Silviculture

[derekh]

The topic of Silviculture and Private Forestry has quite captivated me over the past few days. I have made numerous visits to various gov and private web sites and downloaded a swag of info.

When I first posted and asked about the effects of Pine (generic) on the soil I knew nothing (I now know just a little). The thought never occurred to me to gain leverage of the existing timber to start silviculture (it ajoins a state forest). Because I cannot actually live on the property for several years (kids and IT work), I could use those years to grow trees!

I have made an offer for the property based upon photos so I really cannot get too excited just yet but I'm hopeful. When I visit the site on Sat. I will take tree and soil samples so I can identify the species and PH levels. I have some images if someone is willing to identify some species for me.

cheers all

[permaculture.biz]

Hello Derek,

pH will only tell so much - I would recommend that you get a test done thru the Australian Perry Lab. (APAL (http://www.apal.com.au) - Albrecht method) - the results will be much more revealing and beneficial than a simple pH test.

Cheers,

DD

[derekh]

Thanks for that, I will include that test as I look deeper into Silviculture. I only expected a simple PH test to give me a rough indication. I also plan to check out the local forestry and DPI offices for their input / opinions before I progress too far. My plans are still dreams until I secure the purchase.

cheers
derek

[permaculture.biz]

Derek,

I'd be keen to hear what the DPI extension officers are advising you - it would be interesting to see how "outside of the box" their thinking is and what species/mixes they are recommending - in Victoria they don't recommend species anymore as there is too great a risk from litigation.....

Find out from them what the harvest protection rights state of play is in QLD - as is its retrospectivity to existing plantation plantings. By the sound of things you already have some trees that you're intending on managing, to gain "leverage" as you put it. Hopefully there are enough juvenile's at the property to make the leverage work.

Good Luck,

Cheers,

DD