The establishment of alder on peatland and its possible role in afforestation.

Abstract

This paper outlines the progress made to date in peat afforestation in Northern Ireland. A brief description is given of the type of ploughing machinery used. A new system of layout was adopted in 1953. There have been a number of changes introduced to the original planting methods. Intense pre-draining is no longer carried out, and there have also been changes in the method of deep-ploughing used. Greater use will be made of natural barriers, such as streams and main drains, as compartment boundaries. Other developments include an increase in road intensity and fire breaks. The problem of growth check is described and the current methods used to alleviate it are explained...