Ms Mia Spain

Ms Mia Spain

PhD student

Topic: The effects of spacing and thinning on crown development and wood quality in subtropical eucalypt plantations

Southern Cross University

Subtropical eucalypts account for 12% of Australia’s eucalypt plantations. The majority of the subtropical eucalypt estate was planted for pulpwood production. However, due to increased demand for plantation grown solid-wood products, it has become desirable to manage subtropical plantations for solid-wood production.

As part of Project 2.3 ('Impact of silviculture interventions on wood quality in plantation estate management'), my study examines the effects of spacing and thinning on crown development and wood quality in subtropical eucalypt plantations. The broad approach to be undertaken in this project is to study growth, and the competing goals of crown ascent, large piece size and timber properties. Three major studies are to be conducted to examine the effect of spacing and thinning on crown development and wood quality in the subtropical eucalypt species Eucalyptus pilularis, Eucalyptus dunnii and Corymbia citriodora spp. variegata. Using the results from theses studies and information from literature, a model is to be created that uses commercial and silvicultural inputs to predict volume and quality outcomes.

I started my PhD in 2008 at Southern Cross University. My time is spread between data collection in the field, working in the wood shed/lab and in the office. My supervisors are Assoc. Prof. Doland Nichols, Dr Kevin Glencross, Dr Geoff Smith, Mr Graeme Palmer and Assoc. Prof. Carolyn Raymond.