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Technical and commercial evaluation of timber plantation species options.

Technical and commercial evaluation of timber plantation species options.

Specifications

  • Client: Wildman Cashew Farm
  • Scope:

    Evaluation of timber plantation species options for land in the Northern Territory including:

    • review of climatic conditions
    • review of soil conditions
    • review of soil water availability to support productive forest growth
    • review of biotic factors affecting plantation survival
    • review of past species trial success and failure
    • evaluation of potential species options
    • market conditions and realistic market options
    • projection of expected growth rates
    • economic evaluation of projected costs and returns
  • Benefit to Client:

    Success of forest plantations in the Northern Territory of Australia has long been challenged by difficult climatic, biological and market conditions, particularly long dry seasons, insect and termite attack, and remoteness from markets. The review evaluated a wide array of commercial species options and product markets to recommend Khaya senegalensis as the only viable option based on adaptation to extended dry seasons, resistance to termites, demonstrated productivity in amenity plantings and market viability for its timber products. This recommendation is believed to be the first significant recommendation for adoption of Khaya on a commercial basis in the Northern Territory, subsequently underpinning development of a now thriving Khaya plantation industry.

  • Market Sector: Renewable resources - agriculture, grazing and forestry
  • Capabilities:
    • Forest and fodder crops
    • General land, water and vegetation technical services
    • Project commercial services
  • Location: Northern Territory
  • Year: 2000