Preliminary Trials on the Afforestation of Eroding Mountain Watersheds in New Zealand

Authors: W.J. Wendelken
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1959, Issue N.Z.J.For. 8(5) 1963, pp 751-759, Dec 1963
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: There is need for the development of extensive, cheap methods of establishing protection forests in eroding watersheds. Simple trials in broadcasting tree seed were carried out between 1954 and 1957 using seed of Pinus ponderosa, P. mugo, P. nigra (laricio), Alnus glutinosa and Larix decidua. For the four sites dealt with, between 3,700 ft and 5,100 ft, outlines of the climate and soil are tabulated, indicating the main features of the environment.
Survival and growth of the species varied according to the harshness of the sites. A comparison of the results is made between species, and for the different sites. Of the species tried, P. mugo appears to be suitable for direct seeding on the higher altitude, stable scree slopes, while P. ponderosa and P. nigra (laricio) are more suitable for eroded sites at middle altitudes. Alnus glutinosa was a complete failure and the results from Larix decidua were inconclusive.
An outline is given of the main micro-site factors affecting the success of direct seeding, and suggestions are made for further research.

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