Diversifying Plantations

by Colin Edwards

Transcript

1. Species Diversification on the National Forest Estate. Colin Edwards Silviculture Support Officer Forest Enterprise National Office Scotland. October 2013.
2. Species Diversification on NFE 2 of 15 Why Diversify? • Tree disease: which is now one of the most significant issues facing Forest Enterprise Scotland and its management of the National Forest Estate. • Spread the risk: mixed plantations provide a measure of ‘safety’ cf single species stands. • Replace species: find suitable economic alternatives to grow in place of those being lost to disease or a changing climate. • Build resilience: create forests for the future that can cope with future threats.
3. Species Diversification on NFE 3 of 15 Diversify with what? • Some key publications: not all readily accessible, good information on growth of some species is limited. • Response (in Scotland) should be more ‘considered’ than is necessary elsewhere in UK. • Any diversification would need to be to species that will be used by end users. • Planting must be in quantities that will produce sufficient volumes to warrant investment/interest from end users.
4. Species Diversification on NFE 4 of 15 Diversify with what? Productive broadleaved species: • Acer pseudoplatanus (SYC) • Alnus rubra (RAR) • Betula pendula/pubescence • Populus tremula (Aspen) • Quercus spp (OAK) Productive conifer species: • Abies alba/amabilis/procera • Cryptomeria japonica (JRC) • Pinus peuce (MCP) • Picea abies (NS) • Picea omorika (Serbian) • Pseudotsuga menziesii (DF) • Thuja plicata (WRC) • Tsuga heterophylla (WH) FES just beginning a Programme to focus on Productive Broadleaves
5. Species Diversification on NFE 5 of 15 Within species diversity/plasticity • SS clones performed well no matter where they were planted: (stability in expressing 6 yr height and form).
6. Species Diversification on NFE 6 of 15 Methods to achieve diversification • Introduce new species at restock/NP: • Encourage wider spp regeneration under CCF: • Introduce species by underplanting in CCF: • Use range of species in mixtures or as nurse. • Increase provenance range of familiar species.
7. Species Diversification on NFE 7 of 15 Diversification Barriers • Diversifying plantations entails more than simply changing the species we plant - • We would need to change: - silvicultural practices: - rotation lengths (which could increase) - size of restock coupes (which could get smaller). • Change to alternative spp could entail significant increase in plant costs.
8. Species Diversification on NFE 8 of 15 Diversification Barriers Increase in plant costs: Baseline: SS/DF/NS (2 yr bare root) SP (2 yr bare root) -16% MCP (4 yr bare root) 36% Most conifers (cells / containers) 53% SP (cells / containers) 37% Difficult spp (4 yr cells / containers) 108%
9. Species Diversification on NFE 9 of 15 Diversification Barriers Would be a 5 – 10 year programme to move over to producing significant numbers of other species. Main difficultly will be seed availability, especially of preferred provenances: • European material not as easy to source, • Their systems are different to UK with less reliance on seed stands, • We could identify and register seed stands on FRM register of Basic Materials for home collections.
10. Species Diversification on NFE 10 of 15 Diversification Barriers Count of EU Category RoP Species 10 20 30 40 Grand Total Douglas fir 2 10 2 2 16 Grand fir 1 2 3 Japanese larch 2 4 8 1 15 Lawsons cypress 2 2 Noble fir 1 4 5 scots pine 38 50 3 91 Western hemlock 1 1 Western red cedar 1 1 2 Grand Total 44 70 14 7 135 • FCS and Private sector need to collaborate to identify, register and manage new seed stands. • FES has initiated Seed Liaison Officers to facilitate registration and collection with NFE.
11. Species Diversification on NFE 11 of 15 Diversification Barriers • Containerised system more suitable to some spp than bare root production. • Increase flexibility for ordering – but better forward planning would be required. • Gives greater control over germination/growth. • Expands planting season (cf SS).
12. Species Diversification on NFE 12 of 15 Diversification Barriers • Poor germination in some spp (eg 17% cf SS 90%) not a good use of space. • Some species need 3 or 4 years in production and not 2 years. • Potential issues with retaining cells too long – root bound plants. • Space to expand and investment in new infrastructure would be needed (in some cases).
13. Species Diversification on NFE 13 of 15 Diversification Barriers Can’t rely on the SS model for establishment: • SS a ‘tolerant’ spp – its very forgiving! • Other spp are less tolerant of abuse and would suffer higher rates of mortality. • Plant storage and handling would be affected (subject to spp and types). • Possibly a decrease in establishment period, requires good weed control and potentially increased weevil protection for longer periods.
14. Species Diversification on NFE 14 of 15 Diversification Barriers Wildlife Management • Species changes will increase number of areas and quantity of trees vulnerable to deer impacts: • Grey squirrel damage to broadleaves is high in some areas… • Need a change in deer management attitudes and practices.
15. Species Diversification on NFE 15 of 15 Summary - Plantations Diversification • Focus on core species, increased use of provenances, and maximise areas planted for future utilisation. • Diversifying upland plantations will require better planning of operations, improved silviculture, deer protection and collaboration on seed supply. • A move towards containerised stock will increase plant costs, but establishment periods could be shortened.