Goal high quality saw logs

Press, 24 February 1978, Page 12

Goal high quality saw logs

It is four years and a half since these Pinus radiata were planted on the property of Mr H. H. (Hamish) Deans at Darfield. It is in the nature of an experiment with the object of producing as high quality saw logs as possible in a 20 to 25-year rotation. The trees were raised from elite seed and planted out when they were two-years-old. A post-hole digger was used to prepare the site for each tree. And the trees were planted initially at the spacing normally expected for the final crop — at 240 stems per ha or 100 per acre. Some experimental work with grazing stock resulted in some damage to the

trees and 20 per cent had to be replaced. They were pruned and straightened after south westerly winds in the spring last year. The pruning was done with the intention of stabilising the trees and reducing the toppling effect. The trees are planted in a ryegrass, white clover and cocksfoot sward, which is now cocksfoot dominant. In the first year 75 bales of hay were taken and in the second year 150. In the third year cocksfoot seed to the value of $B2O was sold. Last harvest about another 300 kg of seed was saved. Just as there is room for making hay and harvesting

seed between the trees, so there is room for cultivation and sowing a crop like turnips, and Mr Deans said that he expected that over a 20-year period they would get about 80 per cent of the production off the area that would be obtained if the 2 ha was in pasture only.

He says the trees would have to be at least two metres (6.5 ft high before it would be possible to start grazing with stock — initially with lambs. The trees on average would now be about that height. Now Mr Deans thinks they would probably benefit from an annual fertiliser dressing.