Tree planting cultivation methods
The Minister said ground preparation depends on site conditions, with newer methods including ripping mineral soils and tunnel ploughing peat to improve drainage, root growth and stability.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if there has been a change in the cultivation methods in preparing land for tree planting; and the reason for the change.
Comment on this
Ground preparation for tree planting varies with individual site characteristics. During the past decade, certain developments in mechanical cultivation methods have taken place. These include (a) a ripping process for mineral soils aimed at eliminating the corrugation effects on the forest floor normally associated with ploughing and (b) the use of a tunnel plough on some peat soils with a view to more effective drainage in the interests of improved root penetration and crop stability.