Restoring rainforest species by direct seeding: Tree seedling establishment and growth performance on degraded land in the wet tropics of Australia

The establishment and growth performance of directly seeded rainforest tree species on degraded sites was investigated in the wet tropical region of north east Queensland, Australia. Trials were established at three degraded sites previously covered by rainforest, using two different sowing times (the beginning and end of the wet season), and a range of species having different seed sizes and successional status. The results two years after sowing showed that the effects of sowing time on tree seedling establishment were small despite pronounced differences in cumulative rainfall received by the seedlings. Results suggested that at some sites more serious weed competition might be avoided by sowing later in the season. Although some small seeded early successional species could grow quickly, the establishment of these was found to be significantly negatively affected by the growth of weeds, and in most cases, large seeded species showed more consistent establishment. On the other hand the growth rates of larger seeded species were often rather slow, limiting their contribution to early site capture. Results indicate that direct seeding can be a viable establishment method, but the identity of species to be used, the circumstances under which they should be directly sown and the most appropriate timing of sowing will vary with situations. Species characteristics, including seed size, growth rate potential and light requirement will be important to consider in relation to the probable conditions that will develop for seedlings following germination (particularly in relation to plant competition) with or without post-sowing site management, such as removal of weeds.