Evaluation of tree establishment treatments on saline seeps near Wellington and Young in New South Wales

Abstract

The success of tree establishment on both saline and non-saline sites is dependent on the use of appropriate pre- and post-planting procedures. The 4 trials reported here on 2 dryland saline sites, near Wellington and Young in New South Wales, deal with the individual and combined effects of mulch, fertiliser, tree guards and pre-conditioning with salt and waterlogging, alone and in combination, on survival and growth of Acacia stenophylla, Atriplex nummularia, Casuarina cunninghamiana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melaleuca halmaturorum. Each trial included 1 or more of these species. Soil salinity was assessed at the plot level using a hand-held electromagnetic induction device (EM38). Treatments had variable effects, depending on species, site, experiment and treatment combinations. Mulch application significantly improved height in 2 trials and, in combination with plastic guard and fertiliser, produced the best results. Treatments generally increased basal stem diameter or stem diameter at breast height, and crown volume, but the differences were usually not statistically significant. The combined effect of mulch, fertiliser and plastic guard on growth was usually greater than any single treatment.