Land Capability

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Due to the high investment costs required to establish plantations, commercial management requires land of high site quality to support required growth rates and provide adequate economic returns. Hardwood plantations would require land of high and reliable rainfall (>1,000 mm/year), deep well drained soils, and reasonably flat topography (DCE 1990). Pinus radiata can be grown in areas with rainfall greater than 600 mm/year.

In East Gippsland, the area of land suitable for plantation has been approximated, using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine the area of privately owned, cleared (non-forest) land, on slopes less than 25 degrees, and with sufficient rainfall to support economic plantations.

The results of GIS analysis shows the area receiving greater than 1,000 mm, were it to become available, would be insufficient to support a viable and economic eucalypt plantation-dependent industry (nominally 40,000 ha), due to the small size and scattered nature of the land base. The areas receiving greater than 600 mm and 800 mm rainfall would be sufficient to sustain a softwood plantation resource. However, most of this area is currently used for agricultural purposes, largely grazing (sheep and beef), dairying and vegetable cropping on the more productive lands.

Plantation establishment therefore, would be in competition with existing agricultural activities. However, some potential does exist for plantation development, particularly where commercial (wood production) values are considered in conjunction with land rehabilitation (amelioration of soil degradation) benefits. Agroforestry also offers some potential for plantation development on higher site quality lands in conjunction with conventional agricultural enterprises. It is estimated that up to 10% of land can be planted to trees without decreasing agricultural productivity.

Currently, there is a lack of information regarding growth potential or species performance for eucalypt plantations in East Gippsland. A series of small plantation trials have been established by DSE to trial the best species and provenances, optimum site preparation and fertiliser application. Progress and results are not yet available.

Reference

Department of Conservation and Environment (DCE) (1990). Analysis of Whether Feasible and Prudent Alternatives exist to the Logging of National Estate forests in East Gippsland. Department of Conservation and Environment, Victoria.

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