Growth Rate and Long-Term Population Dynamics of Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Sm.) Regeneration in Western Australian Forest

Abstract

Five of the six stages in the regeneration of jarrah (seedling, lignotuberous seedling, seedling coppice, ground coppice and sapling) were studied in detail. Survival of seedlings is variable but usually low, and growth into the ground coppice stage usually takes 15-20 years. Growth into the sapling stage is arrested until there is substantial reduction in intraspecific competition. Lignotuberous seedlings, seedling coppice and ground coppice growing in ashbeds show faster rates of growth in length of the long axis of the lignotuber and length of the tallest shoot. Logging and prescribed (low-intensity) fires are associated with development of more seedling coppice and growth of ground coppice into saplings and poles than is fire alone.