Natural regeneration in wet sclerophyll forest with an overstorey of Eucalyptus microcorys, E. saligna and Lophostemon confertus

Summary

Natural regeneration in wet sclerophyll forest dominated by Eucalyptus microcorys, E. saligna and Lophostemon confertus in the mid north coast of New South Wales was investigated by survey and relating past silvicultural history to present stocking.

At all sites examined sufficient regeneration was obtained to replace the sclerophyllous overstorey with or without post-logging burning. The principal sclerophyll overstorey species present prior to logging were all present in the regeneration irrespective of the silvicultural treatment. Post-logging burning increased regeneration stocking and favoured the establishment of E. saligna. Soil disturbance and overhead cover were found to be important factors in regeneration establishment and development respectively.