Shelterbelt Mortality in South Canterbury, Otago and Southland

Authors: K.W. Prior
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1959, Issue N.Z.J.For. 8(3) 1961, pp 498-507, Nov 1961
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: The widespread floods of 1957 were followed by the death of many shelterbelt trees located throughout South Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. The species damaged are listed under four damage categories; in general the conifers were far more susceptible to injury than hardwoods. Shelterbelts on level sites sustained more damage than those on sloping sites, those on low-lying alluvial soils being particularly affected. Trees over 12 years of age were more susceptible than younger ones. Deaths of many trees seemed to be associated with a flush of nitrogenous material after floods, others with dry periods before and after floods. It is concluded that the risk of damage would be reduced if well maintained fences were located at a reasonable distance from shelterbelt trees and if hardwoods, particularly Populus nigra var. italica, were used on the gleyed and low-lying soils.

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