AMS Operations Summary, March Quarter 2017 4th April, 2017 The 2016/17 wet season has presented above average rainfall that will enhance plantation growth well into the 2017 dry season. . Whilst access was limited in a number of sites, this moisture will benefit plantation growth well into the dry season with observed subsoil moisture to over 2m deep. Activities completed by AMS in the quarter included:
Selective weed control where access permitted; Planning and preparation for the upcoming dry season mechanised thinning program – this included selection and pre-marking of stands to be thinned; Maintenance of the cattle herd that both assists in weed control and mitigates fire risk in the dry season.
All these activities represent value adding and protection to the plantation resource at Whatfor Station.
Plantation Health snapshot: Plantation health is good, this will only be enhanced with the execution of planned thinning activity to release retained trees this coming dry season. The 2008 age class received some weed control operations and grazing has continued to reduce grass competition on both age classes, however due to wet conditions weed control ceased in February. Grazing will continue across the property, and some growth monitoring is planned during the dry season. Mean Douglas Daly Rainfall (past 20 years) Month Rain (mm)
Jan
Feb
Mar
282.7 288.5 229.6
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
49.5 10.4 2.1 2.5 1.3 5.4
36.4 121.4 213.7
Annual 1245.8
Rainfall recorded in the Douglas Daly shows the following measurements for March quarter: Month Rainfall (mm) Rain days
January
February
March
384.0
365.6
265.6
26
17
19
The rainfall was well above average and the plantations responded well after receiving less than satisfactory rain over the past few wet seasons.