Lindsay, D. Alex J., Kelly, N. I., Dickinson, G. R., and Congdon, R.A. (Bob) (2011) Silviculture of small-scale mahogany wood lots in North Queensland - some observations. In: Abstracts from Darwin 2011 African Mahogany Plantation Industry Forum. pp. 37-38. From: Darwin 2011 African Mahogany Plantation Industry Forum, 30 August - 1 September 2011, Darwin, NT, Australia.

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Abstract

Khaya senegalensis has been promoted as the most promising farm-forestry timber species in the Townsville region, but there has been little systematic analysis of expected growth rates or silvicuItural prescriptions. This presentation provides an assessment of silvicultural practices and prescriptions, based on two data sets: a network of growth plots established by DEEDI within 150 kilometres of Townsville, and a Nelder Fan Wheel established on the campus of James Cook University. For stands aged between 5 and 10 years, average growth rates were between 6.0 and 9.0 m3ha-1yr-1, with the fastest growth of 13.5 m3ha-1yr-1 recorded on a free-draining site. Woodlots were typically planted at 4.0 x 4.0 m spacing (625 sph) or 2.5 x 4.0 m spacing (1000 sph).

Total volume did not vary greatly with stand density. This supports the calculation of optimum stand density of 543 stems per hectare (sph) in the Nelder Wheel. Tree form did not appear to be correlated with stand density.

Small-scale woodlots are managed more intensively than broadscale plantations, so the significance of spacing on weed growth is less important. Woodlot owners typically undertake more pruning operations than could be economically justified, including deformed and forked stems which have no potential for timber production. Thinning should be undertaken well before crowns become interlocked, for ease of operation. Planting Khaya senegalensis at densities greatly in excess of 625 sph is seen as inefficient: the main advantage is to provide selection intensity for thinning, however this will be less important in future given the availability of improved seed and clones selected for straightness. Wide-spaced Khaya senegalensis may be suitable for silvo-pastoral agroforestry systems in the seasonally-dry tropical lowlands around Townsville.

Item ID:	21070
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Keywords:	agroforestry, farm forestry, Khaya senegalensis, silviculture, woodlots
Date Deposited:	19 Mar 2012 01:48
FoR Codes:	07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0705 Forestry Sciences > 070501 Agroforestry @ 100%
SEO Codes:	82 PLANT PRODUCTION AND PLANT PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8201 Forestry > 820101 Hardwood Plantations @ 100%
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