The Forest Products Commission (FPC) established 7.3 ha of irrigated sandalwood plantations at the Gascoyne Research Facility, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Carnarvon between 2006 and 2008.
The FPC tested two tropical sandalwood species (Santalum album and Santalum austrocaledonicum) for their potential to produce high value aromatic wood within irrigated plantations.
Both sandalwood species proved to be successful, growing relatively quickly and producing good quality oil after 16 years.
In 2022, the 7.3 ha sandalwood plot (aged 14-16 years) produced a total of 21.5 tonnes of commercial wood, with good quality oil and heartwood within the logs.
For the full report on the tropical sandalwood trials in Carnarvon, please download the document below.
