Key words: Eucalyptus, Pinus radiata, fertilization, establishment, monitoring
Abstract. The emphasis of plantation management changes as the resource and the market develop. This is especially the case when a plantation program is developing a new timber resource, as has been true with many of the Pinus radiata (D. Don) plantings in the southern hemisphere. Australia establishes and manages plantations of both exotic conifer and native hardwood (Eucalyptus spp.) plantations, and these vary in their stage of development. The tenure and objectives in establishment have varied, but some key aspects of the resources may be analyzed. Optimization of production per unit area was not a prime objective during the developmental stages of many exotic pine plantations. Currently, with increased commercial emphasis, this has changed to a greater focus on increased value through Site Specific Management and tree improvement through which gains of at least 20 percent are expected during the first stages. With a key objective of sustainability, questions regarding impacts of soils, water, and biological changes need consideration and are being addressed. The eucalypt plantation resource in Australia is smaller in extent than is the pine resource, but of increasing importance, especially as the plantations are perceived to be more environmentally and ecologically acceptable than exotic conifers. In the past, questions of productivity, especially in relation to impacts of natural pests and diseases, have been raised. Although these are still present, there is progress in development of plantation studies underway in pest and disease management and on wood properties. The focus is on productivity and breeding for resistance and wood properties, with a comparison of issues between native and exotic plantations.
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