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Direct seeded local native species block

Revegetation Fact Sheet

Local native speciesWildlife corridors and buffer zones

Local native species blocksThis option is for revegetation with local native

species to establish a block of native vegetation.The aim is to establish long term, self-regenerating perennial vegetation that helpsreduce groundwater recharge and soil erosionand provides shelter for crops and stock as well asa balanced habitat for native flora and fauna.

Wildlife corridorsThis option is for revegetation with local nativespecies to connect areas of existing scrub toimprove biodiversity and also provide shelter tocrops and stock. These are usually linear inshape but wider than typical windbreaks orshelterbelts. A wildlife corridor should not belonger than one kilometre, and should be at least50 metres wide.

Buffer zonesThis option is for revegetation with local nativespecies adjacent to a patch of existing scrub toenlarge its size and improve its biodiversity andhabitat value. The buffer zone provides aprotective buffer to the scrub and minimises

destructive edge effects such as weeds, soilmovement and spray drift.

DESIGNS

ShapeThese projects can be any shape however thewider the better as this means the largest areapossible will be done with a minimum of fencingand the resulting shape is also better forbiodiversity. For example, a square 100 metres x100 metres has a 400 metres boundary/fence

and will provide an area suitable for a wide rangeof fauna. However a rectangular 20 metres x500 metres has a 1,040 metres boundary/fenceand is a long narrow area with limited habitatvalue.

Layout of rowsWith the layout of the planting try to achieve abalance between a random natural effect andpracticality. It is convenient to do groundpreparation, weed control, planting or directseeding in straight lines but a popular option is toweave the rows, keeping them an even distanceapart. This provides a practical way of reducingthe unnatural planted in regimented lines look.On sloping ground try and keep planting rows onthe contour and on exposed or windy sites try tokeep rows at right angles to the prevailing wind.

Plant spacingWhen planting seedlings aim for an averagespacing of 3 to 4 metres between seedlings, whichwill give between 600 to 800 plants per hectare.As a general guide, trees should be planted 4 to 6metres apart, larger shrubs 3 to 4 metres apartand small shrubs, groundcovers and grasses canbe planted as close as 2 to 3 metres apart.

For direct seeding sow the seed in rowsapproximately 4 metres apart. Seedlings willemerge at close spacings along the seeding rowand usually more than 2,000 seedlings perhectare will be established with successful directseeding. As the seedlings grow some will die due

to competition. They will sort out their own finalspacing. You will need approximately 400 to 600grams of seed per kilometre of direct seeding or 1to 1.5 kilograms per hectare depending onspecies mix used.

ClumpingPlanting species in clumps, with gaps or openareas between the clumps can help improve thehabitat value of the planting.

Species mix

Identify or find out the local native species that aregrowing, or would have originally grown, on yoursite (for contact details refer to the Mallee FuturesProgram Resource Book). Start with the dominantEucalypt species (mallee trees) and major shrubs(for example, tea-trees and wattles).

Average plantspacing

3 x 3 metres

4 x 3 metres

4 x 4 metres

Plants per hectare(approximate)

1,100

800

600

le

F

ture

Pr

ogram

M

al

e

u

s

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These species are the starting point for preparinga site species list. Suppliers of seed or seedlings,and other sources of assistance, will be able tohelp you prepare a species list that will include therange of overstorey (trees and tall shrubs) andunderstorey (shrubs and ground covers) speciessuited to your area. A rough rule of thumb wouldbe to try and achieve at least a 40:60 split ofoverstorey to understorey species. A basic plantingshould have at least 10 species.If possible seed should be collected locally fromsites with a similar soil type and the species youwant. Native plants growing in your area are welladapted to the local soil and weather conditionsand will be less susceptible to diseases and insectproblems. You may be able to collect the seedyourself and help is available to do this, or youmay wish to purchase the seed from a commercialseed collector (for contact details refer to theMallee Futures Program Resource Book).

If you intend to propagate seedlings from localseed, you will need to ensure that seed is collectedearly enough for seedlings to be ready when youwant to plant them.

SITE PREPARATION

Weed controlGood weed control is essential for the success ofrevegetation projects. Control of annual weedscan usually be done just prior to planting.

However, weed control in the year before plantingis necessary for perennial or persistent species (forexample, horehound, veldt grass and eveningprimrose).

Rabbit and kangaroo managementRabbit control is essential and may need to bedone up to two years ahead of revegetationworks. If rabbit control is not done tree guardsmay have to be used and this will increase thecost of the project. Kangaroos may also destroy

plantings so liaise with National Parks and WildlifeService for their management.

RippingThe ground should be ripped (up to a depth of400 mm if possible) if the soil is heavy or toorocky near the surface to easily plant seedlings.

Although, beware of pulling up rocks and makingthe site more difficult to manage. Ripping shouldbe carried out several months in advance of work,and if possible in the year before, and should be

track-rolled.

Cover cropA cover crop, such as cereal rye or triticale, willhelp with weed control and provide protection forlight soils. Prior to planting or direct seeding (seebelow) the cover crop should be sprayed and left asmulch. If possible, only spray out a 2 metre widestrip in which the revegetation is to be done. Theunsprayed cover crop outside of these strips willprotect the seedlings and soil from wind.

FencingChoose the style of fencing that best suits yourneeds, that keeps stock out and reduces themovement of kangaroos and rabbits. Where it isnecessary to fence on highly erodible sand dunes,avoid sharp corners that may promote winderosion.

ESTABLISHMENT OPTIONS

Seedling plantingSeedling planting is more reliable than directseeding in the low rainfall areas of the mallee.However it will require more effort and expense. Awide range of local native seedlings is available ata low cost (for example, speedling), if ordered inadvance. With proper ground preparation and byplanting speedlings with modern hand plantingtools such as a 'Pottiputki' one person can plantbetween 1,000 to 3,000 speedlings per day.Tubestock seedlings can be used but they are more

expensive and slower to plant. Machinery plantingis the fastest planting method if it suits yourapplication.

Direct seedingDirect seeding is cheaper and easier than plantingseedlings, but timing and weed control is morecritical. Direct seeding germinants tend to copebetter with kangaroos and rabbits (in low numbers)than seedlings. Direct seeding in low rainfall areasand on non-wetting soils has been most successful

using a V-blade machine that prepares a V-shape inwhich the seed is sown. Refer to the Mallee FuturesProgram Resource Book for the availability of directseeding machines and contractors.

Direct seeded local native species block using a V-blade

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Jan Feb Mch Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Preparationyear

Plantingyear

Follow-upyear

Checkdirect

seedingfor red-legged

earth mite

Beginweed

control(if

necessary)

Ripping(if

necessary)

Orderseedand

seedlings

Collectseed

Collectseed

Feralanimalcontrol

Ripping(if

necessary)

Sow covercrop

Weedcontrol,planting

andseeding

Follow-upweed

control (ifnecessary)

Fencingfinished

Monitorand planfor infillplanting

Wateringif

needed

Infillplanting

Follow-upweed

control

Pull out of planting if it is still too dry

Infill plantingBe prepared for the possibility of infill planting inthe following year. Direct seeding results aresometimes 'patchy' and it may be necessary tofollow up with supplementary seedling planting inthe following years. Be aware that it may take 18months to obtain a clear picture of direct seeding

results so do not begin infill planting immediately.

Weed controlControlling weeds throughout the spring andsummer after planting will help the survival ofseedlings and boost their growth. It is common tospray the weeds either side of the seedlings whileprotecting the seedlings from spray drift using ashielded sprayer.

Insect controlCheck regularly for red-legged earthmites afterplanting and spray an appropriate insecticide ifnecessary. Direct seeded germinants arevulnerable to attack by red-legged earthmites.

Pest animalsBe prepared for ongoing control of rabbits andhares.

Fire breaksPlan and maintain fire breaks and tracks.

Feral predatorsControl feral predators like foxes and cats. Thiswill improve lambing rates and at the same timewill improve the habitat value of plantings for awider range of native birds and animals.

Combining seedling planting and directseedingA combination of seedling or speedling plantingand direct seeding is often used because of thedifficulty establishing some species with directseeding. Direct seeding is most reliable in themallee using wattles (Acacia), cassias (Senna),hop-bushes (Dodonaea) and native apricot(Pittosporum). Some mallees (Eucalyptus), nativepine (Callitris), sheoak (Allocasuarina) and tea-trees (Melaleuca) are often best established withplanted seedlings or speedlings. Species that arenot easily grown from seed but are grown fromcutting propagation will have to be planted asseedlings, these include species like emu bush(Eremophila), native fuchsia (Correa) andsugarwood (Myoporum). The seed of somespecies such as needlebush (Hakea) and rarerplants is too expensive to use broadscale with

direct seeding so these species are bestpropagated and planted as seedlings.

TIMELINE

In the year of planting the weed control, plantingand seeding should done as soon as possible afterthe break of the season and generally no laterthan the end of July. Delay planting in frost proneareas, but not weed control.

MAINTENANCE

WateringWatering of seedlings may be necessary in lowrainfall areas of the mallee if there are extendedperiods of two months or more without significantrain. If watering is done using a water-cart a smallbasin to contain the water will be needed aroundeach seedling.

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Financial incentives and technicalsupportContact the Murray Mallee Local Action PlanningAssociation Inc for:

Information about the availability of financialincentives and technical support to assist withthe costs of establishing local native species;A copy of the Mallee Futures ProgramResource Book, which contains additional

contact details for further advice aboutestablishing local native species.Ph 08 8531 2066, Fax 08 8532 5300,email mmlap@lm.net.au

Project Planning Checklist Calculate the area to be planted in hectares.Calculate the spacings for seedlings and thenumber of seedlings requiredand/or calculate the total direct seedingdistance in kilometres and the rate of seedplanned in grams per kilometre.Determine the most suitable species to beplanted and where seed can be collectedlocally.Determine the length of fencing required.Plan a weed and vermin control program.Plan a maintenance program.

Although the Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Associationhas taken all reasonable care in preparing this information,neither the Association or its officers accept any liabilityresulting from the interpretation or use of the information.