Biochar for Eucalyptus forestry plantations

A. Wrobel-Tobiszewska, M. Boersma, P. Adams, B. Singh, Stewart Franks, J. Sargison

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Producing robust seedlings for forest plantation establishment is important as early growth influences potential yield and propagation is a significant budget component. The reputed benefits of biochar as a soil amendment may assist the growth and establishment of seedlings while simultaneously allowing for a reduction in fertiliser application. This study focussed on biochar s influence on the establishment of Eucalyptus nitens seedlings, changes to soil and plant chemistry and biomass accumulation. Eight doses of macadamia biochar (0-100 t ha-1) combined with two fertiliser rates were applied in a glasshouse pot trial and a 2-year field experiment. Soil Colwell potassium, sodium and nitrogen levels increased in response to biochar treatments while calcium, magnesium and manganese decreased. While soil nutrient dynamics varied under biochar treatments in both experiments, seedling growth did not reveal clear trends in response to biochar application.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationXXIX International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture
Subtitle of host publicationSustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC2014): V International Conference on Landscape and Urban Horticulture and International Symposium on Sustainable Management in the Urban Forest
EditorsG. Groening, E.E.F. Moore, G.M. Moore, J.P. Rayner
PublisherInternational Society for Horticultural Science
Pages55-62
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9789462611023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Feb 2016

Publication series

NameActa Horticulturae
Volume1108
ISSN (Print)0567-7572

Keywords

  • E. nitens
  • Macadamia char
  • Nutrients
  • Productivity
  • Soil

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