Coillte Laboratory Services:
Since 1960 specialist scientific research has been undertaken by the Research Division of the Forest & Wildlife Service and subsequently Coillte R&E into such questions as the species of trees most suitable for growing on a variety of soil types and conditions, and the fertiliser requirements of trees throughout their growing cycle.
During this time, the role of Laboratory Services has changed from one dominated by the provision of technical support to research issues to one of providing a laboratory and advisory service to Coillte and the private forestry sector, dealing in particular with forest soil and nutrition problems.
Coillte Laboratories is headed by Dr. Philip O'Dea and is staffed by a chemist and up to 6 laboratory technical analysts.
The services provided by this laboratory, mainly soil, tree foliage testing address and pest and disease identification address such fundamental questions as:
- The suitability of land for planting
- What species to plant
- What fertilisers should be used
- Pest and disease identification
Customers for the laboratory service include private landowners, farmers, silvicultural companies, nurseries and Christmas tree growers.
Soil testing:
Customers on contacting the laboratory, customers will be sent out a soil sampling guideline. Background details on the proposed planting site are also required. Once the soil samples are returned to the laboratory, the normal minimum tests done are for acidity/alkalinity (pH) and an excess limestone check. Based on these results a recommendation can be provided on whether the land is suitable for trees and for what tree species.
Results are normally available within ten working days.
Additional tests, such as for phosphorus and potassium, can be done to determine fertiliser requirements at planting.
Tree foliage testing:
Samples of tree foliage can also be tested to see why a tree is not doing as well as expected. Nutritional problems can be diagnosed by tree foliage analysis. The foliage is sampled from the current year's growth and should be done in the first half of the dormant season, November - December.
Results from the samples (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and appropriate recommendations take between two to three weeks.
Fertilisation of established plantations:
Fertiliser is an expensive product and, because of this, it is important to make sure a crop is not fertilised where it is not required, and not over fertilised where it is required. By using the laboratory's foliage analysis service, a grower can determine the optimum amount of fertiliser required, thus cutting back on waste. Additionally, the type of fertiliser needed will also be identified.
Although the technical skills of Laboratory Services are being increasingly used by nurseries and private silvicultural. It is important to note that this service is also available to the private landowner who may not be aware of the benefits of seeking the laboratory's
Pest and Disease Identification:
A tree pest and disease service is also provided by the laboratory to the forest sector. Such information is crucial to protect and maintain the health of the growing forest and decide on the best treatments where and when issues arise.
Prices for the above laboratory services can be obtained by directly contacting the Laboratory by telephone or email.
Contacting Coillte Laboratories
Dr. Philip O'Dea
Coillte Laboratories
Church Road
Newtownmountkennedy
Co. Wicklow
Tel:+353 1 (01) 2011111Fax: +353 1 (01) 2810465 Email: labservices@coillte.ie
