Dear Sir
Temperature:
C. equisetifolia is a cold-sensitive species and is intolerant to frost Casuarina fares poorly outside of mild temperatures ranging from 22.1 to 26.9°C.
Hydrology:
Although it is a shoreline and coastal tree that is very tolerant to salt spray, Australian pine fares poorly in sites prone to prolonged inundation of standing water.
Fire Tolerance:
Young trees less than 8 cm trunk diameter may resprout following exposure to fire, but larger trees are usually killed outright.
Cultivation
Seeds have been successfully stored for 24 months at ca -7°C to 2°C with moisture content of 6–16% . Seedling density should be about 21–32/1000 sq cm. Mulching is not required. Normally seedlings are raised in nurseries to outplant taking advantage of the rainy season, 4–18 months after sowing. Irrigation may be needed during dry periods over the first three years. In new areas, seeds have to be inoculated. They should also be treated to repel ants. Cuttings strike root readily. Trees are usually spaced 2–4 m apart.
Harvesting
Although other Casuarinas coppice readily, this one does not. Casuarina plantations are worked under a clear-felling system, with a rotation of 7–35 years. Some estimates showed a long rotation (33 years) gave greatest volume, but a shorter rotation (15 years) is preferred. In Madras State, the plantations are worked with a short rotation of 7–15 years (usually 10 years),
Yields and Economics
With plants spaced 2 m apart, on a 7–10-year rotation, the trees may yield 75–200 MT wood/ha, i.e. 10–20 MT/ha/yr.
Regards
Kirti
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