Research

The SFFA has a qualified and competent team that undertakes its own research. In addition it works co-operatively with a number of research organisations including Southern Cross University.

The research undertaken aims to fill the information gaps identified by our members.

The association has been monitoring a range of members' sites since 1994 and the data generated in this process has provided a significant amount of helpful information. Click here to read the results of this project. The work is still ongoing.

Currently in progress is a native rainforest species cabinet timber spacing trial in order to determine the optimum space required for growth and form in farm plantations. It involves the 6 species Agathis Robusta (Kauri Pine), Elaecarpus Grandis (Blue Quandong), Flindersia Australis (Teak), Flindersia Schottiana (Cudgerie), Gmelina Leichardtii (White Beech) and Grevillea Robusta (Silky Oak) which are tested in treatments of 4x4m, 3x3m and 2x2m.

Also a project titled "Wood quality analysis of high value, mixed species agroforestry systems" is currently in progress. The goal of this study is to identify high value cabinet timber plantation tree species that have the growth rate and wood qualities necessary to provide commercially viable outcomes to farm foresters.

For these plantations to be economically viable there is the need to produce marketable, high quality wood in the shortest period. Results derived from long term monitoring of mixed species plantations carried out by the SFFA on the NSW North Coast, indicate that a number of species show exceptional growth rates and excellent trunk form.

The research that is being undertaken involves the testing of wood quality of fast growing species found in these plantations and also in Queensland. Wood samples are being collected and analysed to determine the mechanical properties, density, shrinkage and working properties.