Tagasaste trees love a drier aspect in which to grow. They seem to thrive on punishment, but do just as well, or possibly better on rich soil. In each case this also depends on water availability sunshine and various other factors that affect plants in general. There is no suggestion that the foliage produced in either circumstance is superior in nutrient content, but will naturally provide more bulk if all the conditions are optimum, and if certain elements are in the ground ans not locked up, will be included in the plants physical makeup. However, on richer soil, there are other plants that would maximise the use of the resource better, such as pasture lucerne or grain, especially if the land is suitable for the safe use of machinery. So it is the rough, rocky, arid, steep, marginal areas that suit Tagasaste best, and where it is most valuable.
As with all plants Tagasaste is as nutrient rich as the soil in which it grows, permits. A well-balanced soil with all the trace elements and main components required for growth, a neutral PH soil with sufficient water, will allow the plants to take up all the required elements. The result will be foliage and bark which is a nutritious feed for all grazing and browsing animals familiar with the plant. The roots of the tree go deep, seeking what it requires and its ability to survive is testament to its root exploration. If water is not plentiful enough to make the plant grow vigorously, it may still contain the necessary elements for good feed, but with a lower dry matter content.
Though renown for growing in these dry conditions, Tagasaste will also march into and grow in swamps. Plants that do well in the dry conditions of preference will perish if they find themselves with wet feet for any length of time. If the trees are to be grown in an environment which is more waterlogged, the seed should be sown into a soil mix, much like that in which the trees are to grow. The percentage of germination might be the same, but those that survive will be very much lower as most of the young seedlings will rot. But within a kilogram of Tagasaste seed [approx 30,000] there is contained a number that will have the makeup allowing them to endure conditions that are not usually considered ideal.
Because of its versatility, Tagasaste can be grown as an under storey plant with eucalyptus. It will depend on the density of plants, both the established native trees, and the Tagasaste that are to grow beneath them, soil conditions, and moisture, that will dictate how the Tagasaste trees grow in such an environment. The initial growth rate of the trees grown as an under storey of any larger plants, is naturally slower. This will not be evident after they are well established, but they can be expected to take two years longer to become fully productive.
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