Publication File 1189649654
Publication File 1189649654
FOR
PLANTATION TECHNIQUES
2023
Submitted To:
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department,
Govt. of Odisha
Funding Agency
Contributors
Rathod Digvijaysinh Umedsinh, Scientist-B, ICFRE-TFRI, Jabalpur
Ghodake Balkrushna Dattattray, Junior Project Fellow, ICFRE-TFRI, Jabalpur
Devshree Gupta, Junior Project Fellow, ICFRE-TFRI, Jabalpur
Sh. Rajeev Ranjan, Senior Technical Officer, ICFRE-IFP, Ranchi
Sh. Arvind Kumar, Senior Technical Officer, ICFRE-IFP, Ranchi
Message
It gives me a great pleasure to introduce this manual on Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for
Plantation Techniques, which is the result of in-depth study, practical application and cooperative
efforts from the scientists of the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education. With an emphasis
on forestry species, it strives to answer the growing demand for best practices and standardized
methods in plantation management.
This was a much needed publication on plantation practices that guarantee both productivity
and environmental sustainability, in the wake of the rising need for timber, fiber and other forest
products. With chapters on a variety of subjects, including site selection, choice of species and
planting methods alongwith amendments, this book provides a thorough framework for effective
plantation establishment.
I encourage the foresters to refer this manual to cover and to delve into the abundance of knowledge
it contains on plantation techniques of forestry species. One can contribute effectively in the
preservation of our forest ecosystems and the sustainable use of forestry resources by putting the
standardized procedures and best practices recommended in this manual into practice.
I applaud the scientists and contributors of ICFRE’s Institute who devoted their time and skills for
developing Standard Operating Procedures for Plantation Techniques of important plantation species
of Odisha. I am sure that the officers and frontline staffs of the Odisha Forest Department would find
this document practically useful for plantation techniques for forestry species.
Foreword
This insightful book on plantation techniques for forestry species is something I am delighted to go
through. The oxygen we breathe and the commodities we use are all made possible by our woods,
which are priceless resources that offer us a wide range of advantages. To protect the future of our
forests, it is essential to comprehend and put sustainable methods into practice in light of the rising
worldwide demand for resources and environmental issues.
This book covers every aspect, from the preliminary steps of site selection and preparation to the
crucial procedures of species selection, seedling production and planting methods.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the writers, whose knowledge and commitment have
made this book possible. These pages reflect their love of forestry and dedication to preserving our
natural heritage, motivating us all to adopt sustainable practices.
I cordially encourage you to begin this educational trip as we delve deeply into the field of planting
methods for forestry species. Let’s work together to preserve the environment, care for our woods
and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Preface
The health of our society as a whole is greatly influenced by forests, which provide more than only
ecological balance and sources of subsistence. The vast range of forestry species in India’s state
of Odisha plays an important role in the state’s social, economic and environmental systems. This
manual, “Standard Operating Procedures of Plantation Techniques,” aims to provide an all-inclusive
framework for sustainable practices in recognition of the importance of proper plantation techniques
in ensuring successful forest restoration and management.
The plantation and management of well-known forestry species in Odisha serve as important
applications of this book for forest managers, practitioners, researchers and stakeholders. It provides
a comprehensive collection of standard operating procedures (SOPs) that specify the ideal practices
necessary for the successful establishment, maintenance and regeneration of these species. The
processes detailed in this book are practical, based on strong science and contextually appropriate to
Odisha’s distinct environmental circumstances.
I compliment the team of scientists and contributors of Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur
for bringing out this Standard Operating Procedures for Plantation Techniques who have dedicated
their time and expertise to develop this comprehensive manual. This manual will be helpful to the
officers and frontline staffs of the State Forest Department of Odisha to carry out the future plantation
activities
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
1.1 Brief History of Forestry Plantation in India 1
1.2 Need of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 2
1.3 Calendar of Operations 3
2. Types of Plantations 7
2.1 Different Terminologies for Describing Tree Cultivation in Non-Forest 7
Areas
2.2 Types of Plantations 9
3. Choice of Species 17
3.1 Purpose of the Plantation 17
3.2 Site Factors 17
3.3 Silvi cultural Characters 18
3.4 Economic Factors 19
4. Preparation of Planting Site 23
4.1 Demarcation of the Area 23
4.2 Clearing of the Site 23
4.3 Spacing 24
4.4 Digging of Pits 24
4.5 Soil Preparation on Slopes 25
4.6 Plantation Methods 25
4.7 Site Maintenance 26
5. Sowing and Planting 29
5.1 Time of Plantation 29
5.2 Types of Planting 29
5.3 Soil Moisture Conservation (SMC) Measures 29
6. Species Specific Details 32
Acacia catechu 32
Adina cordifolia 34
Aegle marmelos 36
Anogeissus acuminata 38
Anogeissus latifolia 40
Artocarpus heterophyllus 42
Bridelia retusa 44
Buchnania cochinchinensis 46
Careya arborea 48
Cleistanthus collinus 49
Dalbergia sissoo 50
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Gmelina arborea 52
Grewia tiliifolia 54
Lagerstromia parviflora 55
Madhuca indica 57
Mesua ferrea 59
Michelia champaca 61
Mitragyna parviflora 63
Morinda tinctoria 64
Phyllanthus emblica 66
Pongamia pinnata 67
Pterocarpus marsupium 68
Pterocarpus santalinus 70
Syzygium cumini 72
Terminalia alata 73
Terminalia arjuna 74
Terminalia bellirica 76
Terminalia chebula 77
Xylia xylocarpa 79
References 81
List of Figures
Figure 1 Mixed Plantation 7
Figure 2 Model of Shelterbelt Plantations 7
Figure 3 Linear Plantation 8
Figure 4 Reforestation Process 9
Figure 5 Afforestation Process 9
Figure 6 A Flow Chart Illustrating the approach used to develop recommendations 19
on tree species of regenerating forest sites
Figure 7 Site Preparation involves the delibrate manipulation of site factors 23
List of Tables
Table 1 A Big Milestone in the History of Indian Plantations 2
Table 2 Generalized Schedule for Pre and Plantation Operations 3
Table 3 Potential Key Plant Species for Rehablitation 8
Table 4 Number of Plants Required per Hectare at Different Spacing 24
Table 5 Different Plantation Methods on the Basis of End Product 25
CHAPTER
1
INTRODUCTION
P
lantation forests covers about 131 million ha, which is about 4% of the global forest area
and have potential to meet the world’s entire wood requirements and, therefore, are
now taken up as systematic programmes by many countries and are expected to increase
with time. Presently, India is the second most populous country in the world and struggling
to meet the population’s large demand for wood from its own resources and is a net importer
of timber and allied products. India’s timber imports in 2025 and 2030 are projected to be
27.01 and 31.5 million m3 respectively. In India, Forest Development Corporations (FDCs) are
entrusted with the mandate to raise plantations of economically important species to fulfil the
timber demand of the country. Although, the FDCs have not been able to fulfil this demand,
they contribute significantly (~60%) to the total annual production of timber.
After the formulation of National Forest Policy, 1988, there was a sea change in forest
management which contained the essence of Joint Forest Management. Many successful
planting techniques have been established and followed in the field. Afforestation and
Reforestation become one of the core activities of forest department and it is essential to
document the successful practices, so that it serves as manual for all the field officers who are
engaged in the task of afforestation.
1
SOP-Plantation Techniques
saltwater and humid, insect-infested tropical conditions. But the success for establishment of
teak plantation was after many efforts and experiment conducted by various persons such
as Thomas Munro, Hugh Falconer, H. V. Conolly, Collector of Malabar, Chattu Menon, J.
Ferguson, Gordon Hadfield. People had to learn what climate teak grew in, what soils suited
it best, how to germinate its seeds and how to space and thin teak trees, also understand the
disease and pest management. Subsequently, development of silvicultural systems also play
a significant in regeneration of forests.
The Eucalyptus tree originally came from Tasmania (Australia) and other Indo-Malaysian
islands. According to Shayam Sundar (1984), eucalyptus was first planted in India around
1790 by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, in his palace garden on Nandi hills near Bangalore.
According to one version he received seed from Australia and introduced about 16 species.
The next significant introduction of eucalyptus was in the Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu, in 1843.
Commercial teak plantation was established in the Kulsi Hills after the commercial teak plantation
began in 1872. The major milestones in the history of Indian plantation are given below:
Table 1. A big milestone in the history of Indian plantations
1842 Teak plantation in Nilambur (First attempt by Mr. Conolly, Collector of Malabar)
1843 Plantation of Eucalyptus pycnantha, Tamil Nadu (by Champbell)
1866 Fuel wood plantation of Changamanga
1869 Plantation of Teak in Mukum
1872 Teak plantation in Kulsi
1874 Charuduar rubber plantation
1890 Taungya plantation (By Sir Dietrich Brandis)
1934 The first plantation scheme was introduced in Sylhet
1948 Commercial plantation was attempted
1950 Van Mahotsav (Shri K. M. Munshi)
1990 Joint Forest Management
3
CHAPTER
2
TYPES OF
PLANTATIONS
Different Terminologies for Describing Tree
Cultivation in Non-Forest Areas
Types of Plantations
SOP-Plantation Techniques
2.1 Different Terminologies for Describing Tree Cultivation in Non-Forest
Areas
1. Farm forestry
Farm forestry is the name given to programmes which promote commercial tree growing by
farmers on their own land. Farm forestry was defined by NCA (1976) as the practice of forestry
in all its aspects in and around the farms or village lands integrated with other farm operations.
2. Extension forestry
It is the practice of forestry in areas devoid of tree growth and other vegetation situated in
places away from the conventional forest areas with the object of increasing the area under
tree growth. It includes the following:
a) Mixed forestry: It is the practice of forestry for raising fodder grass with scattered
fodder trees, fruit trees and fuel wood trees on suitable wastelands, panchayat lands
and village commons. (Fig. 1)
4. Recreation forestry:
It is the practice of forestry with the object of raising flowering trees and shrubs mainly to
serve as recreation forests for the urban and rural population. This type of forestry is also
known as Aesthetic forestry which is defined as the practice of forestry with the object of
developing or maintaining a forest of high scenic value.
8
SOP-Plantation Techniques
9
SOP-Plantation Techniques
be carried out with a better planning to reduce failures.
There are certain precautions while carrying out large scale afforestation in an area.
Those are:
(i) The plantation site should be well studied and problems should be examined
carefully, (ii) Species which grow comparatively easily in the area should be given
preference and (iii) Plantation techniques for the selected species should be followed.
c) Enrichment Plantations: The word enrichment plantation means plantation for
beautification. Enrichment plantation is the process in which particular species of
trees which are commercially profitable are planted after the removal of other species
in the area. This causes the destruction of the natural forest. For instance, teak trees
have been planted in South India after cutting down the natural forests. Chir Pine
plantations have replaced the Himalayan oak and Rhododendron forests in the
Himalayan region. These are usually carried out to increase the proportion of valuable
species in the existing crop. Such species are introduced either in strips cleared or the
purpose or in groups in gaps recently created. The latter operation is also carried out
while rehabilitating degraded forests.
11
SOP-Plantation Techniques
the world. Bamboos are most integrated part of Asian culture and used as a substitute
to woods. Main objective of promoting bamboo plantation is to supplement farmer’s
income and contribute towards resilience to climate change. Bamboo can grow well
on moist soil, but deep porous fertile soil with high moisture content and a PH of 5.5
is preferable. For bamboo plantations spacing should be 5×4 m is preferred. If the
objective is to plant bamboo for erosion control along river banks the spacing can be
3×3 m or 2.5×2.5 m. For pit size, as a thumb rule the larger the pit better the growth
of rhizomes offsets and rhizomes should planted in pits measuring 60×60×60 cm to
100×100×100 cm.
v. Agro Forestry:
Agro forestry is a collective name for land-use systems and technologies where
woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, etc.) are deliberately used on the
same land-management units as agricultural crops and/or animals, in some form of
spatial arrangement or temporal sequence. In agro forestry systems there are both
ecological and economical interactions between the different components. There are
three main types of agro forestry systems:
• Agri-silvicultural systems are a combination of crops and trees, such as alley
cropping or home gardens.
• Silvopastoral systems combine forestry and grazing of domesticated animals on
pastures, rangelands or on-farm.
• The three elements, namely trees, animals and crops, can be integrated in what are
called agro-silvopastoral systems and are illustrated by home gardens involving
animals as well as scattered trees on croplands used for grazing after harvests.
12
SOP-Plantation Techniques
vii. Canal Bank Plantations:
Plantations raised along canal banks to augment the aesthetic value and stabilizing
the canals are called canal bank plantations. Canal bank plantations are carried
out for stabilization of canal banks against erosion, utilization of the available land
for tree cultivation and production of tree products, particularly fuel wood and
small timber for local people, Checking water logging in strips along canals and in
adjoining areas and improvement of aesthetics in the area. The number of rows to
be planted and the position of the first row depend upon the width and nature of
the land available for planting along the side of the canal. The first row of trees is
generally planted about 7.5 m from the beam of the canals in the case of multiple
row planting. Subsequent rows are spaced at 5m or 3m or 2m depending upon the
species to be planted and the objects of management of such canal bank plantations.
For planting along canal bank, the trees with a strong taproot system should be
preferred.
13
SOP-Plantation Techniques
CHAPTER
3
CHOICE OF
SPECIES
Purpose of the Plantation
Site Factors
Silvicultural Characters
Economic Factors
15
SOP-Plantation Techniques
P
lanting a given area is a quite expensive exercise, therefore, the sound knowledge
of climatic and edaphic requirements must be known in addition silvicultural
requirements of the species selected for planting. Further, the plantation must cater
to the socio-economic development of the people in accordance with the National and
state policy in forestry. Therefore, choice of species becomes very much important. For
growing timber, the species having large rotation are suitable in the forests, whereas for
raising fuelwood, fruits and medicinal plants indigenous or exotic trees having medium to
short rotation may be desirable. Choice of species is not only determined by the climatic or
edaphic factors of a place but also by the use of the planting species by local community.
The choice of a tree species depends on whether both productive and ecological advantages
can be achieved in the same system and in some cases one function, either productive or
environmental, may be desired. Choice of species deserves a thoughtful consideration for a
successful establishment of plantations. Since raising of artificial plantation involves heavy
long term investments unlike natural regeneration, choice of species becomes further of
importance. The selection of species should be carried out only after a careful examination
of the nursery techniques, silvicultural requirements and influence of the species on local
environment.
Thus, several factors need consideration in selection of species in plantation forestry. These
factors can be summed up under these heads:
17
SOP-Plantation Techniques
selected for plantation. Microclimate is an important factor too. Occurrence of frost or dry
dessert conditions restricts the selection of species to only, which, those are resistant to such
conditions.
Certain biotic factors e.g. grazing, fire etc also need to be considered. In areas susceptible to
grazing, species which are not easily grazed e.g. Cassia siamea, Prosopis juliflora can be selected.
The objective of consideration of site factor in selecting choice of species is to first list out
the species which can be planted in the area. Other factors will be required to be considered
in order to shorten the list of species to be planted. The ecological conditions of the site and
the ecological requirements of the species should be compared, if these are similar, then the
species are recommended for plantation in the site.
18
SOP-Plantation Techniques
3.4 Economic Factors
For any plantation to be carried out the economic prospect cannot be overlooked. The
economic aspects that should be considered before selecting a species for plantation are:
The species which can be raised cheaply are preferable because larger area could be afforested
with the same investment. Several factors may reduce the cost of establishment of a plantation
and some of these factors include: Plantation raised by seed sowing, plantation at wider
spacing, low casualty rate and hardy species requiring no elaborated protection measure. In
the same manner good returns are ensured by fast rate of growth and short rotation, demand
of the produce, easy marketability and high price of products.
Thus, selecting the best tree species for plantation is critical for decision in forest management.
For decision making process major weightage should be given to sustainable productivity,
crop reliability and silviculture feasibility.
19
CHAPTER
4
PREPARATION OF
PLANTING SITE
Demarcation of the Area
Spacing
Digging of Pits
Plantation Methods
Site Maintenance
SOP-Plantation Techniques
T
he condition of the site can vary from favourable to unfavourable in terms of
providing a suitable habitat for the establishment of a new forest or plantation.
After considering ecological, physiological, managerial and social considerations,
the site preparation needs to be planned.
23
SOP-Plantation Techniques
shall be completed as early as possible as but not later than the end of May. A satisfactory
burn is absolutely essential to a good plantation. Lack of a good burn can be compensated by
intensive soil working.
4.3 Spacing
Spacing is defined as the distance between the plants put out in a plantation or standing crop.
This is also referred as espacement. Based on distance between plants, spacing is classified as
(A.) Closer spacing and (B.) Wider spacing.
Advantage of closer spacing includes checking of weed growth, The boles of trees are cleaner
due to natural pruning, stem straightness and also thinning becomes easier and produces
short term return, etc. Whereas, disadvantage includes loss of individual tree growth and
higher labour requirement.
Wider spacing also has its own advantage and disadvantages such as danger of soil
deterioration as canopy takes longer time to close, weed growth will be higher, trees may
become branchy. On other hand cost of plantation is less in wider spacing.
The usual spacing for all plants shall be 2 m x 2 m except where a different spacing has
been prescribed in any special scheme or by the working plan. For example, for bamboo
plantations, preferred spacing will be 5 m x 5 m or 5 m x 4 m. The number of plants required
per hectare at the above and a few other spacing will be as follows:
Table 4. Number of Plants Required per Hectare at Different spacing
Spacing No of plants per hectare
2 m x 2m 2,500
2.5 m x2.5 m 1,600
3 m x3.5m 1,111
5mx5m 400
Immediately after burning, staking shall be done at the prescribed spacing. The plantation
area shall be divided into sections. Where possible the last line on all the four sides of the
section/block shall be planted with a species other than the main species planted in the block.
By doing this not only the demarcation of the block is made more distinct but also required
segregation of blocks against insect attack is achieved to a good extent. Where it is not possible
to plant a different species to demarcate the planting block it shall be demarcated by posts
made of either stone or R.C.C 75 cm long and with a cross section of 15 cm square. Half of this
post shall be buried below ground level.
Where the planting area is irregular in shape, two bare lines for staking at right angles to
each other shall be laid at the widest part of the area and the staking lines started from there.
The planting blocks near the boundary line may be irregular in shape. The planting blocks/
sections shall be shown in the plantation maps. The exact area of each block shall be indicated
in the map.
24
SOP-Plantation Techniques
with staking i.e., immediately after burning is over. It shall be completed preferably two
months before or at least a month before planting starts and the interior of the pit as also the
dugout soil exposed to the sun.
Pits shall not be dug just at the time of planting except in the sandy coastal areas. While
digging pits, the soil of the top half of the pit shall be kept separately. When the pit is filled
up this half shall be put in the bottom of the pit and the rest of the soil at the top. All roots,
stones, etc., shall be removed from the soil before it is replaced in the pit. The usual size of pits
on normal sites and in moist locations shall be 30 cm. cube.
25
SOP-Plantation Techniques
4.7 Site Maintenance
For healthy growth, plants require adequate amount of nutrients, air and water besides,
proper availability of light and temperature conditions. Some soils are unable to satisfy these
essential conditions. Many conditions e.g. water logging, aridity, salinity and alkalinity,
acidity, poor nutrient status, degraded physical conditions and erosion lead to the conditions
in which plant growth is very poor. These form difficult areas for raising forest. Such difficult
areas form a significant part of the total geographical area of the country. These areas also
exist in our natural forests. In order to improve the growth of existing forest and help proper
regeneration; natural or artificial, site maintenance would be necessary.
Maintenance of site, forms an essential component of silviculture. Once a good density forest
is established, it is able to maintain the site itself. Only adoption of proper silvicultural system
is necessary. Use of manures, fertilizers, soil amendments, soil and moisture conservation
measures are usually recommended to improve the nutrient status of the soil, conditions of
acidity, salinity, alkalinity and checking of soil erosion.
26
SOP-Plantation Techniques
CHAPTER
5
SOWING AND
PLANTING
Time of Plantation
Types of Planting
27
SOP-Plantation Techniques
5.1 Time of Plantation
A time table shall be drawn up for all operations including planting for each plantation and
followed strictly. The followings are the generalised suggestion for regarding plantation time
and widely followed by State Forest Departments:
1. Stumps shall be planted just before or with the first pre-monsoon showers.
2. Potted seedlings shall be planted soon after the regular monsoons have set in and the soil
has become moist.
3. On the coastal sands plantings shall commence two weeks after the monsoon starts, i.e.,
after the soil (sand) temperature has come down considerably.
3. Direct sowing
Plantations of some species such as Jack Fruit, Tamarind, etc., can be done by this method.
Generally, these seeds retain viability for a very short period. Therefore, fresh seeds shall
be collected from the ground as soon as they fall and sown immediately in furrowed lines.
Plantation of mangrove species are also raised by direct sowing. Seeds of these species usually
germinate while still on the trees or soon after they fall on water. The germinated seeds are
collected carefully by nets from the water and sown in the field. Sowing is best done between
the new moon and the full moon when the tide is the lowest.
29
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Annexure –II
1. Example: Calculate the number of plants required for 10 ha of plantation in which plant
are 4 m apart in row to row and 2m apart in Plant to Plant.
Number of Plants = 10 (ha) × 100 × 100
4m×2m
Number of Plants = 12500 plants
2. Example: Calculate the number of plants required for 10 ha of plantation in which plant
are planted at 3.5 m × 3.5 m spacing.
Number of Plants = 10 × 100 × 100
3.5 m × 3.5 m
Number of Plants = 8163 plants
30
CHAPTER
6
Species
Specific Details
SOP-Plantation Techniques
32
SOP-Plantation Techniques
For stumps planting: Stump should be made from seedling about 15-month old nursery
raised plant from seed. Select healthy seedling only and size of root and shoot should
be 23 cm to 31 cm and 2.5 cm to 5 cm respectively. On the basis of results of experiment
conducted by FRI, Dehradun reported that the best size of stumps at the root collar is
10 mm to 15 mm in diameter. Planting of stump should be done soon after the break of
rain; delayed planting is not advisable.Under irrigated condition stump planting can be
planted during March-April.
33
SOP-Plantation Techniques
• Silvicultural characteristics:
It is a light demander.
34
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Plantation techniques and management practices
Pit size: 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm.
Spacing: 3 m x 3 m.
Growth rate: Growth is very slow in the first year, following year growth is faster.
Irrigation: Young Jamun plants in early stages requires frequent watering but
subsequently, irrigations should be reduced, initial stages of plants requires about 12
irrigations per year (monthly once).
35
SOP-Plantation Techniques
pH: Up to 5–8.
Temperature: 5 - 50°C.
• Silvicultural characteristics:
Species that are drought- as well as frost tolerant. Young plants are susceptible to frost
damage, but recovers speedily.
It coppices moderately well and produces root suckers in abundance.
36
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Plantation techniques and management practices
Pit size: Plants - 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm.
Spacing: 4 m x 4 m or 3 m x 3 m.
37
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Rainfall: Mean annual rainfall of 1,500 mm- 2,500 mm, but tolerates 900 mm- 3,500
mm
Temperature: Annual day time temperatures are within the range 22 - 32°C, though
it can tolerate 10 - 43°C
• Silvicultural characteristics:
The species is a light demander, but it can tolerate some shadow in its early growth stages.
It is a drought-resistant plant.
The tree is found only along the banks of rivers and streams and is sometimes
gregarious in small patches.
38
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Plantation techniques and management practices
Pit size: 45 cm × 45 cm × 45 cm
39
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. ex DC.)
5 Wall. ex Guillem. & Perr.
40
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Plantation techniques and management practices
Pit size: 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm
Spacing: 2 m x 2 m or 3 m x 3 m
Growth rate: It is a slow growing species.
Method of Planting: Direct sowing & Nursery raised seedling. Direct sowing,
according to earlier research, does not give good results due to poor germination.
However, nursery-raised seedling planting produces good results and is the only
technique of cultivating the species that has been proved to be successful. The size and
age of seedlings are important factors in the success of a plantation’s establishment.
Because seedlings grow at a slower rate, they had to be cared for in the nursery for 1
or 2 years before being planted out. Drought tolerance was low in the early stages of
the seedlings. During the rainy season, planting takes place in pits.
41
SOP-Plantation Techniques
42
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Method of planting: Both, direct sowing and planting of nursery raised- seedling can
be practiced. Dig pits and fill them with top soil and 10 kg FYM and 1 kg neem cake
each pit. During the months of June to December, plants, preferably grafts, should be
planted.
Manures and fertilizers: May-June and September-October are the best months to
apply manures and fertilisers. As per TNAU, Coimbatore recommendations, amount
of fertiliser for one-year-old seedlings is FYM-10 Kg; N, P and K as 0.150 g, 0.080 g and
0.0100 g per plant, respectively. To prevent insect attack, use chloropyriphos in the pit.
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad has recommended the doses of nutrients
as follows:
Age of tree (years)
Nutrient (g/tree)
1-3 4-7 >7
N 200 400 600
P 120 240 300
K 60 120 240
Irrigation: Once a week till the plant establishes itself. Hand watering is required for
young orchards for the first 2-3 years, until the root system has penetrated deeply
enough. The frequency of irrigation will be depending on the weather and soil moisture
conditions, but jackfruit responds well to irrigation between flowering and fruiting.
43
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Habitat information
• Natural forests: Dry deciduous to moist
deciduous forests, mixed forest and evergreen
primary or secondary forests. Also, in Litoral
forests.
• Distribution in India: Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Global distribution: Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri
Lanka, southern China, Indochina and Sumatra.
44
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Plantation techniquesand management practices
Pit size: 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm
Spacing: 3 m × 3 m
Growth rate: It is a fast growing tree.
Transplanting: 1-year old plants should be preferred for planting in rainy season.
Irrigation: Regular irrigation in young plantations is required.
Weeding: Twice a year by August or September
Manuring and mulching is important practice.
Management of diseases/insect-pests/parasites
• No major diseases and insect-pest reported on this species. Birds feed on the fruits.
45
SOP-Plantation Techniques
46
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Plantation techniques and management practices
Pit size: Plants: 1 m × 1 m × 1 m, Seedlings: 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm,
Spacing: 3 m × 3 m
Growth rate: Seedling development is slow, with a mean annual girth increment of
2.24 cm.
Manuring and Fertilization: A dose of 10 kg of farmyard manure, 100 gm of Nitrogen,
50 gm of Phosphorus and 75 gm of Potassium per plant should be given to a one-year-
old plant. It should be increased by the same proportion each year until the plant
reaches ten years old. Farmyard manure should be applied in the months of July and
August. A half dose of N and a full dose of P & K should be applied under rainfed
conditions in July, with the remaining half of N applied by the end of August. Manure
and a fertiliser mixture should be placed beneath the plant’s canopy and integrated
into the soil.
47
SOP-Plantation Techniques
48
SOP-Plantation Techniques
49
SOP-Plantation Techniques
50
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Growth rate: It grows rapidly under favorable growing conditions.
51
SOP-Plantation Techniques
52
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Growth rate: It is a fast growing species.
Method of Planting: Direct sowing, stump planting, or entire transplanting.
Transplanting of seedling: About 10-15 cm tall seedlings are transplanted in pits at the
beginning of rainy season.
Stump planting: The seeds are sown in the nursery in May or June, soon after
collection and when the seedlings are about 5 cm to 7.5 cm high, they are spaced out if
in a crowded condition to encourage growth. The seedlings become ready for stump
preparation. Stumps are prepared from one to two years old seedlings.
Irrigation: Irrigation should be started in October. Till January once a week, twice a
week till April and from May every second day plants should be watered.
53
SOP-Plantation Techniques
54
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Silvicultural characteristics:
It’s a strong light demander. When the plant is in the shade, its growth is hindered.
It is drought tolerant.
Coppicing and pollarding produce vigorous regrowth in trees.
Mature trees are frost-resistant, but immature seedlings are quite susceptible.
Plants can withstand both grazing and fire.
It is unable to withstand waterlogging.
55
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Plantation techniques and management practices
Pit size: 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm
Spacing: 3 m × 3 m
Growth rate: A fairly slow-growing tree
Irrigation: Regular irrigation in the first year of plantation is recommended.
White stump rot is caused by Fomes durissimus, tar spot is caused by Polyporus
lagerstroemiae and grey heart rot is caused by Trametes incerta removing the afflicted
parts and burning them in a safe location. It is recommended that Bavistin (0.2 percent)
be sprayed every 15 days.
Fomes fastuosus, which causes dark brown heart rot, Fomes pectinatus, which causes
white spongy rot and Fomes rimosus, which causes yellow heart rot, all attack the tree.
Injuries: Plants may die back due to prolonged periods of drought.
56
SOP-Plantation Techniques
57
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Direct Sowing: In July, direct sowing is done in a line spaced 4 m -5 m apart. The
seeds are planted 1.5 cm – 2.5 cm deep. Weeds and bushes are kept out of the lines.
Sowing in 30 cm3 trenches filled with FYM, green manure and soil mixture, spaced
at 9 m x 9 m, with 4-5 seeds per pit and intervening spaces, was done and reported
as successful. The main issue is protecting plants from hot winds and bamboo
shields have been used as sun protection.
Nursery raised seedling planted during monsoon season.
Stump planting: Stumps are prepared from one-year old plants which are planted in
pits during monsoon season.
Irrigation: Irrigation during initial years of establishment is very essential.
58
SOP-Plantation Techniques
16 Mesua ferrea L.
General information on the species
• Synonyms: Mesua nagassarium (Burm. f.)
Kosterm. Mesua speciosa Choisy
• Odiya name: Nageswar
• Other vernacular names: Nagkesar, Nag
Champa
59
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Method of planting: Direct sowing and planting have both been successful in
regenerating the species. May–June is ideal season for sowing. Plant seedlings with
naked roots, balls of earth, or in containers have all been successful. During the autumn
rains, seedlings of 45 cm – 50 cm in height, about a year old, are planted at a spacing
of 5 m x 5 m. During the early stages of establishment, Cajanuscajan is planted around
the plants to offer partial shade.
Manure and Fertilizer: Initially, once during the rainy season in the first year, NPK
fertilisers @ 0.05-0.10 kg/plant are recommended. Depending on the age of the plants,
the doses may be increased in subsequent years. After six months, additional Nitrogen
is usually added to boost growth. During the first ten years of growth, hoeing and
weeding are essential.
Irrigation: Crop requires irrigation at 15 days interval during dry seasons mainly from
December to May in early stage.
60
SOP-Plantation Techniques
17 Michelia champaca L.
The tree responds well to coppicing and it does not produce root suckers.
61
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Growth rate: mean annual increment is 1 m - 1.8 m in height and 1.5 cm - 2 cm in
diameter.
Planting Method: The most successful method of plantation is to plant out nearly 1 year
old seedlings at the break of the monsoon of the following year. Planting with a ball of
earth or with naked roots is possible, but success is largely dependent on favourable
planting weather.
Irrigation: Water adequately when the plant is young, water moderately when the
plant is mature.
62
SOP-Plantation Techniques
63
SOP-Plantation Techniques
64
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Plantation techniques and management practices
Pit size: 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm
Spacing: 3 m × 3 m
Growth rate: Has a moderate growth rate (0.75 – 1.5 m/year)
Method of Planting: Choose a site that receives full or partial light and has well-
drained, well-aerated soil. Heavy soil, compacted places and flood-prone areas
should all be avoided. Make a pit the size of the earth ball and carefully place
nursery-raised seedlings in it.
Manure and Fertilizers: Trees that grow in forests usually appear to be in good health,
even without the use of chemical fertilizers. This indicates that noni may just require
a minimal amount of fertilizer to thrive. More research is needed to determine the
optimal fertilizer regimens for noni production in the various parts of the country
where noni is cultivated. Application of 20 kg of poultry manure per plant, combined
with 4 kg of vermi-compost and 2 kg of PGPR I-enriched neem cake per plant, was
found to be the most efficient treatment for producing noni under organic resource
management for guaranteeing optimal vegetative growth.
Drip irrigation and mulching is used to maintain plantation field.
65
SOP-Plantation Techniques
20 Phyllanthus emblica L.
67
SOP-Plantation Techniques
68
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Rate of growth: Rate of growth is slow in the first season, but increases from second
season onwards.
Method of planting: Direct sowing, entire planting, or stumps planting are all viable
options. Sowing should take place in June, just before the rainy season begins. Planting
one-year-old seedlings throughout the plant is beneficial. The planting season is from
June to July.
Irrigation: In the first year, irrigation should be done ideally once a month using a
check basin system or by filling the pit basin with water.
69
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Topography: The tree grown typically on dry, hilly often rocky terrain. At lower
altitude, it found on all aspect but in higher hill confined itself to cooler aspect.
• Suitable climatic conditions:
Climate type: Tropical areas with a distinct dry season.
Elevation: 500 m -900 m above sea level.
Rainfall: Mean annual rainfall in the range 800 mm - 1400 mm, but tolerates 600 mm
– 2300 mm.
Temperature: 26 - 32°C, but can tolerate 7 - 46°C.
• Silvicultural characteristics:
It is a light demander and will not tolerate overhead shade.
It requires regular thinning to promote the best growth.
It has better fire resistance than its associated species.
It regenerates well in a dry, hot climate.
Species is resistant to drought. It is not frost-tolerant.
It has wide range of pathogen tolerance.
70
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Method of planting: Species plantation can be established by using variety of
techniques, including direct sowing, whole planting and stump planting. Pits are dug
in the planting area. All roots and other weeds should be removed by the end of May
and planting can commence after the monsoons arrive. Saplings that are one-year-old
should be placed in pits. The pits are filled with topsoil that has been well mixed with
10–15 kg of FYM (farmyard manure) and 10 g of lindane dust to protect the planting
stock against soil-borne fungus.
Manure and Fertilizer: 10–15 kg FYM per plant per year and 150:100:100 g NPK
(nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) per plant per year are necessary for at least the
first five years. Fertilizer should be applied in circular trenches 15–20 cm deep dug at
a distance of 60 cm around the plant. A full dose of P and K, as well as one-third of
N, should be applied by the end of February. The remaining N should be applied to
Pterocarpus santalinus in two split doses in June–July and October–November. Inorganic
fertilizer applications should always be followed by irrigation. The mortality is filled
one month after planting. Weeding is done by hand as necessary, especially right
before manuring. Hoeing is done on a regular basis to loosen the soil around the basin.
71
SOP-Plantation Techniques
73
SOP-Plantation Techniques
74
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Growth rate: Saplings and poles grow at a fairly fast rate.
Method of planting: Direct sowing, planting out and stump planting are all viable
options for raising the species. Direct sowing should be donejust before the monsoon
rains begin. Is should be done in loose soil. For seedling planting, one-year-old
nursery-raised saplings should be used.
Manure and Fertilization: 10 kg of farmyard manure (FYM) and 75 gm of Nitrogen,
50 gm of Phosphorus and 30 gm of Potassium per plant will be placed to the pit and
properly mixed with the soil as a base dose.
Irrigation practices: During the summer, young plantings should be irrigated at 15-
day intervals.
75
SOP-Plantation Techniques
76
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Topography: It is found scattered in deciduous forest, Open areas in the forest, rocky
hills, on dry slopes.
• Suitable climatic conditions:
Climate type: Tropical and subtropical climates.
Elevation: Upto an elevation of 600 m.
Rainfall: Mean annual rainfall of 1200 mm to 3000 mm.
Temperature: Mean annual temperature range between 36°C and 45°C.
• Silvicultural characteristics:
Harra is a strong light demander and is unable to tolerate conditions of shade (except
during the seedling stage).
Drought and frost resistance are moderate.
It is a good coppicer and fairly fire tolerant.
77
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Manuring and Fertilization: Add 15 kg Farmyard manure (FYM) and 75g N, 30 g P
and 30g K per plant in pit and thoroughly mixed with soil as basal dose.
Method of Planting: Direct sowing, planting out of nursery-raised seedlings and
stump planting have all been viable methods of raising it. However, the published
evidence suggests that planting out of one-year-old seedlings is preferable to
stump planting and planting out. Transplantation of one-year-old saplings is done
in the monsoon season.
Irrigation: In the first three to four years, depending on the soil moisture and
season, irrigation in pits is essential. In the summer, the plants should be irrigated
at least once a week.
Tree growth is aided by earthing and hoeing twice a year.
78
SOP-Plantation Techniques
79
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Thinning of coppice shoots is beneficial in improving their development.
Weeding is necessary in the initial years of establishment.
Management of diseases/insect-pests/parasites
• Insects: Stem borers and defoliators can cause severe damage. The larvae or adults of
the families Anthribidae, Bostrychidae, Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Termitidae and
Scolytidae bore into dead wood or into felled or fallen wood.
• Disease: Xylia trees in fire-damaged areas have been discovered to be infected with fungi
such as Fomes, Polystictus and others. The presence of resin in the wood makes it resistant
to fungus and termites. The plant is affected by Oenospila quadraria, Sauris sp. and Buzura
sp., however the infestation is not severe.
• Injuries: As manure, the leaves are lopped. During the heat season, deer and bioson
browse the seedlings, causing significant harm by trampling them. Weevils are seed eaters.
80
SOP-Plantation Techniques
References
Bakshi, B. K. (1976). Forest pathology: principles and practice in forestry. Forest pathology:
principles and practice in forestry.
Beeson CFC (1993) Forest Insects of India. Shiva offset Press, Dehradun.
Crowe P, Ridley D & Smith B (1997) Plantation Establishment and Maintenance. In: Forest
Practices Code. Forest Planning and Environment Division, Forests NSW, Australia.
Dave RK (2011) Vriksharopan margdarshika. Technical bulletin no.56. SFRI, Jabalpur.
Dwivedi A (1993) A textbook of Silviculture. International book distributors, Dehradun.
Gupta, R. K. (1993). Multipurpose trees for agroforestry and wastelands utilization. Pg.154-
157.
Hardianto EB (2005) Guidelines for plantation establishment and maintenance. Forest
technical report, Bali.
Jaishankar I, Augustine B (2019) Prospectus of Noni cultivation in Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. ICAR-CIARI.
James AD (2001) Handbook of nuts. (Accessed from: https://hort.purdue.edu/ Dated: Feb,
2022)
Kala CP (2016). Important Gum Yielding Species Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb.) Bedd., Boswellia
serrata Roxb. and Sterculia urens Roxb.: Ethnobotany, Population Density and Management.
Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 4(3):61-65.
Klinka K & Feller MC (1984) Principles Used in Selecting Tree Species for Regeneration of
Forest Sites in Southwestern British Columbia. The Forestry Chronicle.
Krishnakumar N, Palanisamy K, Hegde M, Warrior KCS & Krishnamoorthy M (2010) Manual
of Economically Important Forestry Species in South India. IFGTB-ICFRE, Tamil Nadu.
Kukrety S (2011) Restoration Of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.) Forests For Ecological
And Economic Benefits. M.Sc. Dissertation. University of Florida.
Kumar V (1995) Nursery and plantation practices. Scientific publishers, Jodhpur.
Kundu M & Schmidt, LH (ed.) (2018) Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale. Seed Leaflet, no.169.
Kundu M & Schmidt, LH (ed.) (2018) Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth, Seed Leaflet, no. 171.
Kundu M & Schmidt, LH (ed.) & Jørgensen, MJ (ed.) (2012). Madhuca longifolia (Koenig) J. F.
Macb. Seed Leaflet no. 156.
Lin TT (2006). Natural Incidence, Biological Study and Control of Some Insect Pests in
Terminalia belerica Roxb.
Luna RK (2006) Plantation forestry in India. International book distributors, Dehradun .
Mohammad N, Rajkumar M, Singh K, Nain N, Singh S, Rao G & Prakasham U (2021). Spacing,
Pit Size and Irrigation Influence Early Growth Performances of Forest Tree Species.
Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 33(1): 69–76.
81
SOP-Plantation Techniques
Muthupandiyan S, Gireesan K & Kannan CS (2019) Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale - A
Promising Tree for Domestication. IJAEB, 12(3): 225-228.
Nachne NS (2017) Ropani Margdarshika. Technical bulletin no. 67, Seed Technology
Department, SFRI, Jabalpur.
NMPB (2008) Agro-techniques of selected medicinal plants. Department of AYUSH, Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Pg. 193-197.
Prakash R (2007) Plantation and nursery techniques. International Book Distributors,
Dehradun
Prakash R, Chaudhary DC and Negi SS (1991) Propagation practice of important Indian trees.
International book distribution, Dehra Dun, India. 431-435 pp.
Ravindranath NH, Bhatt DN & Swami VS (2004). Nursery mannual for forest tree species.
Orient Longman publications.
Reddy DB & Jhoshi. NC (1968) Plant Protection in India. Allied Publishers, New Delhi
Sanjit SK (2016) Parashi (Cleistanthus collinus Roxb.)-A Multipurpose Plant of Ethno-botanical
Importance in South West Bengal of India. Indian Journal of Ecology, 43(1): 426-430.
Sarvade S, Gautam D, Bhalawe S & Bisen PK (2016) An overview of potential multipurpose
agroforestry tree species, Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels in India. Journal of Applied and
Natural Science, 8(3), 1714–1719.
Sidhu AS (2012). Jackfruit Improvement in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Status Report. APAARI.
Singh S (2007) 17 Chironji. Underutilized and Underexploited Horticultural Crops, 2, 295.
Singh S, Singh AK, Bagle BG & More TA (2008) Mahua- A multipurpose tree for tribals.
Technical Bulletin no. 32, Central Institute of Arid Horticulture, Bikaner.
Singh S, Singh AK, Bagle BG & More TA (2010) Chironji: A Potential Dry Fruit for Dry Lands.
Technical Bulletin No. 33. Central Institute of Arid Horticulture, Bikaner.
Singh S, Singh AK, Singh HP & Bagle BC (2011). The Jamun (Syzygium cumini skeels). Technical
Bulletin, ICAR, Lucknow.
Singh S. (1985) Forest Pathology in India: Problems and Control Strategies. Indian Forester,
1038-1052.
Sukhadiya M, Chintan D, Behera L, Mehta A, Huse S & Gunaga R (2019) Indian Kino Tree
(Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.): Biography of Excellent Timber Tree Species. 4.
Tamil Nadu Forest Department: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) For Carrying Out
Plantations Inside and Outside Reserved Forest Areas in Tamil Nadu. Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests, CHENNAI-15.
Troup, R. S. (1975). Silviculture of Indian trees (Revised edition). Forest Research Institute
Press, Dehradun, India, 36.
Vasava D, Kher MM & Nataraj M. (2018) Bael tree (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa): importance,
biology, propagation and future perspectives. Trees, 32:1165–1198.
Whitmore TC and Ng FSP (Editors), (1972-1989). Tree flora of Malaya. A manual for foresters.
82
SOP-Plantation Techniques
4 volumes. Malayan Forest Records No 26. Longman Malaysia Sdn. Berhad, Kuala
Lumpur & jaya.
William MC (2001) Protecting Plantations from Pests and Diseases. Forest Plantations
Thematic Papers, FAO, Rome, Italy.
Websites
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/34620/67802995(Accessed on January 2022)
http://www.ncforestservice.gov/forest_health/pdf/FHH/FHH_Forest%20Pathology.
pdf(Accessed on March 2022)
https://www.jatrophabiodiesel.org/Madhuca%20Indica/madhuca-agronomy.
php(Accessed on January 2022)
https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/72987/1/Unit-3.pdf (Assessed on
February 2022)
https://www.cifor.org/feature/energy-from-forests/millettia-pongamia-pinnata/
(Accessed on March 2022)
83
SOP-Plantation Techniques
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx (Accessed on March 2022)
Photo Credits: Photos of tree species were taken from following websites:
https://indiabiodiversity.org/
84
Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education
(An autonomous body under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change)
P.O. New Forest, Dehradun - 248006 (Uttarakhand)