasia velutina
Swietenia macrophylla
5 Height 6 months
Height 14 months
(m)
Height 30 months
4
Height 54 months
0
Eucalyptus pellita
macrophylla
Swietenia humilis
Cedrela odorata
Tectona grandis
Chukrasia velutina
Swietenia
60
5
F=4.09; df=5,23; p=0.015
4.5
3.5
3
(m)
2.5
1.5
0.5
0
Eucalyptus pellita Tectona grandis Chukrasia velutina Swietenia macrophylla Swietenia humilis Cedrela odorata
12
10
DBH 30 months
(cm)
6
DBH 54 months
0
Eucalyptus pellita Tectona grandis Chukrasia velutina Swietenia Swietenia humilis Cedrela odorata
macrophylla
61
4
F=4.36; df=5,23; p=0.012

3.5
2.5
Score 1-5
1.5
0.5
0
Eucalyptus pellita Tectona grandis Chukrasia velutina Swietenia macrophylla Swietenia humilis Cedrela odorata
Figure 2.6.6 Hayman Chukrasia plot (16 Oct 2007)
62
Location
2.7 Hickey Species Trial
Katherine, NT.
Aim
Map reference
Identify best appearance grade tropical Latitude: 14'31.20 S
Nearest town
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Katherine, NT. See Regional, district and
of species under controlled conditions. property maps.
Demonstrate differences within trials and Site Description

Landform
Develop a practically focused research Plain
program that will provide information for
industry, landholders, government and Original vegetation
community organisations to make decisions on Shrubs, light timber.
the Top End.
Trial type
Mean monthly 235.0 216.5 161.3 32.9 5.7 2.1 1.0 0.5 5.9 29.2 88.2 197.7 976.1
rainfall
10th percentile 101.4 74.5 23.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 25.3 80.9 620.6
rainfall
90th percentile 391.0 355.7 334.8 99.5 23.0 3.9 0.0 0.2 23.4 78.9 166.3 338.6 1315.0
rainfall
Mean daily max 35.0 34.3 34.5 34.0 32.1 30.0 30.1 32.5 35.4 37.7 38.0 36.5 34.2
temp
Mean daily min 24.0 23.7 22.9 20.4 17.1 14.1 13.2 15.5 19.6 23.6 24.7 24.4 20.2
temp
Highest max temp 41.1 40.5 39.2 38.3 36.0 36.1 35.2 37.3 39.4 41.7 45.6 43.3
Lowest min temp 17.2 16.7 13.8 10.7 7.2 3.4 2.8 5.3 9.8 11.0 17.4 17.3
Mean daily
evaporation
Mean 9am relative 77 81 77 64 58 56 52 52 52 56 62 71 63
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 54 57 51 37 34 31 27 25 25 28 35 45 37
humidity (%)
63
Soil
‘Red Tippera’, calcareous deep reddish soil, loamy to clay (low water table during wet <1 m)
Site preparation
Ground preparation
The site was previously a cleared paddock. Ripping and weed control took place before planting.
Establishment
Planting date
January 2000.
The trial is laid out with rows 4m apart and trees planted at 3 m spacings within rows (3x4). At
planting 50 g of Nitrophoska (NPK) blend was buried close to each seedling. Wynncassia was the
inter-row cover. It was ensured that a 10m wide fire break was established around the trial.
Seedlings
Species used Treat Nursery Seed source Size at Health at

ment planting planting
number
Swietenia humilis 1 GA, DPIF, Honduras Good
NTAgroforest
Tectona grandis 2 GA, DPIF, Unknown Good
NTAgroforest
Canarium australianum 3 GA, DPIF, Local Very small Too small
NTAgroforest
Callitris intratropica 4 GA, DPIF, Local Good
NTAgroforest
Eucalyptus pellita 5 GA, DPIF, SLN19128 Good
NTAgroforest
Khaya senegalensis 6 HS Senegal Good

64
Trial design
~161 m
5 1 3 5 6 4 1 2 Rep I
Rep IV 2 6 1 5 4 3 2 6 Rep II
Demo-
3 4 6 1 2 4 3 5 Site
Rep III
Gas Pipe line
Power line
Florina Road

X Stake
1 8 15 22 29 36 43
2 9 16 23 30 37 44
3 10 17 24 31 38 45
4 11 18 25 32 39 46
5 12 19 26 33 40 47
6 13 20 27 34 41 48
7 14 21 28 35 42 49
Maintenance

Slashing and spraying was applied to control weeds.
100g of Nitrophoska was applied per tree every 6 months.
Irrigation
T-tape irrigation was installed in May 2000.
Replacements
Replacement trees were planted in March 2000.
Pruning
Some form pruning did occur at this site.
Monitoring
Kurt Neitzel reported the installation of irrigation in May 2000. Planting with Green Corps and
volunteers.
Canariums were noted as too small at the time of planting. There was also some slashing damage.
2000/01 wet – high water table. Teak produced small leaves. Losses in Canarium and Callitris
significant possibly due to plant stock and high water table.
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. They reported: 4 x 3 spacings. Gap
planting of Blephocarya involucrigera. Acacia auriculiformis was used to refill the Canariums that did
not survive.
65
Acacia mangium can be grown as a timber tree (substitute for teak) In the Philippines – rotation of 12
years. Have been known to be attacked by termites after 7 years. The landholders did their own
replanting and are keen to start pruning.
Beau Robertson monitored this site in 2002. He reported this as a very good site, but also mentioned
there was no evidence of any pruning at all, and the teak needed pruning as soon as possible. Some
trees were very well formed and tall in this trial, such as Eucalyptus pellita (mean height 5.59 m and
diameter of 7.07 cm), along with some Khaya senegalensis (mean height 4.97 m and diameter of 7.35
cm).
The trial was monitored in 2006 by Greening Australia staff. Tree height and DBH (bole) was
measured in metres and centimetres respectively. The trial data was checked for uneven variance and
Insect activity
Some infestation of insects on Teak leafs. Termite damage to T. grandis and E. pellita was observed at
Hickey on the Tippera soil in 2000/01.
Other observations
Some damages while slashing (big tractor)
Losses in “natives”, Canarium and Callitris, significant.
Results
Comparisons between estimated height means at 65 months show no significant difference between
the tallest 3 species, Tectona grandis (6.453 m), Eucalyptus pellita (6.432m) and Swietenia humilis
(5.998 m). The tallest 3 species also showed no significant difference between their diameters,
although Eucalyptus pellita showed the largest diameter at 9.57 cm.
Tectona grandis showed the highest survival rate of the trial at 65 months (89.3%), which was
significantly different to all other species (p<0.001), whilst survival of Eucalyptus pellita was
particularly poor at 20.4%. Eucalyptus pellita did however show the largest estimated bole mean of
4.317m, significantly different from all other species in the trial (p<0.001).
The estimated mean heights, survival, diameters, bole and form score for seedlots are presented in
Figures 2.7.1, 2.7.2, 2.7.3, 2.7.4 and 2.7.5.
66
Table 2.7.2 Estimated height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the Hickey species
trial
Height Survival
Treat 65 65 Bole 65 DBH 65 Score 65
ment Species months months months months months
2 Tectona grandis 6.453 89.3 2.532 9.11 2.94
5 Eucalyptus pellita 6.432 20.4 4.317 9.57 2.949
3 Canarium australianum 3.563 30.6 2.09 4.8 2.785
4 Callitris intratropica 2.908 45.4 2.165 3.29 2.5
Var ratio 55.82 25.03 15.72 18.69 1.34

d.f 4,18 5,23 4,18 4,18 4,18
f prob <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.314
lsd 0.7088 18.96 0.7242 2.022 0.489
Data was not collected for K. senegalensis.
8
F=55.82; df=4,18; p<0.001.
Error bars represent lsd.
5
(m)
0
Tectona grandis Eucalyptus pellita Swietenia humilis Canarium australianum Callitris intratropica
Figure 2.7.1 Mean height at 65 months after planting
67
Tectona grandis
100
80
60
Callitris intratropica Eucalyptus pellita
40
20
Canarium australianum Swietenia humilis
Khaya senegalensis
F=15.72; df=4,18; p<0.001

4
(m)
0
68
14
F=18.69; df=4,18; p<0.001

12
10
8
(cm)
0
4
F=1.34; df=4,18; p=0.314
3.5
2.5
Score 1-5
1.5
0.5
0
69
Figure 2.7.8 Hickey Trial Swietenia plot (19 October 2007)
70
Trial type
2.8 Howard Springs Species
Trial Randomised complete block.
Aim Location
Identify the best appearance grade tropical Latitude: -12o 28’ 13” S
options for a range of biophysical regions in Longitude: 131o 02’ 12”
Nearest town
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Howard Springs, Darwin Rural.


the Top End.
Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
Establishment
Planting date
January 2001
71
Seedlings
Species used Treatment number

Terminalia microcarpa 1
Erythrophleum chlorostachys 2
Syzygium armstrongii 3
Maranthes corymbose 4
Santalum album 5
Canarium australianum 6
Syzygium forte 7
Melia azedarach 8
Casuarina cunninghamiana 9
Acacia mangium 10
Acacia auriculiformis 11
Acacia peregrina 12

Trial design
X Stake
1 7 13 19 25 31
2 8 14 20 26 32
3 9 15 21 27 33
4 10 16 22 28 34
5 11 17 23 29 35
6 12 18 24 30 36
72
Monitoring
The trial was monitored in 2006 by Greening Australia staff. Tree height and DBH were measured in
Results
A comparison of estimated survival means at 47 months across species showed no significant
difference, however Maranthes corymbosa had the highest survival percentage of this trial at a mean
of 96.3%. Survival at this site was particularly poor for Acacia peregrina (1.9%), Acacia
auriculiformis (25%) and Acacia mangium (19.4%). Survival of other species in comparison to other
sites in this trial appears average.
Despite a poor survival percentage, the surviving Acacia mangium did very well at this trial. Although
comparison of estimated height means and DBH means showed no significant difference across
species, Acacia mangium proved the tallest at 4.41 m , and also had the greatest DBH at 4.44 cm.
Acacia mangium also had the largest estimated bole mean of this trial, at 2.827 m, which was
significantly different to other species (p=0.016).
Table 2.8.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the Howard
Springs species trial
Height Survival
47 47 Bole 47 DBH 47 Score 47
Treatment Name of species months months months months months
10 Acacia mangium 4.41 19.4 2.827 4.44 2.603
8 Melia azedarach 3.17 78.7 1.663 2.03 2.767
4 Maranthes corymbosa 2.83 96.3 0.687 2 2.673
9 Casuarina cunninghamiana 2.69 65.7 1.73 1.68 3.227
11 Acacia auriculiformis 2.64 25 1.127 3.28 2.903
3 Syzygium armstrongii 2.3 73.1 1.65 1.74 2.69
7 Syzygium forte 2.07 88 0.973 1.14 2.757
5 Santalum album 1.95 79.6 0.81 0.93 3.27
1 Terminalia microcarpa 1.49 47.2 1.143 0.77 3.69
6 Canarium australianum 1.31 60.2 1.343 1.77 2.8
2 Erythrophleum chlorostachys 0.44 57.4 * * *
12 Acacia peregrina * 1.9 * * *
Var ratio 5.41 19.05 2.9 3.19 3.84

d.f 11,34 11,35 11,33 11,32 11,33
f prob <0.001 <0.001 0.016 0.013 0.004
lsd 1.321 19.64 1.028 1.896 0.5477
73
7
F=5.41; df=11,34; p<0.001
6
4
Height (m)
ys
ch
rte
ii
na
sa
is
m
m
a
ng
rp
rm
bu
u
nu
ch
ra
bo
ia
fo
gi
ca
ro
m
a
ifo
lia
al
ta
m
an
m
st
ed
ro
ha
s
ra
ul
ry
um
iu
m
m
ro
ic
az
ric
co
ng
st
ar
lo
zy
a
l
ta
au
au
ia
ni
ci
ch
s
um
ia
Sy
n
he
a
el
m
Sa
al
ia
Ac
cu
m
M
gi
nt
in
iu
ac
eu
zy
rm
a
ar
Ac
rin
ar
hl
Sy
an
Te
M
op
ua
hr
as
yt
C
Er
Acacia mangium
100
Acacia peregrina Melia azedarach
80
60
Erythrophleum chlorostachys Maranthes corymbosa
40
20
Canarium australianum 0 Casuarina cunninghamiana
Terminalia microcarpa Acacia auriculiformis
Santalum album Syzygium armstrongii
Syzygium forte
74
DBH (cm) Bole height (m)
Ac Ac
a a
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
ci ci
a a
m m
an an
gi gi
um um
Figure 2.8.3
Figure 2.8.4
M M
el el
ia ia
az az
ed ed
ar ar
ac ac
M h M h
ar ar
an an
t he t he
s s
co co
ry ry
C m C m
as bo as bo
ua sa ua sa
rin rin
a a
cu cu
nn nn
in in
gh gh
a m a m
ia ia
n a n a
Ac Ac
ac ac
ia ia
au au
ric ric
ul ul
ifo ifo
rm rm
Sy is Sy is
zy zy
gi gi
um um
ar ar
m m
st st
ro ro
75
ng ng
ii ii

Sy Sy
zy zy
g iu g iu
m m
fo fo
rte rte
Sa Sa
n ta n ta
l um l um
Mean bole height (m) at 47 months after planting
al al
b um b um
Te Te
rm rm
in in
a li a a li a
m m
ic ic
ro ro
c ar c ar
C pa C pa
an an
a riu a riu
m m
au au
st st
ra ra
lia lia
nu nu
m m
F=3.19; df=11,32; p=0.013

F=2.9; df=11,33; p=0.016
Score 1-5
Ac
a
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
ci
a
m
an
gi
um
Figure 2.8.5
M
el
ia
az
ed
ar
ac
M h
ar
an
t he
s
co
ry
C m
as bo
ua sa
rin
a
cu
nn
in
gh
a m
ia
n a
Ac
ac
ia
au
ric
ul
ifo
rm
Sy is
zy
gi
um
ar
m
st
ro
76
ng
ii
Sy
zy
g iu
m
fo
Mean form score at 47 months after planting rte
Sa
n ta
l um
al
b um
Te
rm
in
a
li a
m
F=3.84; df=11,33; p=0.004
ic
ro
c ar
C pa
an
a riu
m
au
st
ra
lia
nu
m
Location of the Howard Springs trial
77
Location
2.9 Humphris Species Trial
Map reference
Aim Latitude: 12'46.20 S
Identify the best appearance grade tropical Longitude: 131'29.55 E

options for a range of biophysical regions in Nearest town
the Top End of the NT. Humpty Doo, NT.
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Soil

Grey podzolic soils.
Site preparation
program that will provide information for Ground preparation
industry, landholders, government and The site had been a hay paddock for seven
community organisations to make decisions on years, and had not been fertilised for three
the long term development of farm forestry in years prior to the trial. The site had been burnt
the Top End. prior to planting to remove weeds. The rows
were ripped along tree lines. The site is fenced.
Trial type
Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
78
Establishment
Planting date
December 1998.
Seedlings were planted into the rip-lines in weed-free, bare soil. At planting 50g of Nitrophoska
(NPK) blend was buried close to each seedling. The trees were not mulched at planting. It was
ensured that a 4-10 metre fire break was established around the trial.
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Seed source Size at planting

number
Castanospermum australe 1
Khaya senegalensis 2 Quld Forestry SLN Stripling

5635
Nauclea orientalis 3
Enterolobium cyclocarpum 4
Eucalyptus pellita 5 Quld Forestry & Stripling

SLN 19718
Pterocarpus macrocarpus 6 SLN 19852 Container grown

Trial design
Replicate no
IV 1 4 3 5 2 6
III 3 2 4 6 5 1
II 2 6 4 5 1 3
I 4 2 6 5 3 1
79
X Stake
1 8 15 22 29 36 43
2 9 16 23 30 37 44
3 10 17 24 31 38 45
4 11 18 25 32 39 46
5 12 19 26 33 40 47
6 13 20 27 34 41 48
7 14 21 28 35 42 49
Maintenance

Controlled cattle grazing and slashing were used to control weeds.
50 g NPK per tree was applied in the 1999/2000 wet season. Compost was placed at the base of
trees in the 1999 dry season.
Irrigation
Irrigation of 11 litres twice per week occurred in the 2001 dry season, using micro-sprays.
Replacements
Replanting took place in March 1999.
Re-mulching
Spear grass mulch was placed on the drier parts of the trial in the second year.
Pruning
Trees were form and stem pruned in August 2001 using pneumatic pruners.
Termite treatment
Aggregate base drums with Mirant in the third dry season.
Monitoring
Kurt Neitzel reported: Site potential overestimated (surrounding vegetation), heavy soils
Losses , replanting of whole plots partly mixed ( Leichardt Pine, Melaleuca leucadendra,
Syzygium armstrongii etc).
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. They reported: Some major
failures here:
• Planting material was not the best and planting was a bit rushed in the first year of
plantings. Drainage also seems to be a problem.
• Looked at a range of native species. Nauclea and Melaleuca doing well.
• From an economic focus, E. pellita would be the best bet.
• Need more Acacia auriculiformis and A. mangium.
80
• The plantation needs form pruning.
Beau Robertson reported in 2002 of this being a very poor site (not irrigated). Eucalyptus pellita
in replication 1 and 2 were reported as growing well as were a few Khaya senegalensis. The
Eucalyptus pellita was recorded with a mean height of 4.38 m and a diameter of 6.06 cm.
Maintenance by the landowner on this trial had been fair. Beau Robertson recommended that this
site not be measured again and that a more suitable species should be planted here. The trial was
monitored in 2006 by Greening Australia staff. Tree height and DBH (bole) was measured in
metres and centimetres respectively. The trial data was checked for uneven variance and outliers
using Data Plus software and then analysed using Genstat software.
Insect activity
Termites were noted as a big problem for Eucalyptus pellita in the 2002 dry season.
Results
Eucalyptus pellita has consistently been the tallest species at this site, with a significant difference
in estimated mean height from other species throughout the trial (all height measurements
p<0.001). It also ranked first in estimated bole means and diameter means at 70 months, showing
significant difference from other species at 4.482 m (p<0.001) and 7.3 cm respectively (p=0.01).
The average form scores from all species at 70 months are likely the result of neglected form
pruning. Eucalyptus pellita, Pterocarpus macrocarpus and Khaya senegalensis showed the best
survival rates at this site. Heavy losses in Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Castanospermum
australe early-on may have been the result of drainage problems at the site and the heavy soils
reported by Kurt Neitzel.
81
Table 2.9.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Humphris species trial
Height Height Height Height

6 Survival 20 Survival Height Survival 42 Survival 70 Survival
Treat month 6 month 20 28 28 month 42 month 70
ment Species s months s months months months s months s months
5 Eucalyptus pellita 0.71 74.5 1.805 63.3 2.922 74.5 4.41 65.8 6.49 50.5
6 Pterocarpus macrocarpus 0.225 85.7 0.446 39.3 1.367 73.5 3.04 65.8 4.39 68.9
2 Khaya senegalensis 0.18 95.4 0.321 41.3 0.985 69.4 1.88 56.1 3.86 51.5
1 Castanospermum australe * 31.6 * 15.8 0.48 23.5 * 10.2 3.36 26.5
3 Nauclea orientalis 0.2017 45.9 0.101 27.6 0.992 36.2 1.71 34.2 2.14 37.2
4 Enterolobium cyclocarpum * 14.8 0.421 43.4 1.067 27.6 1.6 23 * 4.1
Var ratio 177.58 7.07 86.18 1.88 29.98 6.04 20.28 8.93 22.94 10.14
d.f 5,17 5,23 5,12 5,23 5,20 5,23 5,20 5,23 5,20 5,23
82
f prob <0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.158 <0.001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
lsd 0.0591 36.36 0.2675 35.19 0.4746 29.64 0.799 23.73 1.131 21.41
Table 2.9.3 Estimated diameter, bole and form score for the Humphris species trial
Treatm DBH 42 DBH 70 Bole 70 Score 70

ent Species months months months months
5 Eucalyptus pellita 5.93 7.3 4.482 3.2
6 Pterocarpus macrocarpus 3.7 4.65 2.12 2.67
2 Khaya senegalensis 3.44 4.87 3.238 2.72
1 Castanospermum australe * 5.07 2.668 3.49
3 Nauclea orientalis * 3.58 2.15 2.99
4 Enterolobium cyclocarpum * * * *
Var ratio 17.09 5.43 19.36 1.07

d.f 5,16 4,19 4,19 4,19
f prob <0.001 0.01 <0.001 0.412
lsd 0.824 1.797 0.6861 1.018
Height 6 months
5
Height 20 months
(m)
Height 28 months
4 Height 42 months
Height 70 months
0
Eucalyptus pellita Pterocarpus Khaya senegalensis Castanospermum Nauclea orientalis Enterolobium
macrocarpus australe cyclocarpum
83
Eucalyptus pellita
100
80
60
Enterolobium cyclocarpum Pterocarpus macrocarpus
40
Survival 20 months
Survival 42 months
Survival 70 months
Nauclea orientalis Khaya senegalensis
120
100
80
Eucalyptus pellita
Survival (%)
Pterocarpus macrocarpus
Khaya senegalensis
60
Nauclea orientalis
40
20
0
0 Survival 6 months Survival 20 Survival 28 Survival 42 Survival 70
months months months months
84
10
F=5.43; df=4,19; p=0.01
9
6
(cm)
0
Eucalyptus pellita Pterocarpus macrocarpus Khaya senegalensis Castanospermum australe Nauclea orientalis
F=19.36; df=4,19; p<0.001

4
(m)
0
85
5
F=1.07; df=4,19; p=0.412
4.5
3.5
3
Score 1-5
2.5
1.5
0.5
0
86
2.10 Kohler Species Trial the Top End.
Aim Trial type

Identify the best appearance grade tropical Randomised complete block.
the Top End of the NT. Location
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Latitude: 12'41.15 S

Nearest town
Noonamah, NT.
Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
Site preparation
Ground preparation
This trial has alternating rows of species, Khaya senegalensis as the main species, and Khaya nyasica,
Swietenia humilis and Tectona grandis as the alternating species.
87
Establishment
Planting date
23 December 2000.
Trees were planted with a spacing of 3 m x 3 m.
Seedlings
Khaya senegalensis M Howard Springs

Swietenia humilis 2 Honduras
Saragonza
assigned to each plot in 10 rows of 10 trees (100 trees per plot). For each plot, tree number 1 is
adjacent to the pin (see diagram).
Trial design
Homestead
Outer line: 40 Khaya senegalensis not planted 8 plants missing (1)

Mangos
3 1 2 1 1 3
I II III IV
2 1 3 2 3 2
6 rows (3)
Old Bynoe Road
88
X Stake
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
Monitoring
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. They reported: Khaya main species
every 2nd row. Reasons – bread & butter of income and not enough other spp
Well looked after, could do with some assistance from Green Reserves etc for mulching. Water on for
0.5-1 hour overnight. Trees need mulching and fertilising.
Beau Robertson inspected the site in July 2002. The top of the trial was reported as having been burnt
(about 3 plots). All species here were reported as showing very poor growth with a mean height of
only 0.50 m (Tectona grandis).
Results
Khaya senegalensis, as the main trial species at this site, was the tallest species after 59 months (see
Figure 2.10.1.). Looking at the least significant difference of these results (see Tables 2.10.2 and
2.10.3), Khaya senegalensis was significantly taller at 2.45 m (p=0.693). Although not statistically
significant, Khaya senegalensis showed better results than all other species at this site for survival,
bole, and DBH. Swietenia humilis had the best form score after 59 months at 3.19, although this was
not a significant difference.
Survival of Khaya nyasica at this site was extremely poor, at only 3.5% after 59 months. This may
have been largely the result of the site being burnt in 2002.
89
Table 2.10.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the Kohler
species trial
Height Survival
Treat 59 59 Bole 59 DBH 59 Score 59
ment Species months months months months months
3 Tectona grandis 1.1 70.5 1.37 1.35 1.9

2 Swietenia humilis 1.06 64 1.46 1.23 3.19
1 Khaya nyasica 0.82 3.5 * * *
Var ratio 0.39 18.14 0.12 0.22 3.94

d.f 2,11 2,11 2,7 1,6 2,8
f prob 0.693 0.003 0.896 0.685 0.145
lsd 0.816 30.02 1.456 1.102 1.739
Table 2.10.3 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the main
species at the Kohler species trial
Height DBH Score

59 Survival Bole 59 59 59
Treat month 59 month month month
ment Species s s.e. months s s.e. s s.e. s s.e.
M Khaya 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

(main) senegalensis 2.45 7 77.67 2.17 6 2.78 9 3.00 6
90
3.50
F=0.39; df=2,11, p=0.693

3.00
2.50
2.00
(m)
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
Khaya senegalensis Tectona grandis Swietenia humilis Khaya nyasica
Tectona grandis
80
60
40
20
Khaya senegalensis 0 Swietenia humilis
Khaya nyasica
91
4.00
F=0.12; df=2,7; p=0.896
3.50
3.00
2.50
(m)
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
Khaya senegalensis Tectona grandis Swietenia humilis
4.50
F=0.22; df=1,6; p=0.685
4.00
3.50
3.00
2.50
(cm)
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
92
6.00
F=3.94; df=2,8; p=0.145
5.00
4.00
Score 1-5
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
Figure 2.10.6 Koehler trial showing Khaya plot 18 Oct 2007
93
Figure 2.10.7 Koehler trial showing Swietenia and acacia regrowth
94
2.11 McGuffog (now Wing) the long term development of farm forestry in
Species Trial the Top End.
Aim Trial type

options for a range of biophysical regions in Location
the Top End of the NT. Latitude: 12'38.06 S
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Longitude: 131'02.10 E

Nearest town
between trials in a repeatable way. Noonamah, NT.

Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
Establishment
Planting date
December 2000.
95
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Seed source

number
Eucalyptus pellita M SLN 19719, 18602, 19672,
19128, 19718
Khaya senegalensis 2 Howard Springs

Trial design
Fruit trees
3 1 2 1 1 3
2 1 3 2 3 2
Borderline
Planting pattern
Main
1 others
2 Main
3 others
4
Main
5 others
6
Main
7 others
8
Main
9
others
10
Main
96
X Stake
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
Monitoring
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. They reported: Khaya nyasica
doing very well as well as E. pellita ( although a few losses for the latter). The site appears to be
well watered and mulched (from monitoring of trials.doc).
Beau Robertson inspected the site in July 2002. He reported the best species as being Khaya
senegalensis (mean height 2.5 m). Eucalyptus pellita (2.28 m) and Swietenia humilis (2.28 m)
were the next best. In all he reported this as a very good and well maintained trial, probably one
of the best of the latter established trials. There was report of some damage from borers in the
Eucalyptus pellita.
Results
All indicators measured at this site show that all species performed extremely well in comparison
to other sites in this trial. All species showed exceptional survival rates, all of them being above
60% after 49 months. All species also showed good height, bole and DBH, as well as form score
(see Tables 2.11.2 and 2.11.3.).
Although not the main trial species, Khaya senegalensis was the tallest species in this trial at 6.41
m after 49 months, showed the best survival percentage (97%), and had the greatest bole (3.5 m)
and DBH (7.98 cm), although none of these were statistically significant. The main species,
Eucalyptus pellita, showed similar suitability to this site, at 5.46 m in height, 78.55% survival,
3.34 m bole and 7.01cm in diameter after 49 months. Based only on these apparent trends, Khaya
senegalensis and Eucalyptus pellita appear to be the most suitable species for this site.
97
Table 2.11.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the McGuffog species trial

Treat 18 18 49 49 Bole 49 DBH 49 Score 49
ment Species months months months months months months months
2 Khaya senegalensis 2.505 97 6.41 97 3.5 7.98 2.88

3 Khaya nyasica 1.648 87 4.02 64.5 3.02 4.05 3.05
1 Swietenia humilis 1.428 81 3.28 63 2.86 3.69 2.76
Var ratio 16.01 1.99 34.09 4.89 2.5 50.93 0.6

d.f 2,11 2,11 2,11 2,11 2,11 2,11 2,11
f prob 0.004 0.218 <0.001 0.055 0.163 <0.001 0.578
lsd 0.4924 19.85 0.97 30.07 0.74 1.156 0.657
98
Table 2.11.3 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score for the main species at the McGuffog species trial

Treat 18 18 49 49 Bole 49 DBH 49 Score 49
ment Species months s.e. months months s.e. months months s.e. months s.e. months s.e.
M
(main) Eucalyptus pellita 2.34 0.01 90.91 5.46 0.10 78.55 3.34 0.14 7.01 0.19 2.70 0.05
8
Height 18 months
(m)
4
Height 49 months
0
Khaya senegalensis Eucalyptus pellita Khaya nyasica Swietenia humilis
Khaya senegalensis
100
80
60
40
20
Survival 18 months
Eucalyptus pellita 0 Khaya nyasica
Survival 49 months
Swietenia humilis
99
120
100
80
Khaya senegalensis
Khaya nyasica
(%)
60
Swietenia humilis
Eucalyptus pellita
40
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
months
4.5
F=2.5; df=2,11; p=0.163
3.5
2.5
(m)
1.5
0.5
0
100
10
F=50.93; df=2,11; p<0.001
9
6
(cm)
0
4
F=0.6; df=2,11; p=0.578
3.5
2.5
Score 1-5
1.5
0.5
0
101
Figure 2.11.7 McGuffog (Wing) trial E. pellita (17 Oct 2007)
Figure 2.11.8 McGuffog (Wing) trial Khaya senegalensis and E. pellita plots (17 Oct 2007)
102
Figure 2.11.9 McGuffog (Wing) trial Khaya senegalensis and E. pellita plots (17 Oct 2007)
103
Wing soil pit 1 representative of the western end of tree plot 2 and is located off the slight rise and
more on the flat. Soil around this area has been pugged indicating periods of surface water-logging.
The trees were very ordinary growing on this soil type. The soil type was typified by a bleached clay
pan over a continuous very strongly cemented ironstone pan.
Figure 2.11.10 Soil Pit 1 Wing
104
Surface Hard setting with very few (<2%) fine gravelly ironstone coarse
fragments (2-6mm) of sub-rounded shape.
A1 0-07 Dark gray (10YR 4/1) sandy loams. Massive structured large peds
of 5-10mm size and angular blocky shape breaking down to
granular small peds of <2mm size. Consistence was firm and non-
sticky and the soil moisture status was dry. There were very few
(<2%) medium gravelly ironstone coarse fragments (6-10mm) of
sub-rounded shape. There were many roots of fine sizes (1-2mm).
With a clear change to
A2 07-42 Greyish brown (2.5Y 5/2) clayey sand with few coarse mottles of
faint contrast and of brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) color. Massive
structure 10-20mm sized of angular blocky shape breaking down
to granular small peds of <2mm size. Consistence was strong and
non sticky, soil moisture status was dry. There were very few
(<2%) medium gravelly ironstone coarse fragments (6-10mm) of
sub-rounded shape. There were many roots of fine sizes (1-2mm).
With a clear change to
B1 42-48 Light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) sandy clay loam with few
coarse mottles of faint contrast and of brownish yellow (10YR
6/8) color. Massive structure 10-20mm sized of angular blocky
shape breaking down to granular small peds of <2mm size.
Consistence was very strong and non sticky, soil moisture status
was dry. There were many (20-50%) medium gravelly ironstone
coarse fragments (6-10mm) of sub-rounded shape. There were
few roots of fine sizes (1-2mm). With a clear change to
Pan 48-106 Very strongly cemented continuous laterite pan of concretionary

structure. There were no roots found growing through the horizon.
With a gradual change to
Pan 106-121 Very strongly cemented continuous laterite pan of massive

B21 121-160 Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) light clay with few medium sized
distinct mottles of light greenish grey (Gley1 7/1) color. Strongly
structured large peds of 5-10mm sized sub-angular blocky peds
breaking down to moderately structured small polyhedral peds of
5-10mm. Consistence was of firm strength and slightly sticky, soil
moisture status was tepid. There were many coarse gravelly (20-
60mm) ironstone coarse fragments of angular platy shape. No
roots present in this horizon. With gradual change to
105
B22 160-200 Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) medium clay with few medium sized
distinct mottles of light greenish grey (Gley1 7/1) color. Strongly
structured 10-20mm large sized peds of sub-angular blocky shape
breaking down to moderately structured small peds of 5-10mm
size of sub-angular blocky shape. Consistence was of firm
strength and slightly sticky, soil moisture status was tepid. There
were few coarse gravelly (20-60mm) ironstone coarse fragments
of angular platy shape. No roots present in this horizon. With
gradual change to
B23 200-240 Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) sandy clay loam with few medium sized
distinct mottles of light greenish grey (Gley1 7/1) color.
Moderately structured large peds of 20-50mm size and of angular
blocky shape breaking down to small peds of weak structure, 10-
20mm size and of angular blocky shape. Consistence was very
firm and slightly sticky, soil water status was tepid. There were
very few gravelly (20-60mm) unknown lithology coarse
fragments of angular tabular shape. No roots present in this
horizon. With gradual change to
R 240-290 Brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy clay loam with few medium
sized distinct mottles of light greenish grey (Gley1 7/1) color.
Weakly structured 50-100mm sized large peds of platy shape
breaking down to weakly structured small peds of 2-5mm of
polyhedral shape. Consistence was very strong and was slightly
sticky, soil water status was dry. There were Very abundant
(>90%) cobbly platy coarse fragments of sandstone lithology.
There were no roots in this horizon.
Soil pit 2 is representative of the majority of the block taking in tree plots 1, 3 & 4. It is located
slightly higher in the landscape than soil pit 1 and has no pugging on the surface.
106
Figure 2.11.11 Soil Pit 2 Wing
Surface Hard setting with very few (<2%) fine gravelly ironstone coarse
fragments (2-6mm) of sub-rounded shape.
A1 0-12 Dark gray (10YR 4/1) sandy clay loams. Massive structured large
peds of 5-10mm size and angular blocky shape breaking down to
granular small peds of <2mm size. Consistence was very weak
and slightly sticky, with a soil moisture status of dry. There were
very few (<2%) medium gravelly ironstone coarse fragments (6-
10mm) of sub-rounded shape. There were abundant roots of fine
sizes (1-2mm). With a clear change to
A21 12-26 Light olive brown (2.5Y 5/4) sandy clay loam with few coarse
mottles of faint contrast and of brownish yellow (10YR 6/8)
color. Massive structure 2-5mm sized of angular blocky shape
breaking down to granular small peds of <2mm size. Consistence
was firm and non sticky, soil moisture status was dry. There were
common roots of medium sizes (2-5mm). With a gradual change
to
107
A22 26-45 Light yellowish brown (2.5Y 6/4) sandy clay loam with common
medium sized mottles of faint contrast and of brownish yellow
(10YR 6/8) color. Massive structure 10-20mm sized of platy
shape breaking down to granular small peds of <2mm size.
Consistence was strong and non sticky, soil moisture status was
dry. There were common roots of fine sizes (1-2mm). With an
abruptl change to
Pan 45-76 Very strongly cemented continuous laterite pan of concretionary

B21 76-112 Brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) light clay with many mottles (20-
50%) of coarse sizes (15-30mm) and distinct contrast with
primary mottle color of yellowish red (5YR 4/6) and secondary
mottles of light greenish grey (Gley 1 7/1). Massive structured 20-
50mm sized large peds of angular blocky shape breaking down to
weakly structured 2-5mm sized small ped structure of polyhedral
shape. Consistence was very strong and slightly sticky, and a soil
moisture status of dry. There were very abundant (50-90%)
cobbly ironstone coarse fragments (60-200mm) of angular tabular
shape. There were no roots found in this horizon. With a gradual
change to
B22 112-180 Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) light medium clay with many mottles
(20-50%) of medium sizes (5-15mm) and distinct contrast with
primary mottle color of Brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) and
secondary mottles of light greenish grey (Gley 1 7/1). Massive
structured 20-50mm sized large peds of sub-angular blocky shape
breaking down to weakly structured 2-5mm sized small ped
structure of sub-angular shape. Consistence was very strong and
slightly sticky, and a soil moisture status of dry. There were
moderately abundant (20-50%) cobbly ironstone coarse fragments
(60-200mm) of angular tabular shape. There were no roots found
in this horizon. With a gradual change to
B23 180-230 Brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) light clay with many mottles (20-
50%) of coarse sizes (15-30mm) and distinct contrast with
primary mottle color of light greenish grey (Gley 1 7/1) and
secondary mottles of yellowish red (5YR 4/6). Massive structured
10-20mm sized large peds of angular blocky shape breaking down
to moderately structured 2-5mm sized small ped structure of
polyhedral shape. Consistence was very firm and slightly sticky,
and a soil moisture status of dry. There were many (20-50%)
cobbly ironstone coarse fragments (60-200mm) of angular tabular
shape, there were also <20% ferruginous nodular segregations of
10-20mm size. There were no roots found in this horizon. With a
gradual change to
108
R 230-270 Greenish grey (Gley 1 6/1) sandy clay loams, with very few
coarse mottles of distinct contrast of brownish yellow color
(10YR 6/6). Weakly structured 20-50mm sized large peds angular
blocky in shape breaking down to weakly structured 10-20mm
sized small peds of angular blocky shape. Consistence was very
strong and non-sticky, soil moisture status was tepid. With
abundant coarse fragments cobbly in size of angular tabular shape
and of quartz lithology, there were also <20% ferruginous nodular
segregations of 10-20mm size. There were no roots detected in
this horizon.
109
Location
2.12 Meehan Species Trial
Katherine.
Aim
hardwood timber tree species and management Longitude: 132'29.30 E
Nearest town
Tindal, NT. See Regional, district and property
maps.
Demonstrate differences within trials and Site Description

Elevation
program that will provide information needed 168 m
community organisations to make decisions on Landform
the Top End. Undulating plain
Original vegetation
Trial type
Bloodwood, box, stringy bark.
Mean monthly 235.0 216.5 161.3 32.9 5.7 2.1 1.0 0.5 5.9 29.2 88.2 197.7 976.1
rainfall
10th percentile 101.4 74.5 23.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 25.3 80.9 620.6
rainfall
90th percentile 391.0 355.7 334.8 99.5 23.0 3.9 0.0 0.2 23.4 78.9 166.3 338.6 1315.0
rainfall
Mean daily max temp 35.0 34.3 34.5 34.0 32.1 30.0 30.1 32.5 35.4 37.7 38.0 36.5 34.2
Mean daily min temp 24.0 23.7 22.9 20.4 17.1 14.1 13.2 15.5 19.6 23.6 24.7 24.4 20.2
Highest max temp 41.1 40.5 39.2 38.3 36.0 36.1 35.2 37.3 39.4 41.7 45.6 43.3
Lowest min temp 17.2 16.7 13.8 10.7 7.2 3.4 2.8 5.3 9.8 11.0 17.4 17.3
Mean 9am relative 77 81 77 64 58 56 52 52 52 56 62 71 63
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 54 57 51 37 34 31 27 25 25 28 35 45 37
humidity (%)
110
Soil
Tippera 3d – well drained, calcareous, deep sandy loam
Site preparation
Ground preparation
The trial is laid out with rows 3 m apart and trees planted at 3 m spacings within rows. The site was a
cleared paddock and was sprayed with glyphosate before planting. The rows were ripped along tree
lines to a depth of approximately 0.5 m. The paddock where the trial is located is fenced. The
plantation is surrounded by a 10 m wide fire break.
Establishment
Planting date
March/April 2000.
On the day of planting, planting commenced at 0700 and finished at 1430. A sunny day with some
clouds. Wind after 1100 hours. 50g per tree of NPK.
111
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Seed/striplg Nursery Size at Health at Container

number source planting planting
American Mahogany 1 Choluteca, 99 DPIF/GANT ~ 30cm Healthy
(Swietenia humilis) Honduras nursery,
Berrimah
American Mahogany 2 Tela, Honduras DPIF/GANT ~ 20cm Small,
(Swietenia nursery, stressed
macrophylla) Berrimah
Red Mahogany 3 Cedrela - DPI DPIF/GANT Healthy
(Eucalyptus pellita)/ Queensland nursery,
West Indian Cedar SL 5525 Berrimah
(Cedrela odorata)
African Mahogany 4 Striplings from DPIF/GANT Healthy Planted as
(Khaya senegalensis) Howard Springs nursery, striplings
Berrimah
Teak (Tectona 5 Rio – Lindo DPIF/GANT Healthy
grandis) Honduras nursery,
Berrimah
Indian Mahogany 6 Mixture of DPIF/GANT Small,
(Chukrasia tabularis) seedlot no. nursery, stressed
20100 & 20099 Berrimah
(or 20032)??
Demonstration
Species
Guanacaste (row Honduras Neitzel nursery

(Enterolobium 1,3,5,7,9)
cyclocarpum)
American (row 4, 8) Tela, Honduras DPIF/GANT Small,
Mahogany nursery, stressed
(Swietenia Berrimah
macrophylla)
West Indian Cedar (2, 6) DPI DPIF/GANT
(Cedrela odorata) Queensland nursery,
SL 5525 Berrimah

112
Trial Design
Strip of natural regeneration

Demonstration
row 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
measuring direction
5 1 3 5 6 4 1 2 I
Enterance
2 6 1 5 4 3 6* 2* II Mixed Species
Fence line
3 4 6 1 2 4 3 5 III
IV *exchanged during planting

X Stake
7 6 5 4 3 2 1
14 13 12 11 10 9 8
21 20 19 18 17 16 15
28 27 26 25 24 23 22
35 34 33 32 31 30 29
42 41 40 39 38 37 36
49 48 47 46 45 44 43
Maintenance

Just after establishment some trees were suppressed by weeds but generally site in very good condition
. The owner of the land has undertaken very good weed control from planting to date. Slashing in
rows.
Superphosphate was applied every 2-3 months @ 50-100 g/tree
Irrigation
Dripper system installed Mar/April 2000.
Replacements
A total of 109 seedlings were replaced in March and April 2000. These included 27 Cedrela odorata,
29 Chukrasia tabularis, 7 Khaya senegalensis, 14 Swietenia humilis, 21 Swietenia macrophylla, 9
Tectona grandis and 2 Eucalyptus pellita.
Pruning
The trees were form pruned during measuring on the 11th October 2000.
Termite treatment
No termite treatment.
113
Pest control
No pest control.
Monitoring
The first monitoring took place in October 2000 by Kurt Neitzel and include the measurement of tree
survival and height in metres. The following observations were also recorded: double leader, insect
damage, multi-leaders, re-shooting, bushy, damaged, weak, missing and dead.
The trees were again assessed in May 2001 by Kurt Neitzel who measured height, diameter and gave a
score from 1-5 for crown, form, health, no. and cause.
Kurt Neitzel measured the trees on the 13th June 2000 and measured height, survival and gave them a
score scaled from 1 to 5 based on stem form and health. Trees that showed damage from insect
activity, multi-branching, damaged tips, double leaders, erosion damage and signs of cutting or
pruning were also recorded during this period.
Kurt Neitzel & Mike Clark inspected the site in September 2001. Chukrasia tabularis performing well
– one of the provenances from Kytell trial. Eucalyptus pellita not doing extremely well, may need to
replace with another provenance. Kurt’s comments - No need for another dry season of irrigation as
the trees have been through one wet season. Water is really not costing much. Could try turning off the
irrigation in a sample area.
Beau Robertson again measured the trial in July 2002 for height and diameter. He reported:
Best species in this well looked after trial are: Tectona grandis (mean height 4.76 m & mean diameter
4.88 cm), Khaya senegalensis (mean height 4.56 metres & mean diameter 6.55 cm) and Chukrasia
tabularis (mean height 4.07 m & mean diameter 6.33 cm). Swietenia sp. also shows promise.
Maintenance on this trial has been first class and is the best-pruned trial we measured. Very pleasing
to see someone is keen to put in this extra work so as to grow these species to their full potential.
The trials were measured again in May 2004 for height, diameter, bowl length, forking and scored for
health.
Results
Despite having the lowest height at 6 months, Khaya senegalensis was the tallest species after 50
months at 8.36m, although it was not significantly different form other species. Chukrasia tabularis
had the second tallest mean height after 50 months at 8.17m. All species showed excellent survival
throughout the trial, with Tectona grandis having the best survival after 27 months of 92%. This was
most likely the result of the excellent maintenance received at this site.
As well as height, Khaya senegalensis and Chukrasia tabularis also had the largest DBH means
throughout the trial, showing at 50 months 11.11cm and 11.58 cm respectively. These were
significantly different from other species in the trial (p<0.001). Chukrasia tabularis also had the
highest bole mean at 6.8m, significantly taller than other species at this site (p<0.001).
114
Table 2.12.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Meehan species trial
Height Survival Height Survival Height

Treat Height 6 Survival 13 13 27 27 50
ment Species months 6 months months months months months months
Khaya
4 senegalensis 0.33 94.9 1.65 90.3 4.52 90.4 8.36
Chukrasia
6 tabularis 0.37 80.6 1.98 80.1 4.07 80.1 8.17
5 Tectona grandis 0.36 92.3 2.45 92.4 4.72 92 7.79
Swietenia
1 humilis 0.41 89.3 1.64 81.1 4.22 82.1 7.17
Swietenia
2 macrophylla 0.54 87.8 1.6 80.6 4.04 84.7 6.57
Var ratio 1.58 1.25 0.84 0.8 1.53 1.49 2.14

d.f. 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5
f prob 0.01 0.54 0.011 0.196 0.044 0.168 <0.001
lsd 0.11 17.29 0.49 16.24 0.7 18.89 0.67
Table 2.12.3 Estimated mean diameter, bole and form score for the Meehan species trial
DBH 13 DBH 27 DBH 50 Bole 50 Score 50


6 Chukrasia tabularis 3.62 6.2 11.58 6.8 3.87
5 Tectona grandis 3.05 4.94 9.51 4.55 3.28
1 Swietenia humilis 2.62 4.68 8.45 5 3.1
2 Swietenia macrophylla 2.59 4.73 8.14 5.28 3.05
Var ratio 0.89 1.95 1.94 3.26 0.38

d.f. 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5
f prob <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
lsd 0.42 0.92 0.69 0.78 0.46
115
9
Khaya
height (m)
5 senegalensis
Chukrasia
tabularis
4
Tectona
grandis
3
Swietenia
humilis
2 Swietenia
macrophylla
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Age (months) since planting
Figure 2.12.1 Mean height (m) from 6 to 50 months after planting
116
14
12
10
8 Khaya senegalensis
DBH (cm)
Chukrasia tabularis
6
Tectona grandis
Swietenia humilis
4
Swietenia
macrophylla
2
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Age (months) since planting
Figure 2.12.2 Mean survival (%) from 13 to 50 months after planting
Figure 2.12.3 Meehan Trial with E. pellita in foreground (17 Oct 2008)
117
Meehan soil pit 1. was representative of the whole trial site with no variation in topography across the
1ha site. Trees growing on the plot had had very good management over the years including a recent
thinning. (Owner sounded proud of his trees giving applications of fertilisers at the same time as he’s
mangoes).
Figure 2.12.4 Soil Pit 1 Meehan
118
Surface Hard setting & dry
A1 0-13 Dark Reddish brown (5YR 3/4) sands; massive structured 10-
20mm sized large peds of platy structure breaking down to
granular peds of <2mm size. Consistence firm and non-sticky, soil
moisture status was dry. There were abundant (>200) fine roots
(1-2mm). With a clear change to
A2 13-27 Dark reddish brown (2.5YR 2.5/4) Clayey sands; massive

structured 10-20mm sized large peds of platy shape breaking
down to granular structured peds <2mm size. Consistence was
firm and slightly sticky with soil moisture status being dry. There
were many roots dominant diameter of fine. With a clear change
to
B1 27-190 Dark reddish brown (2.5YR 3/4) Fine sandy clay loams; strongly
structured 10-20mm sized large peds of angular blocky shape
breaking down to strongly structured 2-5mm sized small peds of
polyhedral shape. Consistence was firm and slightly sticky soil
water status was dry. With <2% ferruginous nodular segregations
of <6mm size, along with very few (<1%) medium gravelly (6-
20mm) sized ironstone coarse fragments. There were few roots
observed of fine diameters (1-2mm). With a diffuse change to
B21 190-240 Dark reddish brown (2.5YR 2.5/4) light clays; with few(<2%)
medium sized (5-15mm) dark reddish brown mottles (5YR 3/4) of
faint contrast. Strongly structured 20-50mm sized large peds of
angular blocky shape breaking down to moderately structured 5-
10mm sized small peds of angular blocky shape. Consistence was
firm and slightly sticky, soil water status was dry. With <2%
ferruginous nodular segregations of 2-6mm size, along with very
few (<1%) cobbly (60-200mm) sized mudstone coarse fragments
of angular shape. There were few roots observed of very fine
diameters (<1mm). With a sharp change to
Pan 240-260 Moderately cemented discontinuous silcrete pan of platy

structure. With a clear change to
B22 260-300+ Dark reddish brown (2.5YR 2.5/4) light clays; with few(<2%)
medium sized (5-15mm) dark reddish brown mottles (5YR 3/4) of
faint contrast. Strongly structured 20-50mm sized large peds of
angular blocky shape breaking down to moderately structured 5-
10mm sized small peds of angular blocky shape. Consistence was
firm and slightly sticky, soil water status was tepid. With <2%
ferruginous nodular segregations of 2-6mm size, along with few
(2-10%) cobbly (60-200mm) sized mudstone coarse fragments of
angular shape. There were few roots observed of very fine
diameters (<1mm).
119
Trial type
2.13 Parker (now Harvey)
Species Trial Randomised complete block.
Aim Location
Identify the best appearance grade tropical Latitude: 14'35.00 S

Nearest town
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Katherine, NT.
Site Description
between trials in a repeatable way. Elevation
168m
program that will provide information needed Landform
by industry, landholders, government and Undulating plain
the long term development of farm forestry in Original vegetation
the Top End. Bloodwood, stringy bark.
Mean monthly rainfall 235.0 216.5 161.3 32.9 5.7 2.1 1.0 0.5 5.9 29.2 88.2 197.7 976.1
10th percentile rainfall 101.4 74.5 23.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 25.3 80.9 620.6
Highest max temp 41.1 40.5 39.2 38.3 36.0 36.1 35.2 37.3 39.4 41.7 45.6 43.3
Lowest min temp 17.2 16.7 13.8 10.7 7.2 3.4 2.8 5.3 9.8 11.0 17.4 17.3
Mean 9am relative 77 81 77 64 58 56 52 52 52 56 62 71 63
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 54 57 51 37 34 31 27 25 25 28 35 45 37
humidity (%)
Soil
Tippera- Massive red earths with a porous profile and are well drained. Typically, dark reddish
brown or dusky red fine sandy clay loam or clay loam, very hard, limestone derived. Gn2. 11* Soil
ph `6.8 (6-7)
(*) Northcote key soil profile descriptions
120
Site preparation
Ground preparation
The site was cleared in 1994 and was too stony and therefore never used before tree planting. The
site was ploughed using 15 cm tynes before planting and a 10 m wide fire break was established
around the plantation. The trial site is fenced. Fertiliser of NPKS 0:10:22:6 potash triple super was
applied at 150 kg/ha and a mixed cover crop of Verano Stylo, Seca and Glen vetch planted. No
herbicide was required.
The trial is laid out with rows 3 m apart and trees planted at 3 m spacings within rows. The rows
were ripped to a depth of approximately 500 mm.
Establishment
Planting date
January 1999.
50 g/tree of triple super and sulphate of ammonia, NPKS: 19:13:0:9, placed in the ground at
planting beside the tree. Trees were mulched with hay at the time of planting.
121
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Seed/striplg Nursery Size at Health at Container

number source planting planting
African Mahogany 1 HS striplings, 30 cm Healthy Planted as
(Khaya senegalensis) D417 Senegal striplings
**
American Mahogany 2 Honduras Neitzel 30 cm Healthy Plantek 35 Side

(Swietenia humilis) nursery Slot Trays
American Mahogany 3 ATSC *** DPIF/GAN 30 cm Healthy Plantek 35 Side
(Swietenia T nursery, Slot Trays
macrophylla) Berrimah
West Indian Cedar 4 DPI Qld DPIF/GAN Healthy Plantek 35 Side
(Cedrela odorata) SL No 5525 T nursery, Slot Trays
Berrimah
5 Seed from DPIF/GAN Healthy Plantek 35 Side

Terminalia belerica Howard T nursery, Slot Trays
Springs FR Berrimah
Teak (Tectona 6 Saragoza El DPIF/GAN Healthy Plantek 35 Side
grandis ) * Salvador T nursery, Slot Trays
Berrimah
Demonstration
Species
a Howard 20-40 cm Healthy Planted as

Padauk (Pterocarpus Springs Root striplings
indicus) Forestry collar –
Reserve 1cm
Indian Mahogany b Howard 20-40 cm Healthy Planted as
(Chukrasia velutina) Springs Root striplings
Forestry collar – 1
Reserve cm
Red Cedar c Unclear as to DPIF/GAN 30 cm Healthy Plantek 35 Side
(Toona ciliata)) source T nursery, Slot Trays
Berrimah
Red Mahogany ATSC 19718 DPIF/GAN 30 cm Healthy Plantek 35 Side
(Eucalyptus pellita) d T nursery, Slot Trays
Berrimah
Red River Gum Unclear as to DPIF/GAN 30 cm Healthy Plantek 35 Side
(Eucalyptus e source T nursery, Slot Trays
camaldulensis) Berrimah
Rosewood Unclear as to DPIF/GAN 30 cm Healthy Plantek 35 Side
(Pterocarpus f source T nursery, Slot Trays
macrocarpus) Berrimah
Bush apple Katherine DPIF/GAN 30 cm Healthy Plantek 35 Side
(Syzygium forte) g River T nursery Slot Trays
* Planted 10 months later

** Striplings collected from EP 370 Howard Springs (D417 Senegal)
*** Unclear which seed source was used (either seed lot 20097, 19861 or 19918 from ATSC).
122
Labelling
Trial Design
Complete Block Design Demo
rep I 1 3 5 6 2 4 a e
Acacia mangium
rep II 3 1 5 4 6 2 b f
Khaya
rep III 1 5 nyasica 4 2 3 c g
rep IV 6 2 5 3 4 1 d h

OK
7 6 5 4 3 2 1
14 13 12 11 10 9 8
21 20 19 18 17 16 15
28 27 26 25 24 23 22
35 34 33 32 31 30 29
42 41 40 39 38 37 36
49 48 47 46 45 44 43
Trees are numbered on the Meehan Completed Data sheet from the top right hand corner (NW Cnr)
of each plot, to the left, then from the RH side back again, as indicated. The May 05 measuring
measured the internal 5x5 rows, commencing at tree no 41, and counting up, then down rows in
sequence. This has been corrected on the Evaluation sheet to match actual tree numbers.
Maintenance

Pennisetum a problem in the first year.
1998/99 – slashed regularly and spraying with glyphosate;
1999/2000 - Verdict 520 (100 mL/ha) via boom spray on quad bike;
2000/2001 – slashing only.
123
1999/2000 – 100 g/tree of triple super and sulphate of ammonia
Replacements
Seedlings were replanted in March 1999 and again in the 1999/2000 wet season.
Teaks planted in 11/99.
Khaya nyasica planted in late 2000.
Irrigation
In May 1999, 16 mm T-Tape was installed with perforations every 30 cm. In Reps 1 & 2 this did
not happen until later after Reps 3 & 4.
Initially on 5 days per fortnight for 3 hours at 100 litres per tree, efficiency assumed of 20-30%
according to size of trees, reduced to 80 L/week.
For each rep: 3 hours 3 times a week @ 1.5 L/sec.
2001: 3 hours twice a week (@ 1.5 L/s); 2002: 4 hours once a week. Costs estimated at $300 per
dry season.
Pruning
September/October 2001 double and multi leader stems pruned. The first year lift pruning too much
of the foliage was taken off.
Termite treatment
Some termites were found in Tectona grandis on the Tippera soil in 2001. October/November 2001
and 2001/02 wet season : Aggregation base drums with Mirant were used for termite control.
Monitoring
The first monitoring took place in July 1999 by Kurt Neitzel and included the measurement of tree
survival and height in metres. The following observations were also recorded: double leader, insect
damage, multi-leaders, re-shooting, bushy, damaged, weak, missing and dead.
Kurt Neitzel measured the trees again in August 2000 and measured height and survivorship. Trees
that showed damage from insect activity, multi-branching, damaged tips, double leaders, erosion
damage and signs of cutting or pruning were also recorded during this period.
The trees were again measured by Kurt in May 2001 for height, diameter and crown, form and
health were also given a score.
Kurt Neitzel & Mike Clark inspected the site in September 2001:
• It was noted that form pruning was left too late – now requires more effort, more expense.
• Some termite damage was observed in Swietenia macrophylla.
• Acacia mangium prefers acid soils and is not performing so well.
• Toona ciliata doing well – painted trunks (as with Cedrela).
• Chukrasia velutina doing well.
124
• Pterocarpus macrocarpus has a larger girth than P. indicus. The pruning here has been a
little overdone.
Beau Robertson again measured the trial in July 2002 for height and diameter. He reported that the
best species were Khaya senegalensis with a mean height of 7.0 m and diameter of 10.15 cm,
Terminalia belerica with a mean height of 7.31 m and diameter of 9.41 cm and Swietenia humilis
with a mean height of 6.88 m and diameter of 7.86 cm. Attempts to prune the Khaya had been left
too late. This has damaged the form of some trees. Eucalyptus camaldulensis was going well in the
demonstration plot. Maintenance by the landowner on this trial has been good.
The trials were measured again in May 2004 for height, diameter, bowl length, forking and scored
for health.
in metres and centimetres respectively. The trial data was checked for uneven variance and outliers
using Data Plus software and then analysed using Genstat software. REML analysis was used as
one plot had to be eliminated, thus preventing simple ANOVA analysis from being used.
Other Observations
The landholder has commented that if he was to install the irrigation again he would do so before
planting and would make sure the irrigation lines were buried.
Results
In comparison to other sites in this trial, all species at this site performed extremely well, with all
species above 5.3 m in height after only 42 months. Terminalia belerica proved the tallest species
after 42 months at 7.41 m, despite slower growth than Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia humilis in
the middle of the trial.
At 54 months Khaya senegalensis performed extremely well on this site with 100% survival, an
average height of 9.1 m, a mean annual increment (MAI) of 1.6 m and a DBH of 11.9 cm.
Terminalia belerica performed nearly as well as Khaya senegalensis followed closely by Tectona
grandis which had a slightly lower survival (89%), an average height of 7.7 m, MAI of 1.7 m and
DBH of 9.6 cm. Swietenia humilis was the better performer of the central American Mahoganies
with a survival of 89%, an average height of 8.5 m, MAI of 1.5 m and DBH of 10.5 cm.
125
Table 2.13.2 Estimated mean height and survival for the Parker species trial
Height Height Height Height Survival

Treat Height 6 19 28 42 54 Height 54
ment Species months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. months s.e. (MAI) s.e. months s.e.
5 Terminalia belerica 0.39 0.022 2.48 0.17 5.05 0.22 7.41 0.26 9.1 0.14 1.7 0.03 96
1 Khaya senegalensis 0.31 0.022 3.11 0.17 5.34 0.22 6.89 0.26 9.1 0.12 1.6 0.02 100
2 Swietenia humilis 0.32 0.022 3.16 0.17 5.19 0.22 6.82 0.26 8.5 0.14 1.5 0.03 78 7
6 Tectona grandis 0.7 0.2 3.15 0.26 5.59 0.31 7.7 0.16 1.7 0.04 89.3 2.7
3 Swietenia macrophylla 0.32 0.022 2.4 0.17 4.4 0.22 6.28 0.26 7.6 0.25 1.4 0.05 56 12
4 Cedrela odorata 0.31 0.022 2.38 0.17 3.68 0.22 5.31 0.26 6.7 0.2 1.2 0.04 59 17.1
Wald statistic 8.77 110.76 70.31 46.52

126
d.f 4 5 5 5
Chi-sq prob 0.07 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Table 2.13.3 Estimated mean diameter, bole and score for the Parker species trial
Treat DBH 54 DBH Bole 54 Bole Score 54

ment Species months s.e. (MAI) s.e. months s.e. (MAI) s.e. months s.e.
5 Terminalia belerica 11.2 0.17 2 0.03 6.7 0.31 1.2 0.06 3.5 0.09
1 Khaya senegalensis 11.9 0.16 2.2 0.03 4 0.13 0.7 0.02 3 0.06
2 Swietenia humilis 10.5 0.17 1.9 0.03 3.7 0.17 0.7 0.03 3.2 0.08
6 Tectona grandis 9.6 0.23 2.1 0.05 5.3 0.29 1.2 0.06 3.1 0.09
3 Swietenia macrophylla 8.6 0.27 1.6 0.05 4.7 0.25 0.9 0.05 3.4 0.1
4 Cedrela odorata 9.8 0.35 1.8 0.06 4.6 0.24 0.8 0.04 2.8 0.12
10
6
Height 6 months
Height (m)
Height 19 months
5 Height 28 months
Height 42 months
4
Height 54 months
0
Terminalia belerica Khaya senegalensis Swietenia humilis Tectona grandis Swietenia Cedrela odorata
macrophylla
10
6 Terminalia belerica
Khaya senegalensis
Height (m)
Swietenia humilis
5
Tectona grandis
4 Cedrela odorata
0
10 20 30 40 50
Time since planting (months)
Figure 2.13.2 Mean height over time from 6 to 54 months after planting
127
Terminalia belerica
100
80
60
Cedrela odorata Khaya senegalensis
40
20
Swietenia macrophylla Swietenia humilis
Tectona grandis
14
12
10
8
DBH (cm)
0
Terminalia belerica Khaya senegalensis Swietenia humilis Tectona grandis Swietenia macrophylla Cedrela odorata
Figure 2.13.4 Mean DBH and bole height at 54 months after planting
128
8
5
Bole height (m)
0
Terminalia belerica Khaya senegalensis Swietenia humilis Tectona grandis Swietenia macrophylla Cedrela odorata
Figure 2.13.6 Khaya senegalensis (l) and Swietenia humilis
129
Figure 2.13.7 Khaya senegalensis (with Kurt Neitzel)
Figure 2.13.8 Khaya senegalensis
130
Harvey soil pit 1 was representative of tree plots 1, 2 & 3. The pit was located on flat to very slight rise
landscape. Trees looked healthy.
Figure 2.13.9 Soil Pit 1 Harvey
131
Surface Hard setting & dry
A1 0-13 Very dark greyish brown (10YR 3/2) loamy sand; massive
structured of 5-10mm large ped size of angular blocky shape
breaking down to granular small peds of <2mm size. Consistence
very weak and non-sticky, soil moisture status was dry. Very few
coarse fragments of medium gravelly (6-20mm) sub-rounded in
shape of ironstone lithology. Roots were abundant and of
dominant diameter size of fine (1-2mm). Gradual change to
A21 13-28 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) sands; massive structured, size 2-5mm of
large peds of angular blocky shape breaking down to granular
small peds of <2mm size. Consistence very weak and non-sticky,
soil moisture status was dry. There were many roots (25-200) of
fine diameters. With a diffuse change to
A22 28-42 Brown (7.5YR 4/4) sands; massive structured, size 2-5mm of
large peds of angular blocky shape breaking down to granular
small peds of <2mm size. Consistence very weak and non-sticky,
soil moisture status was dry. There were many roots (25-200) of
fine diameters. With a diffuse change to
A3 42-110 Yellowish red (5YR 5/8) clayey sands; with few medium sized
yellow mottles (10YR 7/6), of faint contrast. Weakly structured
large peds of 5-10mm size of lenticular shape breaking down to
moderately structured small peds of 2-5mm angular blocky shape.
Of firm consistence and slightly sticky, soil moisture status was
dry. Very few coarse gravelly (20-60mm) sub-rounded coarse
fragments of ironstone lithology. There are many roots of medium
diameters. With a gradual change to
B2 110-320+ Red (2.5YR 4/8) light clays; with few medium sized yellow
mottles (10YR 7/6), of faint contrast. Weakly structured large
peds of 10-20mm size and of lenticular shape breaking down to
moderately structured small peds of 5-10mm of angular blocky
shape. Consistence was firm and moderately sticky, soil moisture
status was dry. There are many roots of medium diameters.
Harvey soil pit 2 located on a very slight depression, representative of tree plot 4. Grass vegetation
different to soil pit 1. Possibly on a wet season drainage area. Trees didn’t look as good around this
soil type with some species having 100% deaths. A larger percentage of surface coarse fragments than
found in soil pit 1. This pit was very tight digging when compared to soil pit 1.
132
Figure 2.13.10 Soil Pit 2 Harvey
Surface Hard setting with many (20-50%) coarse gravelly (20-60mm)

angular tabular shaped ironstone coarse fragments. Expected to
have poor vertical drainage
A1 0-08 Very dark greyish brown (10YR 3/2) clay loam. Moderately
structured 5-10mm sized large peds of angular blocky shape
breaking down to weakly structured 2-5mm angular block shaped
small peds. Consistence was weak and moderately sticky, soil
moisture status was dry. There were many (20-50%) coarse
gravelly (20-60mm) angular tabular shaped ironstone coarse
fragments. Roots were many (25-200) of fine diameters (1-2mm).
133
A2 08-22 Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) light clays, with very few (<2%) fine (2-
5mm) faint light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) mottles.
Moderately structured 10-20mm sized large peds of sub-angular
blocky shape breaking down to angular blocky small peds of 2-
5mm size and of moderate structure. Consistence was firm and
moderately sticky, soil water status was dry. There were very few
coarse fragments of medium gravelly (6-20mm) of angular tabular
shape and of ironstone lithology, along with <2% segregations of
nodular shape of <2mm size of manganiferous nature. There were
many (25-200) of fine diameters (1-2mm). With a gradual change
to
B22 22-48 Strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) light clays. Moderately structured large
peds of 20-50mm size and angular blocky shape breaking down to
moderately structured small peds of <2mm size of polyhedral
shape. Consistence was firm and moderately sticky, soil water
status was dry. With <2% segregations of nodular shape of <2mm
size of manganiferous nature. There were common (10-25) roots
of medium diameters (2-5mm). With a gradual change to
B23 48-105 Yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) medium clays with few medium
sized primary mottles of greenish grey color (Gley 1 6/1) and
secondary mottles of strong brown color (7.5YR 5/8). Of weak
structure of 20-50mm sized large peds of angular blocky shape
of angular blocky shape. Consistence was strong and very sticky,
soil moisture status was dry. With <10% segregations of nodular
shape of 2-6mm size of manganiferous nature. There were few
roots of medium diameters (2-5mm). With a gradual change to
B24 105-180 Strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) heavy clays with few medium sized
primary mottles of greenish grey color (Gley 1 6/1) and
secondary mottles of strong brown color (7.5YR 5/8). Of weak
structure of 50-100mm sized large peds of lenticular shape
of polyhedral shape. Consistence was strong and very sticky, soil
moisture status was dry. With <10% segregations of nodular
shape of 2-6mm size of manganiferous nature. There were few
roots of medium diameters (2-5mm). With a gradual change to
B25 180-280+ Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) medium clays with common
coarse distinct mottles primary mottle of yellowish brown color
(10YR 5/6) with secondary mottles of strong brown color (7.5YR
5/8). Moderately structured large peds of 50-100mm of angular
blocky shape breaking down to moderately structured 5-10mm
sized small peds of angular blocky shape. Consistence was firm
and moderately sticky, with a dry soil water status. With <10%
segregations of nodular shape, <2mm size and of manganiferous
nature. There were few roots of medium diameters (2-5mm).
134
Trial type
2.14 Pleitner Species Trial
Aim
Location
hardwood timber tree species and management Latitude: 12'48.20 S
the Top End of the NT. Longitude: 130'24.10 E
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Nearest town

of species under controlled conditions. Dundee, NT.


the Top End.
Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
135
Site preparation
Ground preparation
This trial has alternating rows of species, Khaya senegalensis as the main species, and Cedrela
odorata, Swietenia humilis and Tectona grandis as the alternating species.
Establishment
Planting date
26 December 2000.
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Seed source

number
Khaya senegalensis M Howard Springs
Cedrela odorata 1 DPI Qld 5525
Saragonza

136
Trial design
Dundee Beach
Eucalyptus pellita
Homestead
2
3 1
1 3
4 rows
2
2
Terminalia microcarpus
Teak
3 1
86
2 1 3
46 46

X Stake
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
137
Monitoring
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. Irrigation – 4-5 L/wk/tree
(hand watered).
Maintenance good – some mission grass, they spray as soon as it emerges, spear grass is slashed.
Mainly a low perennial grass cover between the rows, some Wyncassia coming up.
Beau Robertson inspected this site in 2002. He reported it as a poor site, that was not irrigated
with the trees hand-watered sometimes. Khaya senegalensis (mean height 0.90 metres) and
Tectona grandis (mean height 0.79 m) were reported as being the only species showing promise.
Very slow and poor growth was reported for all other species.
Results
Survival for all species at this site has been comparable to most other sites in this trial, with all
species showing survival over 50% after 52 months. Although not significantly different, the main
species Khaya senegalensis showed the best survival at 85.71%. Khaya senegalensis also showed
consistently the greatest height for the site throughout the trial, with an estimated mean height
after 52 months of 3.25 m.
Khaya senegalensis and Cedrela odorata had the greatest DBH means at 52 months (3.31 cm and
3.27 cm respectively), and were significantly different from the other species (p=0.03). Khaya
senegalensis and Cedrela odorata also had the greatest bole heights (2.98 m and 2.56 m
respectively), although these were not significantly different from the other species. Cedrela
odorata (3.46) and Swietenia humilis (3.38) had the best bole scores after 52 months.
138
Table 2.14.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and bole score for the Pleitner species trial
Height Survival Height Survival Bole

18 18 52 52 Bole 52 DBH 52 Score 52
Treatment Species months months months months months months months
1 Cedrela odorata 0.743 73.5 2.79 55 2.56 3.27 3.46

2 Swietenia humilis 0.705 91 1.72 62 1.96 1.85 3.38
3 Tectona grandis 0.773 77 1.6 50 1.85 1.66 2.6
Var ratio 0.12 0.81 3.84 0.12 4.15 7.67 6.67

d.f 2,11 2,11 2,10 2,11 2,10 2,10 2,10
f prob 0.888 0.488 0.097 0.893 0.087 0.03 0.039
lsd 0.3364 35.6 1.213 61.3 0.689 1.151 0.672
139
Table 2.14.3 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and bole score for the main species at the Pleitner species trial
Height Height Bole

Treatm 18 Survival 52 Survival Bole 52 DBH 52 Score 52
ent Species months s.e. 18 months months s.e. 52 months months s.e. months s.e. months s.e.
4
(main) Khaya senegalensis 1.02 0.02 92.00 3.25 0.09 85.71 2.98 0.07 3.31 0.10 3.07 0.05
5.00
4.50
4.00
3.50
3.00
Height 18 months
(m)
2.50
Height 52 months
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
Khaya senegalensis Cedrela odorata Swietenia humilis Tectona grandis
Cedrela odorata
100
80
60
40
20
Survival 18 months
Khaya senegalensis 0 Swietenia humilis
Survival 52 months
Tectona grandis
140
120
100
80
Cedrela odorata
Swietenia humilis
(%)
60
Tectona grandis
Khaya senegalensis
40
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
months
Figure 2.14.3 Mean survival curve (%) from planting to 52 months
4.00
F=4.15; df=2,10; p=0.087
3.50
3.00
2.50
(m)
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
141
5.00
F=7.67; df=2,10; p=0.03
4.50
4.00
3.50
3.00
(cm)
2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
4.50
F=6.67; df=2,10; p=0.039
4.00
3.50
3.00
2.50
Score 1-5
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
Figure 2.14.6 Mean bole score at 52 months after planting.
142
Trial type
2.15 Salzgeber Species Trial
Aim
Location
hardwood timber tree species and management Woolianna Road Farm Forestry Plantation
the Top End of the NT. Latitude: 13'41.00 S
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Longitude: 130'37.20 E

Nearest town
Demonstrate differences within trials and Daly River, NT.
Develop a practically focused research Site Description

Landform
Plain
the long term development of farm forestry in Original vegetation
the Top End.
E. papuana, black acacia, Terminalia sp.,
Nuor, Melaleuca spp.,
Table 2.15.1 Climate (based on Wooliana)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Annual
Mean monthly rainfall 315.9 383.0 267.9 26.0 17.9 2.7 3.8 0.0 11.5 57.4 101.5 198.4 1386.0
Highest max temp 38.8 38.4 37.5 37.0 36.6 36.7 35.5 37.8 39.4 40.9 41.1 39.6 41.1
Lowest min temp 17.5 19.3 12.6 10.0 5.7 4.1 4.5 5.5 7.8 8.7 16.7 14.7 4.
1
Mean daily evaporation 5.2 4.9 4.8 5.6 5.5 5.8 6.6 7.6 8.3 8.1 7.6 6.2 6.3
Mean 9am relative 89 91 90 77 66 63 65 67 70 75 75 82 76
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 69 74 68 45 43 37 36 32 34 42 45 59 48
humidity (%)
014908 WOOLIANA Commenced: 1965 Last record: 1980
143
Soil
Alluvial soil, clay loam – sandy loam.
Site preparation
Ground preparation
The site had been a cleared paddock for over 50 years, and only slashing took place before planting.
No ripping was carried out. The site is not fenced.
Establishment
Planting date
11-13 February 1999.
The trial is laid out with rows 3m apart and trees planted at 3m spacings within rows. The seedlings
were planted into the weed-free, bare soil. At planting 50g of Super was buried close to each seedling.
There is no irrigation at this site.
Seedlings

number planting
Chukrasia velutina 1 GA/DPIF Nursery Good
Terminalia belerica 2 Howard Springs Good
Khaya senegalensis 3 HS Howard Springs Good
Swietenia humilis 4 Honduras Good
Pterocarpus indicus 5 HS Howard Springs Good
Pterocarpus macropus 6 SLN 19852/19853 Good

144
Trial design
N
I 1 3 5 6 2 4
II 3 1 5 4 6 2
III 1 5 6 4 2 3 Old house

IV 6 2 5 3 4 1
Woolliana Road Grid

old boats

X Stake
1 8 15 22 29 36 43
2 9 16 23 30 37 44
3 10 17 24 31 38 45
4 11 18 25 32 39 46
5 12 19 26 33 40 47
6 13 20 27 34 41 48
7 14 21 28 35 42 49
Maintenance

Weed control at this site was sporadic and not intensive.
Super was used for follow-up fertilising.
Replacements
Replanting occurred in February of 1999, about 500 plants of mixed native and exotic origin.
Pest control
No pest control occurred at this site.
Monitoring
The site was reported to have been heavily damaged by feral pig invasion. Only Pterocarpus indicus
and Pterocarpus macrocarpus remained for data collection.
A major flood in 2000 caused many losses with the trees being underwater for 2 months. Only
Pterocarpus indicus and Pterocarpus macrocarpus remained for measuring.
The trial was not measured in 2002. Trial growth was reported as poor by the landowner.
Pterocarpus macrocarpus planted on the other side of road near the river bank was reported as very
good.
measured in metres and centimetres respectively. The trial data was checked for uneven variance and
145
Weed status
Weeds were a major problem at this site. Nagoora burr, Sida, Calopo, nutgrass, wallaby grass, blanket-
weed.
Insect and pest activity

Feral pigs were a major problem at this site. Heavy damage reported.
Results
Survival for all species apart from Pterocarpus indicus and Pterocarpus macrocarpus was below 30%
after 75 months and thus poor compared to other sites in this trial. This was most likely due to the feral
pig damage and the major flooding that occurred in 2000. Despite the poor survivorship, Terminalia
bellirica showed the greatest mean bole height at 5.35 m, significantly different to other species
(p=0.028).
Although not statistically significant, Pterocarpus indicus was the tallest species at this site after 75
months, at 10.14 m, and also had the greatest stem form score of 4.109. Pterocarpus macrocarpus was
the next tallest at 8.67 m. These two species also showed the greatest dbh, at 12.27 cm for Pterocarpus
indicus, and Pterocarpus macrocarpus at 12.67 cm.
Table 2.15.2 Estimated height, survival, bole, diameter and stem form for the Salzgeber
species trial
Height Survival Stem

75 75 Bole 75 DBH 75 Form 75
5 Pterocarpus indicus 10.14 58.5 2.75 12.27 4.109

6 Pterocarpus macrocarpus 8.67 44.2 2.04 12.67 3.643
1 Chukrasia velutina * 0 * * *
3 Khaya senegalensis * 0 * * *
2 Terminalia bellirica 7.15 26.5 5.35 7.33 2.689
Var ratio 4.03 3.72 14.17 3.74 6.82

d.f 3,8 5,17 3,8 3,8 3,8
F prob 0.141 0.037 0.028 0.154 0.075
lsd 2.95 38.39 1.706 5.705 1.0728
146
14
F=4.03; df=3,8; p=0.141
12
10
8
(m)
0
Pterocarpus indicus Pterocarpus macrocarpus Swietenia humilis Terminalia bellirica
Pterocarpus indicus
60
50
40
Terminalia bellirica 30 Pterocarpus macrocarpus
20
10
Swietenia humilis Chukrasia velutina
Khaya senegalensis
147
8
F=14.17; df=3,8; p=0.028
5
(m)
0
20
F=3.74; df=3,8; p=0.154
18
16
14
12
(cm)
10
0
148
6
F=6.82; df=3,8; p=0.075
4
Score 1-5
`
3
0
149
2.16 Scattini Species Trial the Top End.
Aim Trial type

the Top End of the NT. Location
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Latitude: 14'28.00 S

Nearest town
Katherine, NT.
Number of 14.7 13.6 10.2 2.4 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.7 3.0 7.4 12.1 65.3
raindays
Mean 235.0 216.5 161.3 32.9 5.7 2.1 1.0 0.5 5.9 29.2 88.2 197.7 976.1
monthly
rainfall
10th 101.4 74.5 23.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 25.3 80.9 620.6
percentile
rainfall
90th 391.0 355.7 334.8 99.5 23.0 3.9 0.0 0.2 23.4 78.9 166.3 338.6 1315.0
percentile
rainfall
Mean daily 35.0 34.3 34.5 34.0 32.1 30.0 30.1 32.5 35.4 37.7 38.0 36.5 34.2
max temp
Mean daily 24.0 23.7 22.9 20.4 17.1 14.1 13.2 15.5 19.6 23.6 24.7 24.4 20.2
min temp
Highest max 41.1 40.5 39.2 38.3 36.0 36.1 35.2 37.3 39.4 41.7 45.6 43.3
temp
Lowest min 17.2 16.7 13.8 10.7 7.2 3.4 2.8 5.3 9.8 11.0 17.4 17.3
temp
Mean 9am 77 81 77 64 58 56 52 52 52 56 62 71 63
relative
humidity
(%)
Mean 3pm 54 57 51 37 34 31 27 25 25 28 35 45 37
relative
humidity
(%)
150
Establishment
Planting date
10 February 2001.
Seedlings
Eucalyptus pellita 1 SLN 19719, 18602, 19672,

19128, 19718
Blepharocarya involucrigera 2
Terminalia microcarpa 3

Trial design
Eastern Block
N
1 3 1 1 3
Katherine River
2 3 2 3 2
Terminalia Allosyncarpia Eucalyptus

microcarpus ternata pellita 2 1

X Stake
1 10 11 20 21
2 9 12 19 22
3 8 13 18 23
4 7 14 17 24
5 6 15 16 25
151
Monitoring
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. They reported:
• Watering once a week for 3 hours
• Khaya nyasica striplings from Qld
• Have had problems with wallabies.
• Will need form pruning in a couple of months.
Beau Robertson inspected the site in July 2002. He reported it as a good, well maintained trial.
Eucalyptus pellita was reported as showing good growth (mean height 2.96 m) along with Terminalia
microcarpa (mean height 1.96 m). The landowner was reported to be pumping effluent from the
septic tank through his sprinkler system. Tectona grandis in the demonstration plot was reported to be
growing well.
Results
Eucalyptus pellita and Terminalia microcarpa showed excellent survival after 52 months, both over
90% at this site.
Eucalyptus pellita was consistently the tallest species throughout the trial, significantly taller than
other species at 2.831 m at 17 months (p<0.001), and 8.22 m at 52 months (p<0.001). Eucalyptus
pellita also showed the greatest DBH mean after 52 months, significantly larger at 9.61 cm (p<0.001),
and the greatest bole height, significantly larger at 5.6 m (p<0.001). Although not statistically
significant, Eucalyptus pellita showed the best form score of 3.94 after 52 months.
Table 2.16.2 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, diameter and form score from the
Scattini species trial
Height Height
Treat 17 Survival 52 Survival Bole 52 DBH 52 Score 52
ment Species months 17 months months 52 months months months months
1 Eucalyptus
pellita 2.831 68 8.22 90 5.6 9.61 3.94
3 Terminalia
microcarpa 1.773 73 5.61 94 3.3 7 3.34
2 Blepharocarya
involucrigera 0.523 38 2.62 42 2.39 3.67 2.99
Var ratio 1196.94 0.94 65.02 10.77 27.87 39.03 6.66

d.f 2,8 2,11 2,10 2,11 2,11 2,11 2,11
f prob <0.001 0.441 <0.001 0.01 <0.001 <0.001 0.03
lsd 0.1503 67.5 1.262 30.52 1.084 1.648 0.641
152
10
Height 17 months
(m)
5
Height 52 months
4
0
Eucalyptus pellita
Blepharocarya
Terminalia microcarpa
involucrigera
Eucalyptus pellita
100
80
60
40
Survival 17 months
20
Survival 52 months
0
Blepharocarya involucrigera Terminalia microcarpa
153
120
100
80
Eucalyptus pellita
(%)
60 Terminalia microcarpa
Blepharocarya involucrigera
40
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
months
Figure 2.16.3 Mean survival curve (%) from planting to 52 months
F=27.87; df=2,11; p<0.001

7
5
(m)
0
Eucalyptus pellita Terminalia microcarpa Blepharocarya involucrigera
154
12
F=3.9.03; df=2,11; p<0.001

10
8
(cm)
0
5
F=6.66; df=2,11; p=0.03
4.5
3.5
3
Score 1-5
2.5
1.5
0.5
0
155
Location
2.17 Ter Laare Species Trial
AMG Reference:
Aim
731700mE
hardwood timber tree species and management 86061200mN
Nearest town
Humpty Doo


the Top End.
Trial type
Soil
Grey brown loam, marginal pH and low in nutrients.
Establishment
Planting date
January 2001
Tree lines in this trial run south to north.
Seedlings
156
Acacia mangium 2
Acacia peregrina 3
Blepharocarya involucrigera 4
Santalum album 5
Castanospermum australe 6
Erythrophleum chlorostachys 7
Flindersia australe 8
Flindersia brayleana 9
Eucalyptus camaldulensis 10
Syzygium armstrongii 11
Syzygium forte 12
Syzygium nervosum 13
Toona ciliata 14
Eucalyptus pellita 15

157
Trial design
No Name Road
Gate
12 15 14 8 1
REP 1 10 6 9 13 5
4 7 2 11 3
3 11 6 1 14
REP2 12 9 4 7 5
N
2 8 10 13 15
3 4 2 5 10
REP3 15 9 6 12 7
8 1 14 13 11

X Stake
1 7 13 19 25 31
2 8 14 20 26 32
3 9 15 21 27 33
4 10 16 22 28 34
5 11 17 23 29 35
6 12 18 24 30 36
Monitoring
158
Results
Survival at this site was excellent for all species apart from Flindersia brayleana. Only 3 species
were below 60% survival after 35 months, Flindersia brayleana, Flindersia australe, Syzygium
nervosum. Santalum album (99.1%) showed the best survival after 35 months, although not
significantly different from the other species.
Acacia mangium was consistently the tallest species at this site throughout the trial, significantly
taller at 1.61 m at 7 months (p<0.001) and 6.57 m at 35 months (p<0.001). Acacia mangium also
had a significantly greater mean DBH than all other species after 35 months, at 8.293 cm
(p<0.001). The next greatest DBH was Blepharocarya involucrigera at 4.22 cm, which was also
the species with the greatest mean bole height at 3.327 m.
159
Table 2.17.1 Estimated mean height, survival, bole, form score and diameter for the Ter Laare species trial
Height Survival
Height 7 Survival Health 7 35 35 Bole 35 Score 35 DBH 35
Treatment Species months 7 months months months months months months months
2 Acacia mangium 1.61 99.1 3.053 6.57 92.6 2.707 3.473 8.293
1 Acacia auriculiformis 0.983 75 2.573 3.853 67.6 1.16 2.69 3.93
4 Blepharocarya involucrigera 0.857 98.1 3.18 3.753 98.1 3.327 4.193 4.22
3 Acacia peregrina 0.897 73.1 2.49 3.647 85.2 1.75 2.953 3.717
10 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 0.827 99.1 2.78 3.613 95.4 2.347 2.967 2.583
15 Eucalyptus pellita * 0 * 3.493 93.5 3.097 3.69 3.503
14 Toona ciliata 0.497 90.7 2.8 3.403 82.4 2.97 3.03 3.557
12 Syzygium forte 0.857 96.3 3.163 2.547 98.1 0.997 2.592 2.553
11 Syzygium armstrongii 0.867 86.1 2.997 2.263 95.4 1.227 2.857 2.108
8 Flindersia australe 0.683 61.1 2.607 2.157 52.8 2.063 4.183 2.197
160
6 Castanospermum australe 0.683 99.1 3.167 2.077 73.1 1.9 3.19 2.263
5 Santalum album 0.84 96.3 3.133 1.993 99.1 1.15 3.277 1.688
9 Flindersia brayleana 0.393 63.9 3.04 1.697 13.9 1.725 3.742 1.478
13 Syzygium nervosum 0.69 61.1 2.633 1.423 58.3 0.787 2.812 1.583
7 Erythrophleum chlorostachys 0.203 85.2 3.043 0.977 68.5 1.845 2.722 2.138
Var ratio 24.02 12.8 2.56 25.75 16.58 14.4 2.55 35.05
d.f 13,41 14,44 13,41 14,44 14,44 14,41 14,38 14,38
F prob <0.001 <0.001 0.02 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.024 <0.001
lsd 0.2065 21.16 0.4516 0.7882 16.73 0.6202 0.9607 0.8431
8
Height 7 months
(m)
4
Height 35 months
0
a
ra
rte
s
ii
um
is
ta
a
le
is
m
um
le
ng
hy
llit
an
rin
ns
rm
tra
ra
lia
e
u
fo
os
ig
gi
lb
pe
ro
ac
le
g
st
le
ci
ifo
us
cr
an
a
m
re
ay
rv
st
au
du
st
us
a
ul
lu
um
u
pe
ne
m
ro
on
br
gi
al
ric
vo
ia
um
pt
ar
lo
zy
a
al
m
To
ia
rs
ia
um
ly
au
in
ci
ch
um
nt
ca
m
ac
rs
Sy
de
ca
a
gi
Sa
er
ia
de
Ac
Ac
m
ry
Eu
in
gi
us
zy
ac
sp
eu
a
Fl
in
zy
t
Sy
oc
yp
Ac
no
Fl
hl
Sy
ar
al
op
ta
c
ph
as
hr
Eu
e
yt
Bl
Er
Acacia mangium
100
Erythrophleum chlorostachys Acacia auriculiformis
80
Syzygium nervosum Blepharocarya involucrigera
60
40
Flindersia brayleana Acacia peregrina
20
Survival 7 months
0
Survival 35 months
Santalum album Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Castanospermum australe Eucalyptus pellita
Flindersia australe Toona ciliata
Syzygium armstrongii Syzygium forte
161
(m) Score 1-5
Ac Ac
a ci a ci
a a
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
m m
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
Ac an an
gi Ac gi
ac
ia u m ac u m
Bl au ia
e Bl au
e
Figure 2.17.4
Figure 2.17.3
ph ric ric
ar ul ph ul
oc ifo ar ifo
a ry
rm oc rm
a is a ry is
in a
vo in
lu vo
cr lu
ig cr
Ac e ra ig
ac Ac e ra
Eu ia ac
ca pe Eu ia
ly re pe
pt g rin ca re
us ly g
ca a pt rin
m us a
al ca
du m
le al
du
Eu ns
ca is le
l ns
yp is
tu
s To
pe on
llit
a a
ci
To l ia
on ta
a Sy
ci zy
l ia g iu
Sy ta Sy m
zy zy fo
g iu gi rte
Sy m um
zy fo ar
gi
um rte m
st
ar ro
m Fl ng
162
st in ii
ro de
Fl
in ng C rs
ia
de ii as
C rs ta
no
au
st
as ia s ra
ta au pe le
no st rm
s pe ra
le um
rm
um au
st
Mean health score at 7 months after planting

au ra
st Sa l e
Sa ra
le n ta
n l um
ta
Mean bole height (m) at 35 months after planting

l um Fl al
in bu
Fl
in
al
bu de m
de m rs
rs ia
ia br
br ay
ay Sy le
Sy le zy an
zy an gi a
Er gi
um a Er um
yt yt
hr hr ne
op ne op rv
hl rv hl os
eu os eu um
m um m
ch ch
lo lo
ro ro
st s ta
ac
ch
hy ys
s
F=14.4; df=14,41; p<0.001
F=25.75; df=13,41; p<0.001
(cm) Score 1-5
Ac Ac
a ci a ci
a a
m m
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Ac an Ac an
gi gi
ac
ia u m
ac
ia u m
Bl au Bl au
e e
Figure 2.17.5
Figure 2.17.6
ph ric ph ric
ar ul ar ul
oc ifo oc ifo
a ry
rm a ry
rm
a is a is
in in
vo vo
lu lu
cr cr
ig ig
Ac er Ac e
ac a ac ra
Eu ia Eu ia
ca pe ca pe
ly re ly re
pt g rin pt g rin
us us
ca a ca a
m m
al al
du du
le le
Eu ns Eu ns
ca is ca is
l yp ly
tu p tu
s s
pe pe
llit llit
a a
To To
on on
a a
ci ci
l ia l ia
Sy ta Sy ta
zy zy
g iu g iu
Sy m Sy m
zy fo zy fo
gi rte gi rte
um um
ar ar
m m
163
st st
Fl ro Fl ro
in ng in ng
de ii de ii
C C

rs rs
as ia as ia
ta au ta au
no st no st
s pe ra s pe ra
rm le rm le
um um
Mean form score at 35 months after planting
au au
st st
ra ra
Sa le Sa le
n ta n ta
l um l um
Fl al Fl al
in bu in bu
de m de m
rs rs
ia ia
br br
ay ay
Sy le Sy le
zy an zy an
Er gi
um a Er gi
um a
yt yt
hr ne hr ne
op op
hl rv hl rv
eu os eu os
m um m um
ch ch
lo lo
ro ro
st st
ac ac
hy hy
s s
F=35.05; df=14,38; p<0.001

F=2.55; df=14,38; p=0.024
Figure 2.17.7 Ter Laare Trial (17 Oct 2007)
164
Figure 2.17.8a,b,c Ter Laare trial
165
2.18 Tollner Species Trial
Aim
Nearest town
Darwin, NT.
the Top End of the NT. Site Description
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables Elevation

of species under controlled conditions. 35m
Demonstrate differences within trials and Slope

between trials in a repeatable way. Slight

industry, landholders, government and Edge of floodway
the long term development of farm forestry in Aspect
the Top End. Produce Road section has an easterly aspect.
Original vegetation
Trial type Grassland with scattered trees of E. polycarpa,
Lophostemon lactifluus and patches of scrubby
Randomised complete block. understorey including Pandanus spiralis,
Banksia dentata.
Location
Erosion
Produce Road, Darwin Rural area None observed on site
Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
166
Soil
8a Land Unit. Moderately deep to deep siliceous sands and earthy sands with a uniform profile
sand to sandy loam, moderately well drained. Site drainage very slow with some wet season
inundation.
Site preparation
Ground preparation
This trial has alternating rows of species, Eucalyptus pellita as the main species, and Khaya
senegalensis, Acacia auriculiformis and Pterocarpus macrocarpus as the alternating species.
Establishment
Planting date
6 January 2001.
Seedlings
Eucalyptus pellita M
Khaya senegalensis 1
Pterocarpus macrocarpus 3

167
Trial design
6 2
5 3
4 1 Trial area
3 3
2 2
Andrews Rd.
1 1
7 8 9
Teak 3 1 2
Produce Rd.

X Stake
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
Maintenance & monitoring

Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001 and reported that a serious fire
had gone through the main component of the trial. It was noted that weeds needed to be sprayed
ASAP, mission grass was shooting already. It was recommended that the owners be contacted and
asked if they could do a slash and spray ASAP and also ask them about fertilising. The site also
required a very good firebreak, especially on the Produce Road site RHS. Khaya were showing
yellowing of leaves, possibly a Magnesium deficiency.
Beau Robertson inspected this site in July 2002 He reported that it was a very poor trial, with little
or no maintenance and lots of weeds. He also reported having trouble finding some of the trees,
which meant not enough trees were measured to get any reasonable information at this site.
168
Weed status
As mentioned in the monitoring section weeds, mainly the introduced perennial grass,
Pennisetum polystachion or mission grass has been a major problem and has compounded
the fire problem that arose.
Other observations
Fire as mentioned in the monitoring report.
Results
The main species at this site, Eucalyptus pellita, was the tallest species at 4.86m after 51 months,
although it was not significantly different from the other species. Eucalyptus pellita also had the
greatest bole height of 3.79 m, DBH of 5.66 cm, and bole score of 2.97, although none of these
were statistically significant.
All species showed particularly poor survivorship, all except Khaya senegalensis (37.3%) were
below 25% after 51 months. This was most likely the result of the weed problems and the fire at
the site in 2001.
In summary this trial exemplifies the real problems faced by any forestry plantation development
in the Top End of the NT in major weed and fire issues. They need to be continually managed if
project is to be successful.
169
Table 2.18.2 Estimated height, survival, bole, diameter and bole score for the Tollner species trial
Survival Bole
Height 51 51 Bole 51 DBH 51 score 51
3 Pterocarpus macrocarpus 4.15 23.3 2.14 5.21 2.83

2 Acacia auriculiformis * 13.3 * * *
Var ratio 0.08 0.75 1.9 0.04 0.58

d.f 2,6 2,8 2,6 2,6 2,6
F prob. 0.926 0.529 0.345 0.963 0.632
lsd 5.48 54.66 1.533 9.293 1.439
170
Table 2.18.3 Estimated height, survival, bole, diameter and bole score for the main species in the Tollner species trial
Height Survival Height Survival Bole

18 18 51 51 Bole 51 DBH 51 score 51
Treatment Species months s.e. months months s.e. months months s.e. months s.e. months s.e.
4 (main) Eucalyptus pellita 1.69 0.13 11.25 4.86 0.20 19.00 3.79 0.25 5.66 0.31 2.97 0.14
12.00
F=0.08; df=2,6; p=0.926
10.00
8.00
(m)
6.00
4.00
2.00
0.00
Eucalyptus pellita Pterocarpus macrocarpus Khaya senegalensis
Eucalyptus pellita
40
30
20
10
Acacia auriculiformis 0 Pterocarpus macrocarpus
Khaya senegalensis
171
120
100
80
(%)
60 Eucalyptus pellita
40
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
months
Figure 2.18.3 Mean survival % for Eucalyptus pellita from planting to 51 months
6.00
F=1.9; df=2,6; p=0.345
5.00
4.00
(m)
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
172
16.00
F=0.04; df=2,6; p=0.963
14.00
12.00
10.00
(cm)
8.00
6.00
4.00
2.00
0.00
5.00
F=0.58; df=2,6; p=0.632
4.50
4.00
3.50
3.00
Score 1-5
2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
Figure 2.18.6 Mean bole score at 51 months after planting
173
2.19 Wills Species Trial
Aim
Nearest town
Identify the best appearance grade tropical Darwin, NT.
options for a range of biophysical regions in Site Description
Elevation
Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables 28 metres
Slope
Demonstrate differences within trials and Less than 2 degrees
Landform
Develop a practically focused research Undulating plain
by industry, landholders, government and Aspect
community organisations to make decisions on Light incline to the east
the Top End. Original vegetation
E. miniata, E. tetradonta open woodland with
Erythrophleum chlorostachys and Cycas,
Trial type Livistona humilis, Grevillea spp.understorey.
Randomised complete block. Erosion
Nil observed on site
Location
Darwin Rural, Acacia Hills

Highest max temp 35.6 36.0 36.0 36.7 36.0 34.5 34.8 36.8 37.7 38.9 37.1 37.1
Lowest min temp 20.2 17.2 19.2 16.0 13.8 12.1 10.4 13.2 15.1 19.0 19.3 19.8
Mean 9am relative 81 83 83 75 66 62 62 67 70 70 73 77
humidity (%)
Mean 3pm relative 70 72 67 53 43 38 38 41 48 53 59 65
humidity (%)
174
Soil
Shallow gravely massive earths that are moderately well drained. Site drainage is rapid.
Site preparation
Ground preparation
The site was a cleared paddock and was ripped before planting. glyphosate was applied to weeds
at the time of site preparation. The site is fenced. A dripper system was installed.
Establishment
Planting date
February 2000.
The trial is laid out with rows 3m apart and trees planted at 3 m spacings within rows. At planting
50g of Nitrophoska (NPK) blend was applied close to each seedling. Wynncassia was sown as an
inter-row cover.
Seedlings
Species used Treatment Nursery Seed source Size at Health at

number planting planting
Swietenia macrophylla 1 DPIF Honduras Good

Enterolobium 2 DPIF Unsure of source Good
cyclocarpum
Chukrasia velutina 3 DPIF Unsure of source Very small Too small
Eucalyptus pellita 4 DPIF CSIRO SLN Good
19718
Tectona grandis 5 DPIF Saragonza El Good
Salvador
Callitris intratropica 6 DPIF Unsure of source Good

175
Trial design
Road
123 m
Rep IV 1 3 5 6 2 4 Demo
39 m
Rep III 3 1 5 4 6 2
Reserved for Horticulture
Rep II 1 5 6 4 2 3 Demo
Tree mix
Rep I 6 2 5 3 4 1

X Stake
1 8 15 22 29 36 43
2 9 16 23 30 37 44
3 10 17 24 31 38 45
4 11 18 25 32 39 46
5 12 19 26 33 40 47
6 13 20 27 34 41 48
7 14 21 28 35 42 49
Maintenance

Slashing between rows was used to control weeds. Weed control was sporadic and incomplete.
No follow up fertilising took place at this site.
Irrigation
Irrigation was installed during establishment.
Replacements
Some replanting occurred in February and March of 2000.
Pruning
Some trees were form pruned.
176
Monitoring
Kurt Neitzel reported: Termites and late application of fertiliser. Plants were noted as being
suppressed due to lack of weeding especially Teak and Chukrasia sp.
Mike Clark and Kurt Neitzel inspected the site in September 2001. They reported that the site was
in a mango growing area with bitumen road passing, good for publicity. There had been some
problems arising from fertilising not being done on time and weeds not being maintained as well
as could be. It was evident that some support was required for weeding (Mike organised for a
GANT employee to do a day’s slashing with a brush cutter during the 2001/02 wet season). In
general, for fertilizing, an NPK mix is used, 50 g for small trees at planting, 100 g at 2-3 months
and next season another 100 g. These trees now needed 150-200 g of fertiliser as they hadn’t
received any to date.
It was noted that E. pellita was flowering at age 18 months. It was also noted that a good firebreak
needed to be installed and that trees needed pruning.
Beau Robertson inspected the site in 2002, and noted that it was a site with potential, but through
a lack of maintenance it was performing poorly. Eucalyptus pellita was reported as the best
species with a mean height of 3.78 m and diameter of 5.06 cm.
Weed status
Plants were suppressed by the weeds.
Insect activity
There was some termite damage in Swietenia macrophylla.
Other observations
Weed control was sporadic, and not sufficient around the trees.
The plant stock was good apart from Chukrasia.
Results
Eucalyptus pellita has consistently been the tallest species throughout the trial, although only
significantly different at 28 months (3.61 m, p<0.001) and 69 months (6.51 m, p<0.001). Callitris
intratropica ranked second on height to E. pellita, and also showed the longest bole length at 69
months of 4.79 m, largest DBH at 69 months of 7.68 cm, and best form score at 69 months of
3.55, although none of these were significantly different from E. pellita.
Survival of species at this site was quite variable, ranging from a high 90% plus for Tectona
grandis and Callitris intratropica to very low survival (33%) of Chukrasia velutina which was
very small at planting. The relatively low heights of most species after 69 months in comparison
to other trial sites may be attributed to competition with weeds, no fertiliser application and poor
site maintenance.
Overall, taking into account survival %, average height, DBH, bowl length and form score,
Callitris intratropica is the best all round performer on a site with very minimal management. It is
certainly not as fast growing as some of the other tropical hardwoods in other trials (some of this
may be due to the lack of maintenance at this site) but it is hardy, termite proof and is a species
with a ready market.
177
Table 2.19.2 Estimated mean height, survival, diameter, bole and score for the Wills species trial
DBH Height DBH Score

Height Height Survival 28 69 Survival Bole 69 69 69
Treatm Height 7 Survival 7 14 Survival 28 28 month month 69 month month month
ent Species Name months months months 14 months months months s s months s s s
Eucalyptus
4 pellita 0.987 80.6 1.905 54.6 3.61 79.6 4.605 6.51 51.5 4.75 7.25 3.2
Callitris
6 intratropica 0.572 94.4 1.521 69.4 2.895 93.9 3.253 5.67 92.9 4.79 7.68 3.55
5 Tectona grandis 0.465 95.4 1.551 70.9 2.995 95.9 3.847 3.5 92.3 2.92 4.46 2.59
Swietenia
1 macrophylla 0.535 79.1 1.042 63.8 1.955 74.5 3.33 3.19 60.7 3.16 3.62 2.7
178
Enterolobium
2 cyclocarpum 0.927 80.6 1.898 55.1 2.015 65.8 * 2.52 42.9 * 3 1.3
Chukrasia
3 velutina 0.362 61.7 * 25.5 1.235 41.8 * 2.2 33.7 1.95 2.27 2.1
Var ratio 26.7 2.05 6.21 3.39 21.72 4.19 7.46 17.08 6.91 10.07 21.67 8.66
d.f 5,23 5,23 5,18 5,23 5,23 5,23 5,19 5,22 5,23 5,20 5,22 5,22
F prob <0.001 0.129 0.007 0.03 <0.001 0.014 0.003 <0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
lsd 0.1491 25.86 0.472 27.31 0.5602 29.44 0.6585 1.288 28.79 1.123 1.469 0.824
9
5 Height 7 months
Height 14 months
(m)
Height 28 months
4 Height 69 months
0
Eucalyptus pellita Callitris intratropica Tectona grandis Swietenia Enterolobium Chukrasia velutina
macrophylla cyclocarpum
Eucalyptus pellita
100
80
60
Chukrasia velutina Callitris intratropica
40
20
Survival 7 months
Survival 14 months
0
Survival 28 months
Survival 69 months
Enterolobium cyclocarpum Tectona grandis
179
10
F=21.67; df=5,22; p<0.001
9
6
(cm)
0
Eucalyptus pellita Callitris intratropica Tectona grandis Swietenia macrophylla Enterolobium Chukrasia velutina
cyclocarpum
7
F=10.07; df=5,20; p<0.001
4
(m)
0
Eucalyptus pellita Callitris intratropica Tectona grandis Swietenia macrophylla Chukrasia velutina
180
5
F=8.66; df=5,22; p<0.001
4.5
3.5
3
Score 1-5
2.5
1.5
0.5
0
Eucalyptus pellita Callitris intratropica Tectona grandis Swietenia macrophylla Enterolobium Chukrasia velutina
cyclocarpum
Figure 2.19.6 Will trial showing Chukrasia plot
181
Figure 2.19.7 Wills trial showing Callitris plot
Figure 2.19.8 Wills Trial showing Callitris and E. pellita plots. (17 October 2007)
182
Figure 2.19.9 Wills Trial showing E. pellita plot (17 Oct 2007)
183
3. Species summaries
Summary of Northern Territory species trials
Khaya senegalensis and Eucalyptus pellita have had the best height growth and survival on the most
sites and are the best general species from the trial program. On individual sites, with specific site
characteristics, maintenance regimes or species mixes, other species have performed well. Growers
should look to the sites that best match their location or site characteristics and consider using the
species that have performed best there. The species summary graphs below use mean height at
different ages across all the trials where that species was grown. Variation in the growth of species
shown is therefore due to variation in site characteristics and maintenance regimes. They nevertheless
show the range of heights that can be achieved in the Top End over time. Growers should aim to carry
out the best maintenance and silviculture in order to achieve the higher end of this range of values.
Best species from each trial (top 3)
Trial site Best performing 1 Best performing 2 Best performing 3
De Koning Tectona grandis Khaya senegalensis

Duminksi Eucalyptus pellita
Freds Pass Pterocarpus indicus Khaya senegalensis Swietenia humilis
Hammett Enterolobium cyclocarpum Eucalyptus pellita Callitris intratropica
Hayman Eucalyptus pellita
Hickey Tectona grandis Eucalyptus pellita Swietenia humilis
Howard Springs Acacia mangium
Humphris Eucalyptus pellita
Kohler Khaya senegalensis
McGuffog Khaya senegalensis Eucalyptus pellita
Meehan Khaya senegalensis Chukrasia velutina
Parker Terminalia belerica Khaya senegalensis Swietenia humilis
Pleitner Khaya senegalensis Cedrela odorata
Salzgeber Pterocarpus indicus Pterocarpus
macrocarpus
Scattini Eucalyptus pellita
Ter Laare Acacia mangium Blepharocarya
involucrigera
Tollner Eucalyptus pellita
Wills Eucalyptus pellita Callitris intratropica
NB. Acacia mangium only used in 2 trials, but did very well where it was used.
184
Species summaries (height)
A cacia auriculifo rmis
4.5
3.5
2.5
1.5
1 Heig ht
Linear (Heig ht)
0.5
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Ag e (mo nths )
Acacia auriculiformis
Callitris intratro p ica
4
Height (m)
2
Heig ht
1 Linear (Heig ht)
0
0 20 40 60 80
Age (months)
Callitris intratropica
185
Cas tano s p ermum aus trale
3 .5
Heig ht
Exp o n. (Heig ht)
3
2 .5
1.5
0 .5
0
0 20 40 60 80 10 0
Ag e (mo nths )
Ced rela o d o rata
Heig ht
5
Linear (Heig ht )
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Ag e (mo nths )
Cedrela odorata
186
Chukras ia velutina
5 Heig ht
Exp o n. (Heig ht)
4
Height (m)
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Age (months)
Chukrasia velutina
Entero lo b ium cyclo carp um
Heig ht
6
Linear (Heig ht)
5
Height (m)
0
0 20 40 60 80
Age (months)
187
Eucalyp tus p ellita
8
Heig ht
7 Linear (Heig ht)
0
0 20 40 60 80 10 0
Ag e (mo nt hs )
Eucalyptus pellita
Khaya nyas ica
4 .5
3 .5
2 .5
Heig ht
2 Linear (Heig ht)
1.5
0 .5
0
0 20 40 60 80
Ag e (mo nt hs )
Khaya nyasica
188
Khaya s eneg alens is
6 Heig ht
Linear (Heig ht)
5
0
0 20 40 60 80 10 0
Ag e (mo nths )
Khaya senegalensis
Nauclea o rientalis
2.5
Heig ht
2 Linear (Heig ht)
1.5
Height (m)
0.5
0
0 20 40 60 80
Age (months)
Nauclea orientalis
189
Pt ero carp us ind icus
12
Heig ht
10 Linear (Heig ht)
8
Height (m)
0
0 20 40 60 80
Age (months)
Pterocarpus indicus
Ptero carp us macro carp us
10
9
Heig ht
8
Linear (Heig ht)
7
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Ag e (mo nths )
Pterocarpus macrocarpus
190
S wietenia humilis
9
8
Heig ht
7 Linear (Heig ht)
6
Height (m)
4
3
2
1
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Age (months)
Swietenia humilis
S wietenia macro p hylla
4
Height (m)
2
Heig ht
Linear (Heig ht )
1
0
0 20 40 60 80
Age (months)
191
Tecto na g rand is
7 Heig ht
Linear (Heig ht)
6
5
Height (m)
0
0 20 40 60 80
Age (months)
Tectona grandis
Terminalia b ellirica
7
6
Height (m)
4
3
2 Heig ht
Linear (Heig ht)
1
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Age (months)
Terminalia belerica
192
4. Climate Change
Climate change (and the emerging industry servicing amelioration of, and adaptation to, climate
change) will have a profound effect on forestry development in NT. These effects will primarily fall
into two areas – the distribution of suitable forest growing conditions in the top end; and the use of NT
forests as carbon sinks.
The predictions for NT given in http://www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/futureclimate.php show a

wide range of possible scenarios (Figure 4.1). Examples for the 10, 50 and 90 percentiles for evapo-
transpiration changes by 2050 all show increases ranging from slight to extreme based on increases in
rainfall and temperature (medium emissions=status quo). This may have a positive effect on the
growth of some species but needs to be evaluated as more growth results are obtained.
Figure 4.1 Northern Territory Potential Evapotranspiration 2050 Summer
193
Forest growing conditions
One of the major current impacts on forestry is the prevalence of cyclonic winds in near coastal
regions in the Top End. If higher rainfall occurred as a result of an increased number of cyclones
further south and further away from the coast, more inland areas may support higher growth rates and
become more suited to some of the faster growing species. Higher CO2 levels, increased temperatures
and great rainfall are all possible outcomes which warrant further attention as climate change
predictions become more refined.
Carbon sinks
If changes to leasehold land restrictions allowed for increased forestry use, then NT could become a
major supplier of carbon sequestration services to other industries. In particular the complementarity
with a focus on longer rotation solid wood products would be of particular interest. Fire frequency
and intensity would be a key negative factor in this area.
194
5. Recommendations
A range of outcomes and issues have emerged from the project, and from these we make some
recommendations. They are summarise under the following headings –
Biology
Good survival of African Mahogany in the trials, and fair to excellent growth of, supports the selection
of this species for further development and genetic improvement. The survival of trials on extremely
harsh sites has been remarkable although some growth rates have been poor.
Fair to good growth on a range of other species including some natives (Terminalia, Callitris,
Blephocarya), and other high value exotic timber species (Teak, Rosewood, Cedar). Performance of
these second tier species is more patchy with a mosaic of termite and other damage across different
soil types and climates. There is good scope to carry out work with a wider range of seed sources of
the native species to find more suitable provenances. Use of native species will have a more positive
impact on biodiversity conservation efforts.
More detailed analysis of soils has been carried out for some sites. This should be coupled with
analysis of water requirements of the trees at different ages and planting configurations to assist in
assessing productivity potential and to estimate impact on water resources in key areas.
Social
Land owners are seeking additional information and assistance with management regimes for the next
phase of growth. The original network group remains, but there is little growth in new members due
to lack of resources to provide continuous support
There is a general willingness among growers to co-operate in the flow of information and experience
both within and beyond the network. However, the on-again and off-again nature of formal support to
the network from both GA and DPI has been noted by several participants.
Labour and skills are generally in short supply placing some pressure on forest owners at key points of
the management cycle. Access to technology (see below) will play some role in resolving this issue
along with greater awareness of the role and practice of forestry.
Access to infrastructure is generally good with growers benefiting from the irrigation and transport
infrastructure development for agriculture.
Environmental
In most cases the trials have increased the focus of landowners on fire and weed management on their
properties. The trials are also generating greater understanding of the potential of a range of native
species (as well as exotics) which may add to their conservation value.
The additional shade and shelter provided by the trees has been used by some land owners in their
stock production operations
195
Industry Development
Three sawmilling enterprises were interviewed in line with respect to production of high value sawlogs
as a primary product. All expressed interest in accessing a farm based resource and were interested to
talk with growers about target logs and current market requirements.
There is a small but robust industry (several hundred cubic metres per year) working with high value
hardwood timber sourced from Darwin, primarily for NT end users (furniture, joinery). This industry
could readily accept a relatively variable resource like farm grown logs although there should be
dialogue between growers and processors around the target log and product mix.
Research and development skills are scarce within GA, DPIFM and the commercial sector. This is
understood by all organisations and they recognise the need to collaborate to increase efficiencies.
There are opportunities to share resources from different groups to support positions if the number of
available skilled staff is small.
Access to technology to date has been driven by the Farm Forestry network based around the trials.
Different species and environments in the Top End mean that there is limited scope to build on the
experience from other parts of Australia. The GA federation has been important in transferring
generic information about tree planting but NT work targeting specific issues (e.g. silviculture, pest
and diseases) is also required.
Market development is fundamental to longer term successful farm forestry and important connections
have been made with processors represented in the farm forestry network. Some analysis of the
interactions between larger commercial growers and smaller farm growers with respect to market
access is needed.
Economic analysis initiated by the program has been updated and refined in the African Mahogany
Strategy produced by DPIFM and should be revised and expanded to cover additional species.
Policy
Current pastoral lease conditions are under review.
There is much interest in the availability and access rights to water in the Top End as the demand for
general water supplies across Australia increases. There is a need to understand the water use of
various species and planting configurations so that the role of forestry (at different scales) in water
management can be accurately assessed.
Taxation rules affect larger players’ ability to raise project funds. While this has a lesser impact on
smaller growers, it is still important in assessing the costs and returns from farm forestry.
196
6. References
Bygrave, F. & Bygrave, P. (2004) Growing Australian Red Cedar and other Meliaceae species in
plantation Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, No 04/135, Kingston.
Cacho, O.(2001) An analysis of externalities in agroforestry systems in the presence of land

degradation. Ecological Economics, 2001, Vol.39, No.1, pp.131-143
CAB International (2000) Forestry compendium global module. CAB International., Wallingford, UK
Eldridge, K., Davidson, J., Harwood, C., & van Wyk, G. (1993) Eucalypt domestication and breeding
Oxford Science Publications, Oxford and New York
Floyd, R., Griffiths, M.W., & Wylie, F.R. (2005) Patterns of host use by the shoot-borer Hypsipyla
robusta (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) comparing five Meliaceae tree species in Asia and
Australia. Forest Ecology and Management, 205, 351-357.
Hyder Consulting, (2007) Assessment of the Direct and Indirect Risks from Human Induced Climate
Change to Key Ecosystems in Northern Australia. Synopsis. A synopsis of a report prepared
by Hyder Consulting for WWF-Australia. Published by WWF-Australia, Sydney, 7 pp
Margules Poyry (1997). Farm Forestry in the Top End - Strategic Plan. Prepared for Greening
Australia Ltd and NT Forestry and Timber Products Network
Quayle, S. (2001) Farm forestry: Its role in rural propertymanagement. DPI Victoria, Bendigo.
December, 2001AG0989. ISSN 1329-8062
Whitbread, M., Reilly, D. and Robertson, B. (2003) African Mahogany Timber Industry Strategy for
the Top End of the Northern Territory. Information booklet IB4. NT DPIFM
197
Farm Forestry Species Trials
in the Northern Territory
By Mike Clark, David Carr, Tim Vercoe and Mat Hardy
RIRDC Publication No. 09/091
This report presents the results of a series of farm forestry species JVAP was managed by the Rural Industries Research and
trials established in the Top End of the NT from 1998 until Development Corporation (RIRDC). The Rural Industries Research
2003. The complete details relating to the trials include trial and Development Corporation (RIRDC) is a partnership between
site descriptions, establishment and maintenance details, species government and industry to invest in R&D for more productive and
performance results, key findings and recommendations. sustainable rural industries. We invest in new and emerging rural
industries, a suite of established rural industries and national rural
The report presents the results to help identify the best appearance issues.
grade tropical hardwood timber tree species and management
options for a range of biophysical regions in the Top End of the Most of the information we produce can be downloaded for
NT. These trials compared the genetic and silvicultural variables of free or purchased from our website: www.rirdc.gov.au, or by
species under controlled conditions, and demonstrated differences phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies).
within trials and between trials in a repeatable way.
Contact RIRDC:
Level 2
15 National Circuit
Barton ACT 2600
Most RIRDC books can be freely downloaded
or purchased from www.rirdc.gov.au or by PO Box 4776
phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge Kingston ACT 2604
applies).
Ph: 02 6271 4100
www.rirdc.gov.au Fax: 02 6271 4199

Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au
web: www.rirdc.gov.au

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Farm Forestry Species Trials

in the Northern Territory

by Mike Clark, David Carr, Tim Vercoe and Mat Hardy

RIRDC Publication No 09/091

ISBN 1 74151 890 3

Farm Forestry Species Trials in the Northern Territory

Researcher Contact Details

Phone: 02 6281 8585

RIRDC Contact Details

Phone: 02 6271 4100

Electronically published by RIRDC in November 2009

AFFA Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia (now Department of Agriculture,

DBH Diameter at breast height

DBIRD Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT)

DNREA Department of Natural Resources, Environment & the Arts (NT)

DPI&F Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (Qld)

DPIFM Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines (NT)

GANT Greening Australia NT

NTF&TPN NT Forestry & Timber Products Network

QFRI Queensland Forestry Research Institute

RIRDC Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

TERTHFP Top End Regional Tropical Hardwood Forestry Project’

Finally, but importantly, we acknowledge Kurt Neitzel (1945-2008).

Stakeholder Organisation/property Role in Project

Barry Keitel Synden Park, Landholder Trial participant

Claus Kohler Landholder Trial participant

Ben Scattini Landholder Trial participant

Who is the report targeted at?

The trials aimed to:

• demonstrate differences within trials and between trials in a repeatable way.

• Assessment of provenance variation in selected native plant species

• estimating optimum planting material for best bet species;

Implications for relevant stakeholders

It is important to include an assessment of current climate change predictions in looking at species

3) facilitated trial management, maintenance and protection, as well as timely

4) assessment of data recorded in appropriate formats, maintained in a secure database

Farm Forestry Development Program

Native Species Trials for the Wet/Dry Monsoonal Tropics.

These trials complement the:

Ongoing management and monitoring.

Monitoring of the Northern Territory Species Trials for JVAP

Values of farm forestry for the Northern Territory

• high moisture content in the leaves

• leaves that are low in volatile oil content

• leaves that have a high ash content after burning

• trees have a suppressive effect on undergrowth.

Risks to the development of a tropical hardwood industry for the Northern

Identify the best appearance grade tropical Longitude: 132'07.10 E

Compare the genetic and silvicultural variables

Demonstrate differences within trials and

Develop a practically focused research

Species used Treatment number Seed source

Khaya senegalensis - Howard Springs

Labelling and design

Tree layout within plots

In addition to the trial – a demonstration of Acacia auriculiformis (PNG provenance),

Height Survival Height Survival

Sigma2 0.177 188.1 2.199 228.6 0.0699 6.846 0.478

s.e.d. 0.3209 10.46 1.131 11.53 0.2017 1.996 0.5273

Height Survival Height Survival

Figure 2.1.1 Mean height 18 and 54 months after planting

Figure 2.1.3 Mean form score at 53 months after planting

Figure 2.1.4 Mean survival % 18 and 53 months after planting