Comparison of Establishment Methods forPinus radiataon a FormerP. pinasterSite

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Abstract
The effects of three site preparation methods involving retention of logging residue, burning and cultivation together with seven fertiliser/weedicide treatments on establishment of P. radiata on a former P. pinaster site were examined. Evidence is presented to show that early growth is enhanced by retaining litter and logging residue from the first crop compared with the more commonly used methods of broadcast or windrow burning followed by ploughing. Conservation of soil moisture through the mulching effect of litter and residue is considered to be the main factor responsible for the differences in early growth between the site preparation methods tested. A statistically significant growth response to chemical weed control was observed on burnt and cultivated sites but not on sites where residue was retained. The response to fertilisers in the presence of weed control varied according to the site preparation method, with a significant response to P on unburnt sites and to N + P + Zn on windrow burnt and ploughed sites. It is concluded that retention of logging residue and litter from the first pine crop is likely to be a considerably better practice than burning and cultivation for re-establishment of pine on infertile sandy soils in south-west Victoria.

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