The Establishment of Second-rotation Radiata Pine in Riverhead Forest

Authors: I.P. Armitage
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1969, Issue N.Z.J.For. 14(2) 1969, pp 184-194, Aug 1969
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: It is suggested that there are four principal factors which ensure successful establishment of young trees and form the first stage in the production of sawlogs and pulpwood in greater quantities and of better quality than have been grown in many first-rotation stands in Riverhead Forest. These factors are summarized as: (I) The necessity of having a clean or weed-free site; (2) The use of well hardened nursery stock which is well planted; (3) Adequate early hand topdressing with a phosphatic fertilizer; and (4) Where necessary, timely releasing of the crops from competing regrowth vegetation.

Planting trees which show a marked tolerance of low soil phosphate concentrations yet remain healthy and vigorous and/or demonstrate superior responses to topdressing is a further factor in achieving these production objectives.

Natural regeneration is too sparse and irregularly distributed to be relied upon for successful establishment of second-rotation crops.

In the paper, the techniques of achieving clean sites, tree-planting methods, planting costs, spacing and treestock survivals are discussed. Excellent results from manual topdressing young trees are indicated, while some aspects of fertilizer trials in Riverhead are outlined. Techniques for controlling competing regrowth vegetation are discussed.

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