The recent discovery in New Zealand of early decay in CCA-treated pine posts set in horticultural soils led to the establishment of a comprehensive research programme. The objectives and outline of this programme are presented together with an overview of research progress to date. Results suggest that premature decay of CCA-treated timber is restricted to material placed in highly cultivated soils. The wide spectrum of decay organisms present in these soils, together with high soil fertility and ionic status, presents an extremely harsh biological and chemical environment for treated wood. Tentative conclusions are drawn from interim results and the options for overcoming the problem are discussed.

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