Effect of thinning, pruning and nitrogen fertiliser application on light interception and light-use efficiency in a young Eucalyptus nitens plantation

Abstract

Thinning, pruning and fertiliser application are used by forest managers to increase growth rates of retained trees and to improve log quality. Understanding whether growth responses are due to changes in light interception, light-use efficiency (LUE) or both, and whether they are subject to treatment interactions could assist the design of more productive and light-use efficient plantations. Two levels each of thinning, pruning and nitrogen fertiliser treatments were applied in factorial design to a Eucalyptus nitens plantation in south-eastern Australia at age 3.2years, and responses measured to age 8.1years. Treatments were: unthinned, or thinned from ca. 900 to 300treesha-1; unpruned, or..