28 May 2013: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has released its Forest Paper No. 170 titled, ‘Sustainable Management of Pinus radiata Plantations.’ The report examines plantations starting with site section through to production, with a particular emphasis on Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain.

The report considers both the physical and socio-economic criteria for establishing a Pinus radiata plantation, identifies key pests, introduces information on breeding and growth, highlights important considerations for tending, and identifies productivity variables and end use options.

Overall, the report highlights a number of benefits associated with Pinus radiata including its fast growth rate, ability to thrive under different conditions, and the versatility of its timber. Examining existing plantations, the report emphasizes multiple benefits including employment and income generation, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, erosion control and support for sustainable farming. On the other hand, if not well managed, Pinus radiata plantations can reduce stream flow, cause the depletion of soil nutrients, change the general landscape and propagate invasive species.

Finally, the report states that Pinus radiata plantation growth has stagnated, except in Chile. This trend is, according to the report, not likely to change as there are very few additional suitable sites onto which Pinus radiata can expand. For the future of such plantations, nutrient management has proven possible to control, however there remains significant uncertainties with regard to the impacts of climate change. [Publication: Sustainable Management of Pinus radiata Plantations]