Irrigation and planting density affect river red gum growth

Cockerham, S

Irrigation and planting density affect river red gum growth

Author

Stephen T. Cockerham

Author Affiliations

S.T. Cockerham is Superintendent of Agricultural Operations, UC Riverside. The California Department of Forestry provided partial funding for this project. The author acknowledges the contributions of Paul W. Moore, who was awarded the grant, designed the experiment and established the plots.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 58(1):40-43. DOI:10.3733/ca.v058n01p40. January 2004.

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Abstract

In a 6-year study, production of river red gum, an excellent fuel-wood source, was evaluated for responses to three levels of irrigation, fertilization and planting density. Irrigation and planting density had the greatest influence on tree growth. Irrigation in the fifth and sixth years produced greater wood volume and weight per tree. Tree size was greatest in the wide spacing of the lower planting density. Fertilizer had no effect on any of the treatments. Per acre volume and weight yields were greater at the higher planting density, while individual tree height, diameter, volume and weight was greater at the low planting density. Growers seeking total wood volume per acre can increase yields with the higher density planting and irrigation.

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