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

    11 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

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Biochar for Eucalyptus forestry plantations'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this