This 33-hectare project is located on a working farm in WA’s Wheatbelt region; an area that has been extensively cleared for agriculture, leaving much of the soil fragile and prone to wind and water erosion.
We are working with Dr Peter Ritson (FarmWoods), Ros MacFarlane (Sandalwood Solutions) and the Wheatbelt NRM Noongar Boodja Rangers to restore health to less productive areas of the farm. We are using a species mix that has been designed to replicate the region’s natural Acacia and sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) woodlands. Once the sandalwood trees reach maturity (around 25 years), the landholders can harvest the valuable nuts and timber. The rest of the planting will remain, and help to reduce the impact of wind erosion, restore soil health, and encourage the return of biodiversity to the area.
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Jess and Liv (CPOZ) returned to the site to conduct a fourth-year monitoring assessment. The results showed a 2% increase in the average stocking density (all species) from last year and a 37% increase in average height to 1.84m. The average stocking density of Santalum spicatum (sandalwood) has increased by 21%, with an average height of 1.13m. The tallest tree measured across all plots was a 6.5m Acacia lasiocalyx (‘Shaggy wattle’).
Infill Planting
July 2022
The team hand-planted an additional 1,500 seedlings across the planting site. Several hundred Banksia prionotes (‘Acorn banksia’) seedlings were added to increase the density of angiosperms (flowering trees) to attract and provide food for native fauna. We will return to the site next year for the annual monitoring assessment.
monitoring & infill
April 2022
The team were again joined by Dr Peter Ritson to monitor progress of the planting site. The site was visibly thriving, with several Banksia trees even bearing flowers! The average density (trees pre hectare) had increased by 12% from the previous year, and the average height had increased by 40%. The tallest tree measured was an Acacia lasiocalyx (‘Shaggy Wattle’) standing at 4.4 metres.
monitoring & infill
April 2021
Led by Dr Peter Ritson (FarmWoods) the team monitored fifteen plots across the planting area, noting species, health, height, and stem diameter. Results showed an average stocking density of 727 trees per hectare – a significant improvement from the previous year. While plots were being assessed, an additional 35kg of sandalwood seed was planted by the Noongar Boodja Ranges to infill areas with low germination.
infill planting
July 2020
An additional 3,726 Acacia acuminata (‘Jam wattle’) seedlings were planted across the site to replace seedlings that had not survived and to bulk-up any patchy areas. The seedlings were hand-planted by the Noongar Boodja Rangers from Wheatbelt NRM.
Monitoring & Sandalwood seeding
May 2020
Results from a comprehensive monitoring assessment conducted by Dr Peter Ritson showed an average of 529 trees per hectare across the site and average seedling survival of 67%, however this varied between plots due to competition from weeds. Concurrent to the monitoring, the Noongar Boodja Rangers planted around 90kg of sandalwood seed across the site using hand-held pottiputki devices.
survival counts
November 2019
Around four months after planting, initial survival monitoring was conducted to determine how the plants were faring. The results showed an average survival rate of 90%, however many seedlings were displaying early signs of drought stress. Given the hot summer that was predicted to come, infill planting was recommended for the following winter to ensure the desired stocking density was met.
planting
July 2019
In July, a biodiverse seed mix was sown across the site. This mix contained nine different species including several Acacias, Allocasuarinas, Banksias, and Hakeas. In addition to the seed mix, the Noongar Boodja Rangers also planted more then 24,000 Acacia acuminata (‘Jame wattle’) seedlings using hand-held pottiputki devices.
site assessment
December 2018
To determine whether the site was suitable for planting, an initial assessment was undertaken by Dr Geoff Woodall. Three main areas were recommended for planting. Soils in these areas were identified typically as duplex pale sand over clay, with ironstone gravel in the clay layer. These soils tend to be relatively unproductive for agricultural crops but often yield very positive restoration outcomes.
What we planted
Acacia
4 species sandalwood host short lifespan nitrogen fixing​
Allocasuarina
2 species nitrogen fixing​ hardwood tree frost-tolerant
Banksia
2 species fire tolerant cylindrical flower spike sweet nectar
Hakea
3 species hardy drought tolerant ornamental flowers
Santalum
1 species hemiparasitic aromatic timber medicinal properties
Project gallery
Initial site prior to planting.
Initial site prior to planting.
Acacia and Eucalyptus seedlings ready to be planted.
Thomas and Mainey (Noongar Boodja Rangers) planting Acacia seedlings.
Mainey, Tarkyn and Thomas from the Noongar Boodja Rangers on planting day.
Pottiputki planting tools used for planting.
The Noongar Boodja Ranger team.
Survival counts during November 2019.
Healthy Acacia shrub during Autumn monitoring 2020.
Monitoring in Autumn 2020.
A bucket of Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) seeds de-husked and ready to be sown.
Mainey from the Noongar Boodja Rangers with a handful of sandalwood seeds.
Bomber, Tarkyn, Joyce, Mainey, Tommy and Darryl having a tea break during planting.
Bomber using a pottputki planting device to plant sandalwood seeds.
Tarkyn Narrier collecting sandalwood seeds from the back of the ute.
Jess (CPOZ), Mainey, Mark, Bomber, Joyce, Darryl and Peter (FarmWoods) during monitoring and sandalwood infill 2021.
The planting site showing good progress two years on from planting.
Jess and Dr Peter Ritson measuring the height of an Acacia acuminata.
A healthy Acacia microbotrya (‘Manna wattle’).
Aerial view of some of the planting rows.
Juvenile Banksia prionotes (‘Acorn banksia’) germinated from seed planted in 2019.
Measuring the stem diameter of a juvenile Acacia acuminata (‘Jam wattle’).
Dr Peter Ritson standing next to a tall Acacia microbotrya (‘Manna wattle’).
