207-323 Plantation Silviculture

202-201 Plant Function, 207-275 Forest Ecology (or equivalent).

Trees are planted for a range of uses, including wood production, water table control and salinity mitigation, carbon credits and shade and shelter for stock. On completion of this subject, students should have developed a sound understanding of:

• methods for the mass propagation of selected trees;

• species and site matching for purposes such as salinity mitigation and optimum growth;

• the eco-physiology of water and nutrient use in farmed forests;

• management of the interaction between light, water and nutrients to maximise carbon gain (growth) in planted trees;

• the processes of tree improvement through tree breeding programs; and

• the changing political and environmental base for farming trees in Australia.

One three-hour examination (50%), and up to four assessment tasks throughout the semester (totalling 50%).