Case Study - Agroforestry
1. Strategic tree planting to restore eroded gullies and improve farm productivity
Willowbend, Cygnet, Huon Valley - Chris and Guiliana White planted trees to improve farm productivity, water quality and biodiversity as well as produce timber.
At a glance
| Owner | Chris and Guiliana White |
| Property name | Willowbend |
| Location | Cygnet, Huon Valley, Southern Tasmania |
| Property Size | 61 hectares |
| Enterprise | Dairy, garlic and timber production |
| Rainfall | 1050 mm (average) |
| Soil types | Duplex soils - sandy loams / light clays |
| Forested area | 3ha |
Key points
- A planned approach encompassing site preparation, tree planting and maintenance delivers best outcomes.
- Trees deliver multiple benefits initially restoration of riparian area, but also shelter and aesthetics.
- An income from wood is planned.
Strategic tree planting to restore eroded gullies and improve farm productivity
Background
Chris and Guiliana planted trees to improve farm productivity, water quality and biodiversity as well as produce timber.
They prepared a property management plan to integrate trees into their farm with their main aim to protect streams from livestock and revegetate the stream sides. They planted 3 hectares of trees in 2007 and 2008.
Chris says
"The trees are already benefiting the farm. Cattle tend to gather to find shelter in the lee of the trees, pastures appear to be far healthier and bird life has improved. There is a supply of firewood after 5 years. CSIRO reported that water quality has improved. I expect these benefits to increase as the trees grow.”
Monitoring of the protected streams by CSIRO has found:
- Stream water phosphate concentration and Escherichia coli (E.coli) contamination decreased;
- Minor turbidity increased after first major storm following cultivation for tree planting but not subsequently;
- Major turbidity decreased in wet winters even after storms and periods of heavy grazing; and
- The trees had no detrimental effects on the stream sides.
| Species | Features | Biodiversity | Management | Wood Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue gum | Native species good for timber, honey & habitat | Habitat for endangered Swift Parrot | Prune & thin. Will regrow after harvest | Clearwood, sawlogs & firewood |
| Shining gum | Robust species with good timber properties | Possums & native birdlife enjoy new plantings | Prune & thin | Clearwood, sawlogs & firewood |
| Blackwood | Native species good for timber & habitat | Habitat for range of native species | Prune & thin | Clearwood, sawlogs & firewood |
