The extension phase commenced in January 2003, six months after completion of the first phase of the project. Good progress has been made with key activities. The project commenced in 1997, when a set of comprehensive experiments was established at four locations with two eucalypt species (Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. grandis) in Kerala State, India.
Develop alternative eucalypt silvicultural systems for sustainable high production
The experimental sites continued to be maintained by periodic weeding, tracing fire lines and managing fences around the sites. The planned 5-year measurement of trees was slightly delayed (5.2 to 5.5 years) but was completed for 3 of the 4 sites within the reporting period. These measurements, together with those undertaken by KFRI in the 6-month period prior to the commencement of this extension phase have been important in providing time trend data on annual growth increments. The most recent measurements indicate that the largest responses continue to be to nutrient application and weed control. Maximum increases in productivity to combined treatments range from up to 75 per cent in E grandis to 110 per cent in E tereticornis.
Mean annual increments (MAI) in stem volume (over-bark) on the better treatments range from 23 m3/ha in I to 54 m3/ha in E grandis. Current annual increments (CAI) are similar to, or marginally higher, than the MAI for these better treatments, but are greater than MAI's on treatments with lower productivity. Consequently, the relative difference between the various silvicultural treatments is diminishing, although absolute differences in stem volume are generally being maintained or are increasing. A full analysis of the growth trends over time to harvest will be used as part of the economic analysis to determine the optimum rotation length, as well as the best treatment combinations. Destructive sampling of trees from specific nutrient treatments has also been completed at 3 of the 4 sites. Measurements of dry matter and nutrient composition of tree components will be used to extend allometric and nutrient content relationships to provide tools to predict dry matter and nutrient accumulation and allocation within these stands.
Demonstrate improved site management techniques generated from the project research
The four study sites are located strategically in the major eucalypt plantation areas in Kerala. The current experiments have already proven to be a focal point for transfer of research results to the three main grower groups in the State-Kerala Forest Dept. (KFD), Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) and Hindustan News Print Ltd. (HNL). The project sites are frequently visited by officials from these three organisations and recently this has led to requests for collaboration from KFRI scientists and for provision of an interim set of management guidelines for improving productivity of their eucalypt plantations. The experiments are also encouraging small land-holders to introduce eucalypts into their farming systems to provide an additional source of income.
Continue training and capacity building at KFRI
Training is to continue in the extension phase, with KFRI scientists taking increasing responsibility for conduct of the project, the analysis and interpretation of research results and writing of research reports and scientific papers. This will be facilitated through continuing visits by CSIRO Project staff to Kerala and by the visit of three KFRI Project scientists to Perth.
Increase the international interactions of the project through the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
The initial phase of the project was part of the CIFOR network project on site management in tropical plantations, which includes scientists from Congo, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, India, France, Brazil, USA and Australia. Broader international collaborations and exposure for the project will be greatly facilitated by the formal participation of CIFOR as Lead Overseas Collaborator to this extension phase. This participation has provided opportunity for transfer of research outcomes and interaction with colleagues from member countries of the CIFOR network.

The extension phase commenced in January 2003, six months after completion of the first phase of the project. Good progress has been made with key activities. The project commenced in 1997, when a set of comprehensive experiments was established at four locations with two eucalypt species (Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. grandis) in Kerala State, India.
Develop alternative eucalypt silvicultural systems for sustainable high production
The experimental sites continued to be maintained by periodic weeding, tracing fire lines and managing fences around the sites. The planned 5-year measurement of trees was slightly delayed (5.2 to 5.5 years) but was completed for 3 of the 4 sites within the reporting period. These measurements, together with those undertaken by KFRI in the 6-month period prior to the commencement of this extension phase have been important in providing time trend data on annual growth increments. The most recent measurements indicate that the largest responses continue to be to nutrient application and weed control. Maximum increases in productivity to combined treatments range from up to 75 per cent in E grandis to 110 per cent in E tereticornis.
Mean annual increments (MAI) in stem volume (over-bark) on the better treatments range from 23 m3/ha in I to 54 m3/ha in E grandis. Current annual increments (CAI) are similar to, or marginally higher, than the MAI for these better treatments, but are greater than MAI's on treatments with lower productivity. Consequently, the relative difference between the various silvicultural treatments is diminishing, although absolute differences in stem volume are generally being maintained or are increasing. A full analysis of the growth trends over time to harvest will be used as part of the economic analysis to determine the optimum rotation length, as well as the best treatment combinations. Destructive sampling of trees from specific nutrient treatments has also been completed at 3 of the 4 sites. Measurements of dry matter and nutrient composition of tree components will be used to extend allometric and nutrient content relationships to provide tools to predict dry matter and nutrient accumulation and allocation within these stands.
Demonstrate improved site management techniques generated from the project research
The four study sites are located strategically in the major eucalypt plantation areas in Kerala. The current experiments have already proven to be a focal point for transfer of research results to the three main grower groups in the State-Kerala Forest Dept. (KFD), Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) and Hindustan News Print Ltd. (HNL). The project sites are frequently visited by officials from these three organisations and recently this has led to requests for collaboration from KFRI scientists and for provision of an interim set of management guidelines for improving productivity of their eucalypt plantations. The experiments are also encouraging small land-holders to introduce eucalypts into their farming systems to provide an additional source of income.
Continue training and capacity building at KFRI
Training is to continue in the extension phase, with KFRI scientists taking increasing responsibility for conduct of the project, the analysis and interpretation of research results and writing of research reports and scientific papers. This will be facilitated through continuing visits by CSIRO Project staff to Kerala and by the visit of three KFRI Project scientists to Perth.
Increase the international interactions of the project through the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
The initial phase of the project was part of the CIFOR network project on site management in tropical plantations, which includes scientists from Congo, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, India, France, Brazil, USA and Australia. Broader international collaborations and exposure for the project will be greatly facilitated by the formal participation of CIFOR as Lead Overseas Collaborator to this extension phase. This participation has provided opportunity for transfer of research outcomes and interaction with colleagues from member countries of the CIFOR network.

The extension phase commenced in January 2003, six months after completion of the first phase of the project. Good progress has been made with key activities. The project commenced in 1997, when a set of comprehensive experiments was established at four locations with two eucalypt species (Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. grandis) in Kerala State, India.
Develop alternative eucalypt silvicultural systems for sustainable high production
The experimental sites continued to be maintained by periodic weeding, tracing fire lines and managing fences around the sites. The planned 5-year measurement of trees was slightly delayed (5.2 to 5.5 years) but was completed for 3 of the 4 sites within the reporting period. These measurements, together with those undertaken by KFRI in the 6-month period prior to the commencement of this extension phase have been important in providing time trend data on annual growth increments. The most recent measurements indicate that the largest responses continue to be to nutrient application and weed control. Maximum increases in productivity to combined treatments range from up to 75 per cent in E grandis to 110 per cent in E tereticornis.
Mean annual increments (MAI) in stem volume (over-bark) on the better treatments range from 23 m3/ha in I to 54 m3/ha in E grandis. Current annual increments (CAI) are similar to, or marginally higher, than the MAI for these better treatments, but are greater than MAI's on treatments with lower productivity. Consequently, the relative difference between the various silvicultural treatments is diminishing, although absolute differences in stem volume are generally being maintained or are increasing. A full analysis of the growth trends over time to harvest will be used as part of the economic analysis to determine the optimum rotation length, as well as the best treatment combinations. Destructive sampling of trees from specific nutrient treatments has also been completed at 3 of the 4 sites. Measurements of dry matter and nutrient composition of tree components will be used to extend allometric and nutrient content relationships to provide tools to predict dry matter and nutrient accumulation and allocation within these stands.
Demonstrate improved site management techniques generated from the project research
The four study sites are located strategically in the major eucalypt plantation areas in Kerala. The current experiments have already proven to be a focal point for transfer of research results to the three main grower groups in the State-Kerala Forest Dept. (KFD), Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) and Hindustan News Print Ltd. (HNL). The project sites are frequently visited by officials from these three organisations and recently this has led to requests for collaboration from KFRI scientists and for provision of an interim set of management guidelines for improving productivity of their eucalypt plantations. The experiments are also encouraging small land-holders to introduce eucalypts into their farming systems to provide an additional source of income.
Continue training and capacity building at KFRI
Training is to continue in the extension phase, with KFRI scientists taking increasing responsibility for conduct of the project, the analysis and interpretation of research results and writing of research reports and scientific papers. This will be facilitated through continuing visits by CSIRO Project staff to Kerala and by the visit of three KFRI Project scientists to Perth.
Increase the international interactions of the project through the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
The initial phase of the project was part of the CIFOR network project on site management in tropical plantations, which includes scientists from Congo, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, India, France, Brazil, USA and Australia. Broader international collaborations and exposure for the project will be greatly facilitated by the formal participation of CIFOR as Lead Overseas Collaborator to this extension phase. This participation has provided opportunity for transfer of research outcomes and interaction with colleagues from member countries of the CIFOR network.

The extension phase commenced in January 2003, six months after completion of the first phase of the project. Good progress has been made with key activities. The project commenced in 1997, when a set of comprehensive experiments was established at four locations with two eucalypt species (Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. grandis) in Kerala State, India.
Develop alternative eucalypt silvicultural systems for sustainable high production
The experimental sites continued to be maintained by periodic weeding, tracing fire lines and managing fences around the sites. The planned 5-year measurement of trees was slightly delayed (5.2 to 5.5 years) but was completed for 3 of the 4 sites within the reporting period. These measurements, together with those undertaken by KFRI in the 6-month period prior to the commencement of this extension phase have been important in providing time trend data on annual growth increments. The most recent measurements indicate that the largest responses continue to be to nutrient application and weed control. Maximum increases in productivity to combined treatments range from up to 75 per cent in E grandis to 110 per cent in E tereticornis.
Mean annual increments (MAI) in stem volume (over-bark) on the better treatments range from 23 m3/ha in I to 54 m3/ha in E grandis. Current annual increments (CAI) are similar to, or marginally higher, than the MAI for these better treatments, but are greater than MAI's on treatments with lower productivity. Consequently, the relative difference between the various silvicultural treatments is diminishing, although absolute differences in stem volume are generally being maintained or are increasing. A full analysis of the growth trends over time to harvest will be used as part of the economic analysis to determine the optimum rotation length, as well as the best treatment combinations. Destructive sampling of trees from specific nutrient treatments has also been completed at 3 of the 4 sites. Measurements of dry matter and nutrient composition of tree components will be used to extend allometric and nutrient content relationships to provide tools to predict dry matter and nutrient accumulation and allocation within these stands.
Demonstrate improved site management techniques generated from the project research
The four study sites are located strategically in the major eucalypt plantation areas in Kerala. The current experiments have already proven to be a focal point for transfer of research results to the three main grower groups in the State-Kerala Forest Dept. (KFD), Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) and Hindustan News Print Ltd. (HNL). The project sites are frequently visited by officials from these three organisations and recently this has led to requests for collaboration from KFRI scientists and for provision of an interim set of management guidelines for improving productivity of their eucalypt plantations. The experiments are also encouraging small land-holders to introduce eucalypts into their farming systems to provide an additional source of income.
Continue training and capacity building at KFRI
Training is to continue in the extension phase, with KFRI scientists taking increasing responsibility for conduct of the project, the analysis and interpretation of research results and writing of research reports and scientific papers. This will be facilitated through continuing visits by CSIRO Project staff to Kerala and by the visit of three KFRI Project scientists to Perth.
Increase the international interactions of the project through the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
The initial phase of the project was part of the CIFOR network project on site management in tropical plantations, which includes scientists from Congo, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, India, France, Brazil, USA and Australia. Broader international collaborations and exposure for the project will be greatly facilitated by the formal participation of CIFOR as Lead Overseas Collaborator to this extension phase. This participation has provided opportunity for transfer of research outcomes and interaction with colleagues from member countries of the CIFOR network.

The extension phase commenced in January 2003, six months after completion of the first phase of the project. Good progress has been made with key activities. The project commenced in 1997, when a set of comprehensive experiments was established at four locations with two eucalypt species (Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. grandis) in Kerala State, India.
Develop alternative eucalypt silvicultural systems for sustainable high production
The experimental sites continued to be maintained by periodic weeding, tracing fire lines and managing fences around the sites. The planned 5-year measurement of trees was slightly delayed (5.2 to 5.5 years) but was completed for 3 of the 4 sites within the reporting period. These measurements, together with those undertaken by KFRI in the 6-month period prior to the commencement of this extension phase have been important in providing time trend data on annual growth increments. The most recent measurements indicate that the largest responses continue to be to nutrient application and weed control. Maximum increases in productivity to combined treatments range from up to 75 per cent in E grandis to 110 per cent in E tereticornis.
Mean annual increments (MAI) in stem volume (over-bark) on the better treatments range from 23 m3/ha in I to 54 m3/ha in E grandis. Current annual increments (CAI) are similar to, or marginally higher, than the MAI for these better treatments, but are greater than MAI's on treatments with lower productivity. Consequently, the relative difference between the various silvicultural treatments is diminishing, although absolute differences in stem volume are generally being maintained or are increasing. A full analysis of the growth trends over time to harvest will be used as part of the economic analysis to determine the optimum rotation length, as well as the best treatment combinations. Destructive sampling of trees from specific nutrient treatments has also been completed at 3 of the 4 sites. Measurements of dry matter and nutrient composition of tree components will be used to extend allometric and nutrient content relationships to provide tools to predict dry matter and nutrient accumulation and allocation within these stands.
Demonstrate improved site management techniques generated from the project research
The four study sites are located strategically in the major eucalypt plantation areas in Kerala. The current experiments have already proven to be a focal point for transfer of research results to the three main grower groups in the State-Kerala Forest Dept. (KFD), Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) and Hindustan News Print Ltd. (HNL). The project sites are frequently visited by officials from these three organisations and recently this has led to requests for collaboration from KFRI scientists and for provision of an interim set of management guidelines for improving productivity of their eucalypt plantations. The experiments are also encouraging small land-holders to introduce eucalypts into their farming systems to provide an additional source of income.
Continue training and capacity building at KFRI
Training is to continue in the extension phase, with KFRI scientists taking increasing responsibility for conduct of the project, the analysis and interpretation of research results and writing of research reports and scientific papers. This will be facilitated through continuing visits by CSIRO Project staff to Kerala and by the visit of three KFRI Project scientists to Perth.
Increase the international interactions of the project through the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
The initial phase of the project was part of the CIFOR network project on site management in tropical plantations, which includes scientists from Congo, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, India, France, Brazil, USA and Australia. Broader international collaborations and exposure for the project will be greatly facilitated by the formal participation of CIFOR as Lead Overseas Collaborator to this extension phase. This participation has provided opportunity for transfer of research outcomes and interaction with colleagues from member countries of the CIFOR network.

The extension phase commenced in January 2003, six months after completion of the first phase of the project. Good progress has been made with key activities. The project commenced in 1997, when a set of comprehensive experiments was established at four locations with two eucalypt species (Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. grandis) in Kerala State, India.
Develop alternative eucalypt silvicultural systems for sustainable high production
The experimental sites continued to be maintained by periodic weeding, tracing fire lines and managing fences around the sites. The planned 5-year measurement of trees was slightly delayed (5.2 to 5.5 years) but was completed for 3 of the 4 sites within the reporting period. These measurements, together with those undertaken by KFRI in the 6-month period prior to the commencement of this extension phase have been important in providing time trend data on annual growth increments. The most recent measurements indicate that the largest responses continue to be to nutrient application and weed control. Maximum increases in productivity to combined treatments range from up to 75 per cent in E grandis to 110 per cent in E tereticornis.
Mean annual increments (MAI) in stem volume (over-bark) on the better treatments range from 23 m3/ha in I to 54 m3/ha in E grandis. Current annual increments (CAI) are similar to, or marginally higher, than the MAI for these better treatments, but are greater than MAI's on treatments with lower productivity. Consequently, the relative difference between the various silvicultural treatments is diminishing, although absolute differences in stem volume are generally being maintained or are increasing. A full analysis of the growth trends over time to harvest will be used as part of the economic analysis to determine the optimum rotation length, as well as the best treatment combinations. Destructive sampling of trees from specific nutrient treatments has also been completed at 3 of the 4 sites. Measurements of dry matter and nutrient composition of tree components will be used to extend allometric and nutrient content relationships to provide tools to predict dry matter and nutrient accumulation and allocation within these stands.
Demonstrate improved site management techniques generated from the project research
The four study sites are located strategically in the major eucalypt plantation areas in Kerala. The current experiments have already proven to be a focal point for transfer of research results to the three main grower groups in the State-Kerala Forest Dept. (KFD), Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) and Hindustan News Print Ltd. (HNL). The project sites are frequently visited by officials from these three organisations and recently this has led to requests for collaboration from KFRI scientists and for provision of an interim set of management guidelines for improving productivity of their eucalypt plantations. The experiments are also encouraging small land-holders to introduce eucalypts into their farming systems to provide an additional source of income.
Continue training and capacity building at KFRI
Training is to continue in the extension phase, with KFRI scientists taking increasing responsibility for conduct of the project, the analysis and interpretation of research results and writing of research reports and scientific papers. This will be facilitated through continuing visits by CSIRO Project staff to Kerala and by the visit of three KFRI Project scientists to Perth.
Increase the international interactions of the project through the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
The initial phase of the project was part of the CIFOR network project on site management in tropical plantations, which includes scientists from Congo, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, India, France, Brazil, USA and Australia. Broader international collaborations and exposure for the project will be greatly facilitated by the formal participation of CIFOR as Lead Overseas Collaborator to this extension phase. This participation has provided opportunity for transfer of research outcomes and interaction with colleagues from member countries of the CIFOR network.

Reporting Period (1/1/04 - 31/12/04)
The extension phase of this project is building on earlier outcomes by taking existing inter-rotation site management experiments through to rotation age, promoting uptake of the research, and continuing training and capacity building. In the past year, good progress has been made with key activities.
Develop alternative eucalypt silvicultural systems for sustainable high production:
Growth measurements in 5 year old stands in the 23 experiments at 4 locations were completed early in the year. The experiments are evaluating impacts on plantation productivity of harvest residue management, weed control, nutrient application, legume under-crops, stand spacing, and soil trenching to conserve water. The 6-year measurement and harvesting of the experiments has commenced.
At age 5 years the largest responses in growth were to application of N and P fertilizers and to complete weed control. Increases in volume growth ranged up to 85 m3 ha-1 (273% increase) in E. tereticornis and up to 90 m3 ha-1 (71% increase) in E. grandis. For many treatments, mean annual increments in volume growth had peaked by this time, indicating that part of the benefit of improved practices is likely to be from shortening of the rotation. This will be further assessed as part of the economic analysis once harvest data is available.

The latest growth measurements have also shown that there have been significant changes to the nature and magnitude of responses to treatments since the earlier years of the rotation cycle. The most significant changes have been the emergence of a positive tree growth response to legume under-crops at the N-deficient Punnala (E. tereticornis) site and a diminished response to P application at the Surianelli (E. grandis) site. For most other experiments growth differences among treatments have not changed or have increased with time.

There are no significant effects of harvest residue management treatments on tree growth or soil nutrient properties at any of the sites, probably due to the relatively low amounts of residue from the previous coppice stand. More than one rotation cycle may be required to show benefits from retaining, and not removing or burning, residues following harvesting.
Demonstrate improved site management techniques generated from the project research:
The current experiments, which are located strategically in major eucalypt plantation areas in Kerala, have demonstrated to industry representatives and local farmers the potential for markedly increasing productivity by improving stand management. Officials and foresters from the three main industry groups in the State - Kerala Forest Dept. (KFD), Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) and Hindustan News Print Ltd. (HNL) have visited the sites on several occasions and are currently observing the harvesting and measurement activities. This has helped to enhance communication between project scientists at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and representatives of these organizations and led to provision of an interim set of management guidelines for improving productivity of their eucalypt plantations. The employment of workers from local communities for project activities and the demonstrated gains in productivity have also encouraged small land-holders to introduce eucalypts into their farming systems and to emulate practices used in the experiments.
Continue training and capacity building at KFRI: The project is continuing to enhance the capacity of KFRI staff through training in project planning, implementation and delivery of outcomes. Training in analytical techniques has been an important task in the current year due to a complete turnover of laboratory staff. Many of the 20 or so Research Fellows and Technical Assistants at KFRI who have been trained and worked on the project at different stages are now employed in various sectors of the forest industry across southern India. At this stage of the project, there is a greater emphasis on improving skills of the scientists in data analyses, interpretation of results and synthesis of information for research papers and extension publications.
Increase the international interactions of the project through CIFOR: Broader international collaborations and exposure for the project has been helped by the formal participation of CIFOR as Lead Overseas Collaborator in this extension phase. Project scientists have continued to contribute to the CIFOR network project on site management in tropical plantations, which includes scientists from Congo, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Japan, India, France, Brazil, USA and Australia. Dr KV Sankaran (KFRI) and Dr TS Grove (CSIRO) participated in the Sixth Workshop on Site Management and Productivity in Tropical Plantation Forests organized by CIFOR and held at Piracicaba, Brazil from 22 - 26 November, 2004. They presented papers summarizing results from the studies carried out under the ACIAR project in India and Australia.