Short-rotation management of Eucalyptus: guidelines for plantations in Hawaii

Abstract

A 10-year research and development program was conducted by the BioEnergy Development Corporation, USDA Forest Service, and U.S. Department of Energy on the island of Hawaii, where nearly 230,000 acres are suitable for growing biomass in short-rotation Eucalyptus plantations. Successful techniques are described for seedling production, plantation establishment (site preparation, weed control, planting), maintenance (weed control, fertilization), biomass yield estimation, and harvest. Basic biological relationships are described to aid decisions on site selection, initial spacing, fertilizer schedules, and rotation length. Environmental issues likely to be faced by growers of Eucalyptus plantations are discussed, including soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and monocultures. Continuing programs for tree improvement, monitoring, and silviculture research are recommended. Production costs for biomass yields are estimated for three promising management regimes, representing pure Eucalyptus plantings at dense and wide spacings and a mixed species plantation where Albizia is used as a nurse crop to provide nitrogen needed for optimum Eucalyptus growth. This information will help prospective investors decide whether to invest in Eucalyptus plantations, and will help growers develop or choose among alternative management regimes.

Citation

Whitesell, Craig D.; DeBell, Dean S.; Schubert, Thomas H.; Strand, Robert F.; Crabb, Thomas B. 1992. Short-rotation management of Eucalyptus: guidelines for plantations in Hawaii. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-137. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 30 p