Phase farming with trees: Field validation of the tree phase. January 2008

Harper, R.J.ORCID: 0000-0003-0268-2917, Robinson, N., Sochacki, S.J., Smettem, K.R.J.ORCID: 0000-0003-2650-4429 and Pitman, L. (2007) Phase farming with trees: Field validation of the tree phase. January 2008. Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation, Kingston, ACT, Australia.

Abstract

This report presents the results of a field trial using phase farming with trees, a system designed to grow tree crops in short rotations of 3-5 years to intentionally deplete soil water as a buffer for agriculture in areas prone to dryland salinity. The trial showed that on suitable soils, a short tree phase will deplete soil water sufficiently to allow a subsequent return to agriculture for a 11-20 year rotation. Biomass production from the tree phase was also measured, with a view to emerging biomass energy and biofuel production systems. Some of the technical and policy issues that need resolution before this farming system can be introduced in southern Australia are discussed.

Item Type:	Report
Series Name:	RIRDC Publication No 08/002
Publisher:	Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
Copyright:	© 2007 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/29186

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