Reaping the rewards of forest management
FARM forestry is a continually developing sector in the rural economy and is an excellent option on suitable land, with generous funding available as well favourable status under the Single Farm Payment. County Kerry had the second highest level of planting nationally over the last few years with 735 hectares in 2010 and 622 hectares up to November 2011.The forestry option offers considerable scope to enhance farm income and complement farm enterprises.
The 37, 000 hectares of private forestry that was planted in Kerry since 1987 is a major resource for future timber supply. These forests provide increasing employment, biodiversity and recreation and are also a carbon fixing and renewable energy resource.
Good forest management, commencing following planting, is vital to the future quality and value of the timber crop. There are important management tasks required to achieving this objective.
FILLING IN WITH REPLACEMENT TREES
Where tree losses occur, it is important to identify and eliminate the underlying cause, where possible, prior to replanting. Early replanting with good quality trees will help achieve the potential of a forest. It will also help provide a well stocked plantation from which future periodic thinnings and a highly valuable final crop can be derived.
VEGETATION CONTROL
Competition from vegetation growing around young trees retards growth and will result in delayed establishment or even significant losses. On the other hand, timely control of vegetation will promote health, vigour and early establishment of the trees.
MAINTENANCE OF CROP NUTRITION
Sufficient nutrients must be available as a forest develops to achieve good growth rates and high yields. Fertiliser may be required at planting time or as a remedial measure on marginal sites as trees grow.
Nutrient deficiencies can occur, particularly on peat soils, characterised by a change in tree colour, vigour or growth pattern.
Foliage analysis is strongly recommended both to confirm suspected deficiencies and as a sound basis for remedial action.
FORMATIVE SHAPING OF BROADLEAF TREES
Over the past decade, almost 2600 hectares of broadleaf forestry was established in Kerry. The difference in value between a well managed broadleaf crop that is destined for the furniture market and a poorly managed crop suitable only for firewood can be €20,000 per hectare. Formative shaping, carried out periodically, helps maintain and improve stem form and overall quality. It helps ensure that sufficient young trees produce a single stem with a single dominant leading shoot.
PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE
Last year almost 1,600 hectares of both private and state forestry was destroyed by fire nationally. Forest owners should be aware of the threats and take appropriate actions to secure their safety and that of their forest investments.
Fire-lines should be regularly maintained. A fire plan should be in place with appropriate maps and emergency contact numbers. It is strongly recommended that vulnerable plantations are adequately insured.
The Forest Service is currently completing a Prescribed Burning Code of Practice with a focus on a co-operative approach among neighbours, good planning and the use of appropriate training, knowledge, experience and resources in managing safe, controlled burning operations at legally allowed times.