Clinton1
10th March 2007, 05:41 PM
Climate info is here (http://www.timor-leste.gov.tl/AboutTimorleste/climate.htm)
Pic is of the north coast, showing the dry north coast ridges with sparce Eucalypt cover, and remmant tropical forest in the gully micro-climate.
The north coast has been called "de-forested" for 400 years... no-one really knows if the current tree cover is 'natural' or the result of the heavy coppicing of all available Euc's for fuel. Rocky ridges, little remaining topsoil, heavy erosion.
In the central mountain zone Teak and Mahogany, Ai-Naan (Rosewood somethingorrather) is used for small plantation. I'll get some pics if anyone is interested. Very rocky land, very rich soil.
The southern zone is the main food production area. Very rich soil, deep and red.
So, the question is:
Some people are asking for Aussie seeds to trial different trees for erosion control and fuel supply. I'm not comfortable with bringing in Aussie seeds.
Where can I learn about seed collection and provide info to encourage collection of indigenous tree seeds, as no-one seems to know about this practice?
Usually 'seedling collection' is practiced, instead of seed collection, i.e. create a small nursery planting and dig up the seedlings that come up naturally. A slow process to get large amounts of seedlings.
I'm looking for just enough info to allow some locals to give it a crack with a little confidence, they are smart people that will cotton on very quickly. (I'd pay the locals wages while collecting)
To see better, larger pics, see the link in my signature for my flickr site.
As always..... info and advice gratefully appreciated.
Pic is of the north coast, showing the dry north coast ridges with sparce Eucalypt cover, and remmant tropical forest in the gully micro-climate.
The north coast has been called "de-forested" for 400 years... no-one really knows if the current tree cover is 'natural' or the result of the heavy coppicing of all available Euc's for fuel. Rocky ridges, little remaining topsoil, heavy erosion.
In the central mountain zone Teak and Mahogany, Ai-Naan (Rosewood somethingorrather) is used for small plantation. I'll get some pics if anyone is interested. Very rocky land, very rich soil.
The southern zone is the main food production area. Very rich soil, deep and red.
So, the question is:
Some people are asking for Aussie seeds to trial different trees for erosion control and fuel supply. I'm not comfortable with bringing in Aussie seeds.
Where can I learn about seed collection and provide info to encourage collection of indigenous tree seeds, as no-one seems to know about this practice?
Usually 'seedling collection' is practiced, instead of seed collection, i.e. create a small nursery planting and dig up the seedlings that come up naturally. A slow process to get large amounts of seedlings.
I'm looking for just enough info to allow some locals to give it a crack with a little confidence, they are smart people that will cotton on very quickly. (I'd pay the locals wages while collecting)
To see better, larger pics, see the link in my signature for my flickr site.
As always..... info and advice gratefully appreciated.