Germination ecology of six species of Eucalyptus in shrink–swell vertosols: moisture, seed depth and seed size limit seedling emergence
Lorena Ruiz Talonia A C , Nick Reid A , Caroline L. Gross A and R. D. B. Whalley B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
B Botany, University of New England, School of Environmental and Rural Science, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: lruiztal@myune.edu.au
Australian Journal of Botany 65(1) 22-30 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT16155
Submitted: 1 August 2016 Accepted: 8 November 2016 Published: 12 December 2016
Abstract
We examined the potential of direct-seeding Eucalyptus species to revegetate the vertosol (‘cracking clay’) soils that characterise the floodplains of north-western New South Wales. We investigated the influence of sowing depth (0, 6, 12 and 20 mm) and three soil-moisture scenarios (dry, moist and flooded) on seedling emergence of seedlings of six species of Eucalyptus with a range of seed sizes (E. blakelyi, E. camaldulensis, E. melanophloia, E. melliodora, E. pilligaensis and E. populnea). We used cracking clay soil from the region in a glasshouse environment. Seedling emergence was low despite high seed viability and provision of optimum temperatures and soil moisture conditions. All six species exhibited greatest emergence when sown at 0–6-mm depth, with seed size being less important than moisture (except under dry conditions) and proximity to the surface. Species responded differently to the three watering treatments. Eucalyptus melanophloia exhibited greatest emergence in the ‘dry’ watering treatment. The floodplain species, E. camaldulensis, E pilliganesis and E. populnea, had the greatest emergence under flood conditions. Eucalyptus blakelyi and E. melliodora exhibited intermediate emergence in relation to all three soil-moisture regimes. Although the direct seeding of these species in vertosol soils in the region may be successful on occasion, windows of opportunity will be infrequent and the planting of seedling tubestock will be more reliable for revegetation.
Additional keywords: cracking clay, direct seeding, revegetation, seed weight, shrink–swell soil, sowing depth.
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