Introduction:
Eucalyptus Globulus - Tasmanian Blue Gum plants
The information provided here is to assist in the decision-making and effective management of second rotation Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum) plantations. The topics covered include reestablishment methods, slash management, and coppice control/ management.
It is important before harvesting that growers decide how they want to manage their site in the second rotation, as this will determine what operations need to occur, possibly within 24 hours of the trees being harvested.
The two main options for management of land after clear-felling Tasmanian blue gums are replanting of new stock or regeneration from coppice. The option selected will depend on the owner’s objectives, yield of the previous plantation, stump survival, economics and the availability of genetically improved stock.
Methods of Coppice Suppression?
Tasmanian blue gum produces coppice shoots reliably and vigorously. Coppice regeneration is used widely overseas and potentially provides better early growth, reduced costs and reduced time between harvests. The main advantage is that coppice benefits from the substantial pre-existing root system that sustains rapid early growth.
Tasmanian Blue Gum trees replant or coppice
Most of the costs associated with plantation establishment using seedlings will not be incurred when managing plantations under a coppice regime. However, regeneration by coppice is not as simple as sitting back and watching it grow. Regrowth can be quite variable and it requires thinning. The stability of remaining stems is also a concern, but has not been a significant issue to date.
If a site is to be re-established with seedlings, it must be prepared well and planted during the appropriate planting season (June – August in the Green Triangle). A plantation harvested in August would therefore lie unproductive for at least ten months prior to replanting. However, replanting has the advantage of capitalising on genetically advanced planting stock and improved establishment and management techniques.
Replanting - Stump Survival:
After harvesting there will be a delay before coppice begins to shoot. This can range from weeks to several months depending on the time of harvest and seasonal conditions. There can be a large variation in coppice development, even within the same plantation. A good rule of thumb for assessment is to wait until most of the stumps have coppice shoots at least 30 cm tall. This will ensure that most late development of the coppice can be seen. For a pulpwood rotation, if stump survival is less than about 600 stumps/ha, there may be insufficient trees to produce a fully stocked coppice stand and replanting should be considered. Stump survival in Green Triangle coppice plots has typically been between 80 and 90%, or 800- 1000 stumps/ha.
Eucalyptus Globulus - (Tasmanian Blue Gum peeled bark on the trees
