Biochar for Eucalyptus forestry plantations

Producing robust seedlings for forest plantation establishment is important as early growth influences potential yield and propagation is a significant budget component. The reputed benefits of biochar as a soil amendment may assist the growth and establishment of seedlings while simultaneously allowing for a reduction in fertiliser application. This study focussed on biochar's influence on the establishment of Eucalyptus nitens seedlings, changes to soil and plant chemistry and biomass accumulation. Eight doses of macadamia biochar (0-100 t ha(-1)) combined with two fertiliser rates were applied in a glasshouse pot trial and a 2-year field experiment. Soil Colwell potassium, sodium and nitrogen levels increased in response to biochar treatments while calcium, magnesium and manganese decreased. While soil nutrient dynamics varied under biochar treatments in both experiments, seedling growth did not reveal clear trends in response to biochar application.