Clinton Sim, PIRSA Forestry, Mt Gambier

PIRSA Forestry is planning a field trip in the Upper South East on November 27th to discuss tree marking, first thinning, pre commercial thinning and radiata provenances.  We will be visiting first thinned stands around the Lucindale region that have been tree marked by growers and by a tree marking contractor, as well as first thinned stands that have been operator selected. There will be discussion about  the benefits of tree marking in improving stand performance and  its value later in the rotation,  including the techniques and methods associated with it.

The Pre Commercial Thinning trial is a demonstration of reducing the stocking at an early age, year 5 to 7, in order to remove the poorest performing trees. This delays the timing of the first thinning.   The green crown remains lower for longer, and allows for larger piece size at first thinning.  This means a greater proportion of preservation timber is recovered at first thinning making it a viable operation to thin in the upper south east, north of Lucindale/Naracoorte.

The radiata provenance trial is 10 years old and differences in performance of Guadalope, Cedros and nursery seed lot provenances will be discussed and the advantages of using different provenances of radiata in the Upper South East from the nursery seed lot material that is typically available.

If you would like further information about this field trip please contact Clinton Sim: phone 87351227, mobile 0417 865 546 or email sim.clinton@saugov.sa.gov.au