A tool to predict fertiliser response and profitability in softwood plantations across Australia. Component 1: South West WA

ProFert is a decision support tool for assisting plantation growers in predicting growth responses to and financial performance of fertiliser use. It provides a financial analysis of the profitability of fertiliser use in softwood plantations over an entire rotation. The aim of this project is to further develop and calibrate ProFert for softwood plantations in South West Western Australia. This is a component of the proposed national initiative to develop fertiliser prediction systems for softwood plantations across Australia. In Western Australia (WA), existing data from an extensive trial network will be used to parameterise ProFert for use there. The comprehensive understanding of the relationships between water supply and responsiveness to fertiliser available from the WA work will also be useful in improving the calibration of ProFert in other Australian regions with winter dominant rainfall patterns.