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Improving and maintaining productivity of bamboo for quality timber and shoots in Australia and the Philippines.
Program area: Forestry
Geographic region: Southeast Asia
Commissioned organization: CQUniversity (CQU)
Project leader: Prof. David Midmore
Bamboo comprises an extremely adaptable group of perennial grass species, with both temperate (the running type) and sub/tropical (the clumping type) groups represented. Despite being a long-utilised plant, information on how to manage plantations or natural stands is unavailable. As a consequence, bamboo in the Philippines is over-exploited largely for timber, and in Australia the sustainable yield of bamboo is not known.
The ACIAR project FST/2000/127 has been structured primarily to provide data about the responsiveness of clumping bamboo species to a range of agronomic practices. From these results, strategies on how to manage bamboo to rehabilitate existing degenerated stands for shoots and timber production (objective 1), and maximise and sustain productivity in plantations, can be formulated and advised (objective 2).
During 2001, experiments were successfully established in the Philippines and Australia . Although the species of bamboo are different at different locations, the experiments are complementary in that they examine the effects of the major determinants of plant production.
Implicit in a study of established bamboo plantations, is the fact that at the start of an experiment, all existing culms have been initiated and grown by the plant at an earlier time. The culms may be from 1-4 years old depending on the thinning strategy being employed. In all the experiments that have been established in this project all plantations and natural stands had been previously unmanaged, so the yield and quality of existing culms reflect that lack of management.
In this project, it will be necessary to manage the bamboo treatments for at least three years before the shoots and timber culms that are harvested truly reflect the treatment imposed. In the Philippines , the first true harvest of shoots will occur in May 2003 and of timber culms in 2004 (4-year old treatments will be one year later). In Australia the first true harvest of shoots is in December 2003 and of timber in July 2004. Evaluating the treatment effects across years will require 2 further harvests.
A third objective of this project is to assess timber quality of bamboo species and the impact of plantation management. The purpose of this work is to formulate new and improved uses of bamboo in timber products.
Another function of this project is to promote communication between bamboo growers, bamboo scientists, forest product specialists and the makers and sellers of bamboo products. To this end the project provides opportunities for bamboo people to meet and travel to and around either the Philippines or Australia . In the first year a Philippine contingent visited commercial bamboo plantations in Australia at Rockhampton, Eumundi, Byron Bay and Darwin, and a factory producing bamboo surfboards.
The project links with INBAR-funded research and development on the use of bamboo to limit erosion and stabilise riverbanks and, in Australia with studies on waste-water dissipation. Minor objectives include arguing the case for carbon credits to be accorded to bamboo, the development of simple culm quality assessments and labour-saving pole harvesting equipment, and investigating the potential for bamboo pulp for making paper.
The project commenced on 1 March 2001; two months after its official starting date.
A. OVERVIEW OF OBJECTIVES AND OPERATION
Objectives
There are three major objectives of this project. The first is to study and implement a process to rehabilitate existing aged/and or damaged bamboo stands for shoot and timber production. Secondly the project aims to develop management technologies for sustainable and high productivity of existing bamboo plantations for shoots and timber. The third objective is to improve the efficiency and quality of the bamboo timber harvest.
By way of the project itself, a consequence (and minor objective) of this work is to contribute to the knowledge network in Australia and Southeast Asia and so build on and foster the work of INBAR and other bamboo groups.
The project has been structured around a series of empirical experiments involving the management of bamboo spread around Australia and the Philippines. Formal and informal meetings are being organised to foster and promote associations between bamboo people and to formulate commercial arrangements.
Timetable and Personnel
The project commenced on 1 March 2001, two months after its designated starting time. This delay had no material impact on the intended activities of the first year, except to delay and reorder the schedule.
The personnel involved in the project and the collaborating institutions are listed in Table 1. Steve Ockerby was contracted to the position of Research Officer at CQUniversity in March 2001. His role is to coordinate the project in association with the project leader Prof David Midmore, secondly to facilitate and support the experimental work at Eumundi and lastly to foster the bamboo network.
Review of project objectives
The project has broad objectives towards the outcome of establishing and promoting viable bamboo industries in Australia and the Philippines. This is a complex task: in the Philippines bamboo is a traditional and important internal product but processing, manufacturing and marketing of bamboo is not orientated towards high-value export products. In Australia, the production and processing of bamboo is in its infancy, but high-value manufacturing and marketing systems are functioning. The problem is how to engage the two, while maintaining a cognisance of the beneficial role that bamboo may also play in ecological issues such as soil stabilisation and carbon sequestration.
The question as to whether the project can pursue those objectives, given the moderate resources available to it, will be raised at the annual project meeting in the Philippines in February 2002. If so, priorities will be established on work to be undertaken.
| Table 1. Project personnel and their institutions at 30 December 2001. |
|---|
|
Australia: CQUniversity
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Darwin , NT
Bamboo Plant Earth, Winnellie , NT
Bamboo Australia , Eumundi, Qld
Bamboo Surfboards Australia , Byron Bay , NSW
Mullumbimby Bamboo, Mullumbimby, NSW
Pal Enterprises, Noonamah , NT
ACIAR, Canberra
Philippines: Forestry and Environment Research Division, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and National Resources Research and Development, Laguna
Department of Environment and National Resources
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau
Sumpong, Malaybalay City
Forest Products Research & Development Institute
Ilocos Agricultural and Resources Research and Development Consortium, Mariano Marcos State
University, Batac, Ilocos Norte Department of Environment and National Resources Technical Services, Iloilo City
Cadagamayan Bamboo Craft Producers Association Sta. Barbara, Iloilo Panay State Polytechnic College – Dumarao Campus Codingle, Dumarao, Capiz |
ILOCOS NORTE ( Mariano Marcos State University ), THE PHILIPPINES
Procedure/Methodology
The objective of the trials was to identify water, nutrient and culm harvesting technologies that optimize and sustain the production of edible shoots and poles from Bambusa blumeana (Kawayan tinik). The experimental approach was to compare variants of water nutrient and culm management technologies within and between a diverse range of established and natural bamboo plantations in the Philippines and Australia. The approach requires that a control treatment, based on a presumed optimal set of technologies, is consistent across sites. Treatment comparisons are then derived at each site to assess the important issues at that site and identify better management technologies.
Two major experiments were established in 2001. The managed plantation experiment was established at the Experimental Forest Reservation of the Mariano Marcos State University, Batac, Ilocos Norte. The rehabilitation of natural bamboo stand was set up in farmers' fields in two towns of Ilocos Norte.
Sub-Project 1. Rehabilitation of Existing Bamboo Stands (Managed Bamboo Plantation )
The managed plantation experiment was established in the 2.5 hectare MMSU Bamboo Plantation in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Northern Philippines. The plantation was established in 1992 to demonstrate strategies on bamboo plantation development and served as site of various studies on nutrient management and watershed studies.
Clumps were at 7m x 7m spacing. Soil was characterised and temperature and rainfall were monitored from the University Meteorological Station.
Uniformity testing was conducted by removing all poles older than three years - based on the research findings that this is the optimum age of bamboo for timber harvesting. A uniform 4-4-4 poles per clump was established i.e. 4 of 1 year old, 4 of 2 years old and 4 of 3 years old poles. The ANOVA and ANOCOVA were used to verify priori differences of culm diameter.
Thirteen treatments were established with three replications and two clumps per plot, arranged in randomised block design. Treatments are those of the control except as noted.
Fertilizer applied to each clump was 4:1:4 - N:P:K and 250 kg N/ha split between two application times. The second application was done two months after the first application. Organic matter was applied at 0.2 m 3 chicken manure and 0.4 m 3 sawdust per clump. Mulch was collected from the accumulated bamboo leaves and other debris found around the clump.
Prior to application of all treatments, soil and leaf samples were collected from each plot. Soil samples were taken from the 0-12 cm and 12-25 cm soil depth. These measurements were made to derive relationships for nutrient sufficiency levels. The pH ranges from 7-7.3. Organic Matter was 0.86-1.2%, phosphorous 288-339 ppm, and potassium 91-135 ppm. Total rainfall was quite high in year 2001 reaching 2000mm associated with two strong typhoons in July and September. The last rain was recorded in November.
A drip irrigation system was installed to provide the irrigation requirements to test whether irrigation is necessary during the non-shoot season. Evaporation rates and soil moisture in strategic locations were recorded to assess the relationships to shoot emergence, elongation and diameter rates. During the shoot season, shoots that emerged were recorded weekly. Shoots that were intended to grow for timber were marked for later measurements of growth. Those to be harvested were cut every week. Selection of new timber culms was done in the middle of the shoot season, leaving one good-sized shoot at the middle and others at the extremity of the clump.
The experiment for the rehabilitation of natural bamboo stands was set-up in five farmers field in Batac and Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Contracts with the farmers were signed for the duration of the study stipulating responsibilities of each party in the conduct of research. Initial site data was gathered before the treatments were imposed. Five treatments was considered by the farmers:
Farmers were selected based on their interest, existence of their own bamboo clumps, and their commitment. Their component was their willingness to commit their bamboo clumps as sample plots and provide labour in the cleaning, irrigation, and providing security to experimental clumps. The project provided the input such as fertilizer and the chainsaw provided by the project for use in the cleaning operations. The farmers have very limited knowledge on bamboo technologies that improve productivity and utilization.
Importance and Implication of Results
Initial observations gathered on the condition of the bamboo plantation, data on shoot and pole development, indicate some areas to monitor for future activities. An analysis of soil physical properties shows that OM content is low and similar to the open areas, despite the plantation being ten years old. The irrigation treatments are expected to contribute to the improvement of this factor. Investing in this component of the research work is vital. There is complete recording of weather data (rainfall, temperature, evaporation, humidity, typhoon, etc.) for the project. Other observations especially of the growth and development of the shoots and poles need to be formulated to provide the clearest picture of the research work.
In anticipation of the possible problems and to provide support to the project, four biology students from MMSU set up their experiments in the research site. The investigations are very relevant to help explain the present poor growth of the bamboo plants and are focused on the following areas: (a) Biomass composition (cellulose, hem-cellulose, lignin, starch) of Bambusa blumeana at different growth stages, (b) Pulping potential at different growth stages, (c) Rate of litter decomposition in the ground level, and (d) Characterization of the microflora and microfauna of the plantation.
A social mobilization program on the promotion of bamboo technologies was conducted by 2001 MMSU development communication graduate students. One of the technologies promoted was on the management of bamboo clumps. The farmers in the project were among the participants and they were brought to the experiment site and to see for themselves the techniques used. They were then made aware of the purpose and benefits of improving the productivity of their degenerating old bamboo clumps. These initial techno-promotion activities are paving the way of transferring the technology to the intended clientele of the project.
Problems encountered
The two experimental sites, managed plantation and natural stand set-up, were established in June 2001. After the establishments of the experimental plots, two strong typhoons, one in July and the other in September hit the province. Many of the poles left to grow were damaged, toppled-down and the shoots destroyed. The new shoots were broken while others rotted because of the prolonged water logging. These phenomena provided directions to institute some management measures to overcome the problems brought about by the calamity.
The irrigation facilities were not installed until December 2001 because the water source that is 4 km away was undergoing repair. No irrigation treatments were imposed but gravimetric soil moisture was recorded. The Micro-Gopher was not also installed, for security reasons and we need assistance from the Project Research Officer to make sure that the equipment is used properly. The visit of the Australian Research Officer in September 2001 to support this activity was postponed due to world instability.
Plan of activities for CY2002
The project in Ilocos Norte has made a major stride in the implementation of the project by the setting up the experiments in the two research sites as programmed in the project document. A number of relevant data was initially gathered but the observations made were not sufficient to make concrete conclusions. The commitment of the Ilocos Norte group in the project, the Project Research Officer, and the Philippine counterpart contributed much to the timely setting up of the experimental sites. Likewise, the timely provision of the equipment (chainsaw, irrigation sprayers, micro-gopher) from Australia allowed the research to move faster.
The project, over the seven months of implementation, has succeeded in meeting the programmed activities. Future work plans will be implemented as programmed.
Procedure/Methodology
Following the major objectives of the project, the activities at the sites in Western Visayas address the concerns of rehabilitating existing degenerated stands for production of shoots and timber; and maintaining high productivity in managed plantations.
Experiments and treatments for the two sub-projects were agreed upon during a reconnaissance survey conducted by Steve Ockerby of CQUniversity together with Dr. Nimfa Torreta of PCARRD and the Project Personnel from the DENR-Technical Services, Region 6, Iloilo City on May 17-20, 2001.
Expected Output: Productivity multiple times greater
Assumption: Productivity is generally low.
Objectives: Define best methods for rehabilitation, and pass methods to other interested farmers and regions.
Design and layout:
Location: Cadagmayan Norte, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo . Existing natural stands of B. blumeana (Kawayan tinik) with variable clump spacing.
Experimental Design: Randomized Complete Block Design with 5 replicates
Number and weight of new vegetable shoots harvested.
Yield and size (diameter and length) of culms harvested annually.
Quality (physical properties: cell wall thickness, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and moisture content) of culms harvested annually.
Sub-Project 2. Maintenance of Productivity of Bamboo Plantation
Expected Output:
Sustainable high productivity and year-round production.
Assumption:
With current practice, productivity will further decrease with strong seasonality.
Objectives:
Location: Dumarao Pilot Bamboo, Dumarao, Capiz. Existing 2 year-old plantation of B. blumeana (Kawayan tinik) with a 7 m x 7 m clump spacing.
Experimental Design: Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications
Treatments:
Project implementation in Western Visayas region commenced on May 20, 2001 during the official visit of the Australian counterpart represented by Dr. Steve Ockerby of CQUniversity and the Project Leader Dr. Nimfa Torreta from PCARRD. The visit officially realized the collaborative undertaking between entities for the development of the region's flagship commodity, bamboo, towards improved productivity for quality timber and shoots. Following were the activities undertaken from the period covering May-December 2001,
Preparation of lay-out/design based on identified treatments for both sites.
The layout and experimental design of the project was prepared on the basis of the project objectives set forth and the reconnaissance survey conducted in the two study sites. The preparation, to include the activities above-mentioned was conducted in coordination with the DENR Region 6 Representatives headed by ARED Rainer M. Ecang, and Conrado Marquez and Neil Gigare who were designated as the project implementers for Region 6.
Baseline or benchmark data were gathered for experimental clumps at the two study sites. Data included: number of culms per clump; age of each culm and corresponding height and diameter; number of shoots; data were taken prior to the application of treatments.
Equipment used for the two sub-projects, particularly chainsaw (with accessories) and a micro-gopher were provided by ACIAR. All other supplies and materials (Fertilizers, oil/lubricant and gasoline, etc.) were locally procured.
The treatments were applied to experimental clumps after the benchmark data were collected. Treatments applied, with differing rates/intensities were as follows: harvesting; fertilizer, cultivation and mulching. The treatment on irrigation under sub-project 2, however, will be applied only upon the installation of the system in the early months of CY 2002. Hence, except for irrigation, all treatments scheduled for the first year of the project have already been applied.
A topographic survey of the Dumarao site was conducted towards the end of May 2001, so to design the irrigation system. In the preparation of the irrigation system design, a topographic survey was conducted in Dumarao site. The map was then sent to Dr. Ockerby in CQUniversity for the finalization of the design of the irrigation system to be installed.
A Research Aide, hired by the project, is monitoring study sites. Relevant data (shoot production, mortality, etc.) are being gathered on a weekly basis and documented.
Collaboration is occurring with organizations at each of the study sites. These are the: Cadagmayan Norte Bamboo Craft Cooperative, Cadagamyan Norte, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo for Sub-Project 1; and the Panay State Polytechnical College (PSPC), Dumarao Campus, Dumarao, Capiz for Sub-Project 2. Both entities provide the study site and are involved in the monitoring and documentation of project activities.
The delay in the setting-up/installation of the irrigation system may not provide the necessary result during the first year of the project. The irrigation system has not been established because of the non-procurement of the poly pipes as required of the design (due to delayed fund release), although the fitting and other irrigation parts are already available (provided by ACIAR).
The project implementers will be setting-up the irrigation system starting January 2002 and hope to apply the irrigation treatment before the onset of the dry season in late February.
The experiment evaluates the nutrition (fertilizer application) and harvesting regimes in a 15-year old giant bamboo ( Dendrocalamus asper ) plantation. Specifically it aims to rehabilitate the existing aged and/or damaged giant bamboo and maintain its high productivity for shoot and timber production. In doing so, it will evaluate the interactive effects of fertilization and cutting intensity on the regenerative capacity of bamboo in terms of culm and biomass yield.
The plantation is not managed, and has been affected by fire – low productivity will continue without evidence of production.
Define best plantation management techniques to optimise timber and shoot production. Pass techniques to the interested farmers and regions.
Location: Impalutao, Impasugong, Bukidnon
Experimental Design: Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications
Treatments:
Implementation in the field started by identifying and delineating the area for the experiment. The existing plantation was marked and delineated into blocks taking into consideration the population of the clump.
A total of 30 experimental clumps (3 replicates) were identified and marked. After having identified the experimental clumps, benchmark data were gathered. The treatments were applied to the experimental clumps. Axe, bolos and a chainsaw were used in cutting the culms leaving about 0.5 to 1.0 meter stump. Due to the gigantic size of the bamboo culms, a carabao (water buffalo) was used to pull out the harvested culms.
The mulching materials used were corn leaves and stalks that are the most available mulching material in the area.
Shoots were observed to start emerging in June until September. Weekly monitoring on the survival and growth of shoots was done.
Analysis of nitrate content and N status in the shoot of giant bamboo was done using the borrowed Merq Reflectometer .
To determine the anatomical, chemical, physical and mechanical properties of Bambusa blumeana (Kawayan tinik) from Ilocos Norte; with and without silvicultural treatments.
Fifteen (15) bamboo culms of 3-year old kawayan tinik were collected from 3 experimental blocks in Mabaling, Batac, Ilocos Norte. These bamboo materials will serve as the control for the experiment.
Each bamboo culm was cut into 3 equal portions to represent the butt, middle and top. Samples from each portion were taken for anatomical, chemical, physical and mechanical properties analyses.
In general, the standard procedure of the American Society for Testing Materials Designation (ASTM 1998) for small clear specimens of timber and Indian Standard 6874 (IS) (Anonymous 1973) were followed. Since bamboo differs in shape and configuration, slight modification/deviation of test procedures were in accordance with the FPRDI method.
For the experimental site in Mabaling, Batac, Ilocos Norte the average ash content of 3-year old kawayan tinik from Ilocos Norte was slightly higher than the range values reported by Espiloy (1996) for 6 mature but unknown age of Philippine bamboo species and 3-year old bamboo such as kayali, laak, Malayan bamboo and 10 Chinese bamboo species. Ash represents the non-volatile, non-combustible inorganic matter of the raw material. It is a measure of the minerals salts and other inorganic matter. High ash content is undesirable if the material is to be used for making machine-intensive products and for the manufacture of dissolving pulp.
The relative density was generally higher at the top than the butt and middle. It has been established that the higher the relative density the higher the cellulose content. Therefore, the upper portion of culm may probably be utilized for various purposes as for construction, pulp and papermaking, rather than leaving it unutilised and to become waste materials.
The effect of block (I, II and III) and culm/block on the mechanical properties of kawayan tinik was significant except in maximum crushing strength.
The research results will be used to compare the extent of improvement of bamboo properties in response to silvicultural treatments applied. Comprehensive basic properties' evaluation of bamboo culms (control and treated) will determine the optimum utilization of the materials.
Research on efficient and maximum utilization of bamboo culms with and without treatment for various end products could be explored through comprehensive evaluation of results on basic properties of bamboo.
The very limited budget allowed the proponent to base the test results on only one site/locality (i.e. Ilocos Norte).
The large number of samples to be analyzed and tested made it more difficult for the proponent to make ends meet. The budget could only accommodate so much and it may not fully attain the objectives set forth for the research.
The objective of the trial is to develop plantation management for an established 8 year-old plantation of the clumping bamboo species Bambusa olhamii . The clump spacing is 7 m between rows and 4-5m between clumps. The trial focuses on the issues relating to clump management, irrigation, fertiliser and timber shoot selection. The trial uses a 5-5 culm number strategy, such that each year 5 one- year old and 5 two-year old culms are retained in the clump; 5 new shoots are left each year to develop into culms.
Expected Output: Management strategies that maximise and sustain edible shoot and timber harvests. Measurements of biomass productivity and resource use efficiencies.
Assumption: Productivity is currently low in the unmanaged plantation, and projections on maximum sustainable production for both edible shoots and timber are not known.
Objectives: To assess the contribution of irrigation, nutrition and culm selection on the growth of B. oldhamii .
Location: Bamboo Australia , Belli Park , Eumundi , Queensland .
Experimental Design: Randomized Complete Block Design with 4 replicates
Treatments:
Irrigation is applied only to the clump area (3.5 m max dia.) to replace pan evaporation validated by use of tensiometers. Fertiliser (NPK at 4:1:4) is applied to match nutrient removal based on nitrate levels in shoots with Merck RQFlex and natural mulch.
The irrigation aspect requires that each clump (forming a treatment plot) is kept dry or irrigated in isolation from the rest of the trial. Initial thinning to impose wide vs narrow spacing.
The trial was established in August 2001 when clumps were thinned to a uniform 5 one-year and 5 two-year old culms. Baseline measurements of culm diameter were taken and the irrigation system installed. Tensiometers to monitor soil water were installed in two treatments (control and no irrigation) per replicate in December 2001.
The following measurements are being taken during the shooting season between December 2001 and April 2002: edible shoot production (number and weight), size and vigour of timber culm growth, monitoring of plant and soil water status in selected plots.
Belli Park is currently a dust bowl, experiencing unseasonally dry weather, and thus there is insufficient water to apply irrigation treatments. The normal pattern of shoot production by B. oldhamii appears to be restricted, so we also have some problems applying the timber shoot selection treatments. Progress and the implications of these issues need to be evaluated in May 2002.
Three experiments have been established to develop plantation management for the clumping bamboo species Dendrocalamus latiflorus and D. asper . The trials focus on the issues relating to clump management, irrigation and fertiliser mostly in relation to the production of edible shoots.
Expected Output: Management strategies that maximise and sustain edible shoot harvests and provide estimates of sustainable timber yields. Measurements of biomass productivity and resource use efficiencies.
Assumption: Productivity is currently not measured in the unmanaged plantation, so projections on maximum sustainable production for both edible shoots and timber are not known.
Objectives: To assess the contribution of irrigation, nutrition and culm selection on the growth of Dendrocalamus latiflorus and D. asper.
Location: CPHRF (NT Government Horticulture Research Farm) Middle Point, Coastal Plains. Dendrocalamus latiflorus , 2.5 year old, are planted in 8 m row and 7 m clump spacings.
Experimental Design: Randomized Block Design with 3 replications of 3 irrigation treatments and 2 fertilizer treatments. This trial uses a 4-4-4 thinning schedule, such that each year 4 one- year old, 4 two-year old and 4 3-year old culms are retained in the clump; 4 new shoots are left each year to develop into culms.
Progress: Initial thinning of 2-year old clumps in June 2001 to 12 culms total. Diameters of all remaining culms were recorded to test uniformity. Fertilizer treatments commenced after leaf analysis in October 2001. Shoot harvest and shoot selection ongoing during wet season. Poor monsoon conditions have slowed shooting. Irrigation monitoring to commence March 2002.
Location: Berry Springs, Darwin Rural Area
Commercial Collaborator: Richard Kingsley, Bamboo Planet Earth.
Experimental design: Randomised block with 3 replications of 2 irrigation, 3 fertilizer and 3 thinning treatments. The plantation is 3.5 year old D. asper (pai tong keo) in 12 m row and 6 m clump spacings. This plantation is organically managed.
Progress: Thinning treatments imposed in October 2001. Diameters of all remaining culms were recorded to test uniformity. After leaf testing in October, organic fertilizer was applied to the treatments. Shoot harvest and shoot selection conducted by grower. Irrigation system and monitoring gear to be installed by early March 2002.
Location: Old Bynoe Road , Darwin Rural Area
Commercial Collaborator: Phil Vivian, PAL enterprises.
Experimental design: Randomized block with 3 replications of 2 irrigation, 3 fertilizer and 3 thinning treatments. The plantation is a single wind-break row of 3.5 year old D. latiflorus clumps planted 6 m apart.
Progress: Thinning treatments imposed in August 2001. Diameters of all remaining culms were recorded to test uniformity. Fertilizer treatments were applied after leaf analysis in October. Follow up testing showed excellent treatment response to nitrogen inputs. Shoot harvest and shoot selection conducted by grower. Irrigation monitoring gear to be installed early March 2002.
Communications within the project have been achieved through several domestic and international gatherings of personnel, and via email. There has been some confusion regarding the date on which the project started: really 1 March 2001 but nominally and now understood for accounting and reporting purposes to be 1 January 2001.
The project has recently developed a website, outlining the project's purpose, activities and progress. It can be found at: http://www.ahs.cqu.edu.au/info/science/psg/research/bamboo/index.htm
Table 2 is a summary of visits and study tours undertaken in association with the project. Detailed trip reports are available on the website.
Table 2. Details of travel undertaken.
| Person(s) Travelling | Date of Travel/Place | Purpose | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Prof. David Midmore (CQU)
Dr. Stanley Malab (MMSU) Steve Ockerby (CQU)
Prof David Midmore
Steve Ockerby (CQU)
Steve Ockerby |
November, 2000
August, September, |
To discuss the proposed project with prospective project implementers and visit the proposed site in Ilocos Norte. To attend an ACIAR funded training and orientation session with Centre for Plant and Water Science of CQUniversity
Implement experiment at Eumundi |
The visit helped in finalizing the bamboo project for ACIAR funding
The visit served as the initial exposure and planning meeting between project staff from Australia and the Philippines .
Issues of experimental procedure clarified
Three experimental sites finalized and thinning treatments undertaken.
Experiment established. |
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