EARLY RESPONSE OF EUCALYPTUS-SALIGNA TO SITE PREPARATION AND FERTILIZATION AT SAO HILL, TANZANIA

The effect of site preparation and fertilisation on the survival and g rowth of Eucalyptus saligna over 4 years and 10 months is discussed. T he tree survival percentage was not significantly affected by either t reatment, ranging from 88 to 100%. However, addition of NPK or B to ti llage treatments improved root-collar diameter, diameter at breast hei ght and height growth compared with unfertilized tillage treatments. I n comparison, strip tillage with or without the addition of NPK increa sed the incidence of tree terminal die-back. However, terminal die-bac k was not increased by complete tillage with or without addition of B. In general, the results suggest that for improved initial performance of E. saligna at Sao Hill, complete tillage should replace strip till age, and NPK be applied in addition to B.