Silvicultural systems to optimise value from northern Australian Mahogany Plantations

African mahogany is an internationally important, high-value timber species, and early trials in northern Australia have demonstrated significant potential for plantation expansion. This investment in the Douglas Daly region of the Northern Territory focussed on understanding how fertilisation and management of plantation density impacts on wood quality. The work included studying the impacts of thinning, fertilisation, pruning, and water supply on the growth and health of plantations, and on the processing properties of the resulting mahogany timber. The outcomes will be applicable across northern Australia and will provide sustainable plantation management systems and increase confidence to market Australian-grown African mahogany into high value markets.