Individual tree growth differences in a clonal eucalypt blanking trial at four years

Abstract

Achieving a well-stocked stand at time of planting is important to compartment productivity and yield in clonal eucalypt stands for pulpwood production. The window period in which individuals that replace those that died after initial planting (blanks) still contribute meaningfully to final yield is set by the competition dynamics between individuals within the stand. The longer the period between planting and blanking, the greater the advantage achieved by original plantings in dominating site resources (light, water and nutrients) and suppressing blanks. A blanking trial was established to determine growth differences of blanked and original individuals and productivity per unit area. Factorial combinations of blanking period after planting, mortality pattern and extent of mortality were tested. Analysis of measurements at four years showed that the period before blanking is the only factor that significantly accounts for the variation in plot volume between treatments, although the percent mortality and pattern of mortality by percent mortality together also have influence on plot volume. Late blanking results in a higher proportion of suppressed trees that contribute little to total volume. Asymmetric competition is more pronounced where late blanking is carried out and where mortality is spread, rather than clumped.