Planting podocarps in disturbed indigenous forests of the central North Island.

Authors: A. E. Beveridge, D. O. Bergin, G. F. Pardy
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1985, Issue N.Z.J.For. 30(1) 1985, pp 144-158, May 1985
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

---

Abstract: An outline is given of the objectives and methods used in recent years to establish nursery-raised podocarps on forest, scrub and open sites of the central North Island Volcanic Plateau. Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) has been the species most widely used because of its persistence and ability to grow on a range of sites in competition with shrubby regrowth and in the presence of introduced mammals. The technique recommended for logged forest is planting of small clusters of large seedlings in light wells at intervals which allow selection of the most suitable microsites. A major aim has been to replace trees removed by logging, so the intensity of planting depends on the degree of logging disturbance. A similar group planting technique is recommended for those scrub sites where the prospects for natural regeneration are poor. On more open sites planting pioneer indigenous or exotic species as a first step is recommended to provide some shelter.
If good quality nursery stock is used and unfavourable micro-sites are avoided, high survival of several species can be obtained on sheltered sites. Early growth is slow on these upland sites; without releasing some planted trees have reached heights of 4-7 m in 15-20 years but with releasing to provide more light better growth has been obtained.

---