Tree Nutrition
Plantation developers have become very proficient at establishing plantations of mainstream species (eg. pine and blue gum), on straightforward, ex-pasture sites, achieving excellent growth results for the first few years following establishment.
However sustaining that excellent growth across a 20-30 year period has proved less straightforward in many eucalypt species.
Such difficulties are exacerbated where valuable timber species such as southern mahogany, spotted gum, ironbark and stringybark are grown on more difficult ex-plantation sites (2nd rotation) or nutritionally imbalanced farmland.
As a forester, Clinton was encountering these issues more frequently as plantations in his charge were becoming older and as 2nd rotation sites in particular were being re-established to lesser known eucalypt species.
After years of investigation, it became obvious that the solution was not evident through looking at the trees in isolation.
Quiet time in native forest, in combination with experience on his own farm and in Africa, showed Clinton that a holistic view was required. This view had to consider the living system of soil much more extensively.
All soil-based farming systems require healthy soil to attain optimum results.
Farming with trees is no different.
To achieve the potential of the system, soil structure and mineral reserves must meet the requirements of the plants being raised.
What we offer
We work to help farmers understand the way soil, trees and climate interact, so their trees can deliver the benefits they were planted for.
Working closely with an agronomy specialist we offer decades of experience in timber plantations, nurseries, and horticulture and agriculture sectors.
Together we have developed a foliar sampling system that aids the early diagnosis and rectification of issues associated with mineral imbalance in trees.
Independent soil and foliar analysis starts at $132* and $110* per sample (plus postage) respectively.
(2019 GST inclusive prices)