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Rapid Afforestation
Miyawaki’s
Rapid Afforestation
CONTENTS
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
XII. After you have a rough idea of the type, then form a ribbon.
XIII. Determine exact soil type using ribbon test chart
(Note: loam is a mix of sand, silt and clay)
(Reference Video: TEST 2)
Summary of steps:
I. Get a palm full of soil, make it wet and knead it thoroughly.
II. Knead the soil to break down all aggregates.
III. Try to form a ball.
IV. If you cannot form a ball then the soil is Sandy.
V. If you can form a ball then it is some other soil type.
VI. Make soil ribbons and let them break under their own weight.
VII. If you are unable to form ribbons, then the soil is Loamy Sand
VIII. If it forms ribbon – then it is some other soil type
IX. If the ribbon formed is <= 2.5 cm ribbon, then it some kind of Loam soil. To determine
the type of Loam soil, here’s the test:
a. Place some soil in your palm
b. Make it excessively wet
c. Rub it thoroughly with your forefinger
d. Check whether it feels ‘Gritty’ or ‘Smooth’
e. Does it feel Smooth like flour, Gritty like Sugar or Gritty like Sand?
f. Very Gritty – Sandy loam
g. Very Smooth – Silt Loam
h. Neither Gritty Nor Smooth – Loam
IX. If the ribbon formed is 2.5-5 cm, then it some kind of Clay Loam soil. To determine
the type of Clay Loam soil, here’s the test:
a. Place some soil in your palm
b. Make it excessively wet
c. Rub it thoroughly with your forefinger
d. Check whether it feels ‘Gritty’ or ‘Smooth’
e. Does it feel Smooth like flour, Gritty like Sugar or Gritty like Sand?
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
MATERIALS SELECTION
I. Perforator
WHAT
Biomass that is spongy and dry in nature.
WHY
A new material needs to be added to the soil to help the plant roots perforate more. Thus, the
material should be such that root perforation is more than what occurs under normal soil conditions.
WHO
Forest maker. Materials-procurement person.
WHEN
After afforestation area is finalized.
HOW
The soil needs to be conditioned with a perforation material such as rice husk, wheat husk, crushed
corn husk. These materials are mainly used for animal feed. The main purpose is to add something
that increases the soil’s capacity to allow easy perforation of roots through itself. This allows the
roots to grow quickly as the perforation material acts like a root trainer that aidshealthy cultivation
of plant roots. One natural characteristic of any perforation material is that it feels spongy. Take
a fist full of the perforation material being tried. When you close and open your fist, the material
should feel like a sponge.
Husk is a by product and easily available at grain mills and animal feed stores. Few of the
suggested perforation materials would be. Ricehusk, wheat husk, corn husk (chipped), groundnut
shells (chipped) etc.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
III. Fertiliz er
WHAT
Compost
WHY
A new material needs to be added to the soil in order to improve its nutrient content. Thus, the
material should be such that nutrients already available in the soil get significantly increased.
This material takes care of any organic content and mineral deficiency discovered in the soil test.
WHO
Forest maker. Materials-procurement person.
WHEN
After afforestation area is finalized.
HOW
The material chosen should be organic in nature. There are different kinds of nourishment
materials that can be used, depending on region and availability, such as:
• Cow Manure
• Goat Manure
• Vermicompost
Farmyard manure is the best as it continues to decompose slowly in the soil. Manure is a slow
nutrient releasing plant fertilizer. It provides small amounts of nutrients over an extendedperiod.
Vermicompost on the other hand is already in a highly decomposed state, thus giving a quick
initial dose of nourishment to the soil. Its nourishment capacity reduces much faster compared
to farmyard manure. One needs to ensure that the manure is dry and old (2 to 3 years).
Good farmyard manure has fewer clumps. This makes it easier to mix it into the soil.
IV. MULCHING MATERIAL
WHAT
Mulching is the process of covering the soil with a suitable material. This is to be done as soon
as the plantation completes. Hence one needs to find a supplier and procure mulching material
in advance.
WHY
The mulch insulates and protects the soil. It prevents sunlight from falling directly on the soil.
This is especially important for the first 6-8 months as the plants are young. Direct sunlight on
the soil will make it dry and make the conditions difficult for the young saplings. It also plays a
huge role in preventing the water from evaporating.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
WHO
Owners/Creators
WHEN
Pre execution material procurement
HOW
There are lots of different kinds of materials that can be considered for mulching. Some examples
include:
• Rice straw
• Wheat Straw
• Corn stalk
• Barley Stalk
Ensure the following:
• Mulching material should be dry
• It should not have any seed content
• It should be bundled/tied up and packed properly for easy handling
Ensure that the material is unloaded in the area designated for it.
You must get the delivery truck weighed and get exact weight measurements. Quantity is 2 Kg
/ Square Meter.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
Step1 Make a database of all native species of your area. (Sample database in the end of this sheet)
Items indatabase:
Botanical The scientific name of the tree, sometimes you may find more than one scientific
Name: name of the tree, use the most common used scientific name in this case.
Common
List down what these trees are called locally, try to write the names in local lan-
Name in Local
guage script, it will most useful during procurement.
Language:
Type: Find out and list down whether the tree is Evergreen, Deciduous or Perennial.
A tree can have various advantages, however we want to restrict the listing to,
Advantage:
fruit, bird-attracting, flowering, wood, medicinal.
Height Tallest the specie of that tree can grow. (Use maximum height, not average)
A multilayer forest can have many layers but here we are going make every tree
listed in the database fit into either of 4 layers.
Shrub Layer: Also know as undergrowth, these are small trees which grow up to
a maximum of human height or a little taller.
Sub Tree Layer: Trees which are taller than human but in comparison to normal
trees found in forest are still small
Tree Layer: Common trees based on average height of trees in your geography.
Canopy Layer: Trees that grow into giants, these are the tallest trees in the local
forest.
For Example, in India the tallest tree grows up to 50 Meters, Shrub Layer = 2-6
Meters, Sub Tree= 6-15 Meters, Tree= 15-35 Meters and everything taller than
35 Meters is Canopy.
Mark each row with different colour based on the tree's layer.
Step2 Check the native species saplings availability in the nursery on following criteria.
Height of
Should be less than 1 Meter. Ideal height is 60 Centimeters to 80 Centimeters .
sapling
Major Species, Choose 5 different species to be the major forest species, these should be the spe-
cies which you commonly find in your area.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
Assign 8 to 10 percent to each of them. This will constitute 40-50% of number of trees in the forest.
Supporting Species,
Assign 2-4% to each specie to other common species of the area, the total will be 25-40%
*We should try to plant as many species as possible for biodiversity. However in smaller areas the
species which has percentage assigned below 0.5 % may not get included while placing the order.
Percentage
correction Tweaking the percentage distribution based on categorical subtotals
Based on Type: We want to create an evergreen forest, so total percentage of evergreen species
should exceed 70%.
Layer wise
distribution: Subtotal of each layer should vary between the given range.
Canopy Layer 15 to 20 %
Advantage, Assign higher percentages to trees based on their advantage of your choice, Example: if
you are planting a fruit forest, 50% of the species should be fruit bearing.
Sample Database Sample Plant Order List
Common Common Advantage
Sl. Botanical Name in Ht.
English Type Layer Availability %
No. Name Local (Mtrs)
Name 1 2
Language
Azadi-
Ex 1 rachta Turakevu Neem Evergreen Medicinal 25 Tree Yes 8
indica
Tectona
Ex 2 Sagavani Teak Deciduous Timber 40 Canopy Yes 3
grandis
Punica
Pome- Sub
Ex 4 grana- Daalimbe Perennial Fruit Birds 8 Yes 2
tum granate Tree
Jasmine Dundu-
Ex 5 Jasmin Evergreen Flower 3 Shrub Yes 2
sambac Mallige
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
DESIGN
I. Master Plan
WHAT
A master plan clearly indicates the area designated for afforestation.
WHY
The total area for afforestation (in Sq. Mtrs) is to be precisely calculated in order to determine
the amount of material required.
Project execution is planned on the basis of the master plan.
WHO
Chief architect of the project.
WHEN
Before we start project preparation.
HOW
Provide the essential requirements of afforestation to the architect and get the area sketched on
the master plan.
The essential requirements are:
1) Ideally, the Forest should be at-least 4 meters wide for maximum impermeability.
• The minimum width needed for Miyawaki Method of afforestation is 3 meters. However,
for best results, the ‘recommended’ width is 4 meters.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
WHY
For first two-three years, the forest has to be watered regularly.
WHO
Client’s architect or Afforestt’s recommended designer will do the pipeline design.
WHEN
Before we start project preparation.
HOW
A main line has to be designed based on daily water requirement for the entire area, backed by
bore wells and overhead tanks.
Essential requirements are.
1) The watering facility design has to be made with a main line with watering outlets
for hoses, which can reach the entire area of the forest.
• Main line capacity has to be ‘W X A’, where A is Afforestation area in sq. mtrs and W is
watering requirement in liters per sq. mtrs per day.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
HOW
Design the following spaces in AutoCAD on the master plan file:
1. Material storage area-
• It has to be 10% of the total afforestation area. One material storage area for every 4,000
sq. mtrs of afforestation area is required.
• Has to be within close proximity of the site.
• Approach road from storage area to afforestation area is essential.
2. Saplings storage area-
• It has to be 5% of the total afforestation area. One saplings storage area for every 4,000
sq. mtrs of afforestation area is required.
• Has to be within close proximity of the site.
• Approach road from storage area to afforestation area is essential.
3. Site office-
• Should have easy access to the entire afforestation area.
• Should have road connectivity to the entrance of the property.
4. Resting area for the labor-
• Covered area with drinking water facility and sitting area for meals.
• Should have washing area and toilets.
5. Tools and equipment storage area.
• Protected from rain and wind.
• Access to designated personnel only.
6. Approach roads to the afforestation area for earthmover access.
7. Approach roads to the material storage area and saplings storage area with truck access.
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SAMPLE SPECIES SELECTION AT MITAHAR
SL Scientific Name Common and Local name Specialty/Type Height Layer % Qty.
1 Thespesia populnea Paras Peepal, Indian Tulip Flower 12 sub tree 1 120
2 Sterculia urens Kadayo Exudes gum, edible roots & seeds 15 sub tree 2 240
3 Aegle Marmelos Bili, Bel, Stone apple, wood apple Fruit 18 tree 0.5 60
4 Citrus Limon (L) Burm.F Limbu Fruit 5 shrub 1 120
5 Limonia acidissima L. Kothi, Kotha Fruit, Medicinal 20 tree 0.5 60
Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
14
13 Mangifera indica Mango Fruit 40 canopy 1 120
14 Butea Monosperma Kesudo, Khakharo, Palash Flower 15 sub tree 1 120
Indian Rosewood
15 dalbergia sissoo Timber 30 tree 8 960
Sheesham, Moto Sisam
16 pterocarpus marsupium Indian Kino, Biyo Medicinal 30 tree 0.5 60
17 Derris Indica Karanj, Kanaji Biodiesel, leguminous, evergreen 20 tree 8 960
18 Bauhinia Variegata Kachnar, Purple Orchid Flower 12 sub tree 1 120
19 Cassia Fistula Amaltas, Garmaro Flower 12 Sub Tree 2 240
20 Cassia Javanica Java ki Rani, Pink Shower Flower 25 Tree 1 120
21 Saraca Indica Sita Ashok 15 Sub Tree 1 120
22 Acacia chundra Khair Heartwood yields cutch/kathha 15 Sub Tree 2 240
23 Acacia jacquemontii Rato Baval Fodder, Hardy Shrub 3 Shrub 2 240
24 Acacia Nilotica Desi Baval, Indian Gum Arabic Hardy, Fodder, Drought resistant 20 Tree 1 120
Hari Baval, Harmo Baval Hardy, Edible seeds, Nitrogen Fix-
25 acacia leucophloea 35 Canopy 2 240
White Bark Acacia ing
26 Acacia Senegal Gum Acacia, Garodia Baval Medicinal Gum 15 sub tree 2 240
Bishnoi tree, edible pods khejri
27 prosopis cineraria Khejri, Khijado, Shami 10 sub tree 2 240
'sangri'
28 Terminalia Arjun Arjun Birds 30 Tree 2 240
29 Terminalia Bellirica Bahera, Baheda Flowers, medicinal 50 Canopy 2 240
30 Psidium guajava Guava Fruit 15 sub tree 1 120
31 Syzygium cumini Jambu, Jamun Fruit 30 tree 4 480
32 Anthocephalus indicus Kadamb Medicinal 45 Canopy 2 240
33 Manilkara hexandra Khirni, Ceylon Iron Wood, Rayan Flower 20 Tree 4 480
34 Mimusops elengi Bullet Wood, Bakul Fruit 20 Tree 0.5 60
35 Salvadora Oleoides Khabar, Peelu, Bada Peelu Fruit 9 Sub Tree 2 240
36 Salvadora Persica Peelu Twigs used as toothbrush 6 Shrub 3 360
37 Alstonia scholaris Daevasurippi, Saptparni Flower 40 Canopy 2 240
38 Carissa congesta Karamdi, Karaunda Edible 5 Shrub 2 240
39 Cordia dichotoma Lasuda, Moto Gundo Flower 10 Sub Tree 2 240
40 Cordia sinensis Goondi Birds, edible fruit 12 Sub Tree 2 240
Indian cork tree
41 Millingtonia hortensis Flower 25 Tree 1 120
15
neem chameli, desi buch
42 Tectona grandis Teak Timber 40 Canopy 1 120
43 Vitex Negundo Nirgundi, Nagod, Dhuni Medicinal 8 Sub Tree 1 120
44 Santalum album Indian Sandalwood, Chandan Timber 9 Sub Tree 1 120
45 Drypetes roxburghii Putranjeeva Medicinal 12 Sub Tree 1 120
46 Emblica Officinalis Aamla Fruit 18 Tree 8 960
47 Ficus benghalensis Banyan Birds 30 Tree 1 120
48 Ficus Tsiela Basari (Beli), piper 20 Tree 1 120
49 Ficus drupacea Pipli wasp, birds 25 Tree 1 120
TOTAL 100 12000
Total 49 100
Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
PREPARATIONS
I. PHYSICAL PROJ ECT EXECUTION READINESS CHECK.
WHAT
A site visit is a physical inspection or survey of the prospective site being considered for forest
creation.
WHY
A site visit helps in determining feasibility and scope of being able to plant a forest on the
prospective site. It will help the creators of the forest assess the prospective site on key parameters
that need to be fulfilled under pre project preparations.
WHO
The site should first be visited by the owners of the land. This sometimes becomes important
when the owners have been living away from the site and are not aware of actual conditions on
ground. For e.g. the approach road to the site might be blocked and needs to be fixed before
planning afforestation. The site should then be visited by the forest creators.
WHEN
This is the very first step.
HOW
1. Go to the site and take pictures of the proposed afforestation area.
2. Check the site for Afforestation Readiness by confirming the availability of.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
• Fencing
• Maintenance Staff
• Running Water
• Sunlight
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
WHEN
Essential part of pre execution area preparation
HOW
Clearing out should be done manually or with machine. Remember the following:
• The weeds being pulled out should be thrown away from the site or else it tends to
re-grow.
• Weed growth is not greenery. Weeds take away nutrition from the soil. Soil needs a
proper forest cover, for it to remain healthy and nutritious. Wild undergrowth in a forest
should not be confused with wild weed growing across a property that has been left
unchecked.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
WHEN
Before material procurement.
HOW
On sites that have been lying vacant for too long, path making to and from the unloading area is
only about clearing out all the weed growth. Additionally, one needs to keep in mind that trucks
and tractors have enough space on the paths to drive.If the path is just earth/soil, then make sure
that it does not have big rock boulders and stones. This ensures safety. The path could be gravel,
sand, soil, stone paved or tar.
VII. MOUND IDENTIFICATION BOARDS ON SITE
WHAT
As explained earlier, forest creation happens on mounds. Once the earthwork is done, what we
create is a ‘mound’ on which the actual plantation happens. Each mound to be dug up and planted
should have a serial number.
WHY
A unique serial number given to each mound will help in the following ways:
• It will give us the order in which the areas demarcated need to be dug out
• It gives us the order in which the mounds are created and planted upon. This gives the
exact age of each mound. This helps in tracking growth and survival with start date
indicated by the number given to the mound.
WHO
Signages should be made in-house by the owners. Installation should be done by the creators.
Check illustration as example
WHEN
Essential part of pre execution area preparation
HOW
Here’s how this needs to be done:
1. Each mound typically is 100 square meters. Once demarcated for digging, it should have
a board/signage next to it with its serial number.
2. This is the order that needs to be followed in earthwork and plantation.
3. Remember that when the earth is dug out, all the soil is dumped next to the trench.Do not
start digging work in front of this trench, unless the plantation for it completes. Any digging
in front will block access to the original trench. Thus, in this case, digging work for the
second mound should begin only when the first one has been planted.
4. One must remember that the order in which the earthwork and planting needs to happen,
should be fixed keeping in mind easy accessibilityand free working area for each mound.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
Name:
Site readiness Check sheet - Forest Creation Approximate Area Date:
Status &
Sl.
Key Checks Comments
No.
(OK/ X / NA
1 Sunlight: The site should get sunlight for a minimum period of 8-9 hours in a day.
Underground clearance: No pipes/drains/wires should be present under the af-
2a
forestation area, to a minimum depth of 1 meter.
If pipes, drains, wires etc. are present underground, then they should be clearly
2b
marked on the drawing.
Clear the Site: Confirm that the site is clear from waste of any form (debris, metal
3
etc.) and is nothing but an empty space to work.
Soil: Uniform presence of soil beneath the surface to be confirmed. Any presence
4a of construction debris, rock boulders, bricks, inorganic waste, metal scrap etc. to be
ruled out.
If this cannot be confirmed, then it is to be checked using excavation machine, by
4b
digging up to 1.5-2 meters at 5-6 random points across the site.
Water: Watering requirement: 5 Liters/ Sq. Meter/ Day. Total Requirement Per
5a
Day
Confirm presence of water connection, with main line running along the periphery
5b
of the site.
5c Confirm connections with hose-pipes(+showers) that can cover the entire site.
Biomass Unloading and Mixing Area: Identify and mark approx 400 sq m closest
6a
possible space to the site.
6b Ensure clear connectivity to 'entry' and 'exit' gates of the property.
Identify and mark the path connecting the "Biomass Unloading and Mixing Area"
6c
to the site.
Sapling Unloading and Stocking Area: Identify and mark approx 400 sq m clos-
7a
est possible space to the site.
7b Ensure clear connectivity to 'entry' and 'exit' gates of the property.
7c This area should have proper water connections for watering of the saplings.
Identify and mark the path connecting the "Sapling Unloading and Stocking Area"
7d
to the site.
Protection: Confirm presence of fence and security, to avoid any possible damage
8
to the site in future from machines, humans or cattle.
Onsite office: Confirm access to a room for Afforestt personnel for discussions,
9
meetings and breaks.
Labor Resting Area: confirm presence of a designated area for the workers to rest
10
and have water.
Equipment Storage Room: Confirm presence of a room that can be locked after
11
the end of a work day.
Physical demarcation: Confirm demarcation using limestone powder, sticks,
12
ropes etc.
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Afforestation-Project Execution BOM for Alaap Prepared on 27-07-2017
Afforestation Area (Fixed) 200 Sq. Mtrs. Project execution Start date (Not fixed)
Plantation Density (Fixed) 3 Saplings Per Sq Mtr Project execution End Date (Not fixed)
Working hours per day (Man)
Execution Time (Variable) 5 Days 8
Daily Area Covered During Earth Work 40 Sq. Mtrs. Working hours per day (Machine) 8
Number of Trees Planted 600 Number Afforestt's Personnel on Site 1 or 2
Estimated project cost 1,81,420 INR
Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
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Mulch Ton 1.00 Hoe 5
Gardening
Saplings Numbers 600.0 4
Fork/Rake
Support sticks Numbers 600.0 Dustbins 0
Pegs Numbers 40.0
Support stick rope Meters 200.0
Lime Stone Powder Kg 30.0
Tying rope Meters 300.0
Stickers for saplings Numbers 30.0
Cost Estimation
Item Unit Per Sq Mtr Unit Unit Cost Unit Qty Per day Per day cost Total Unit Qty Total Cost
Man n Machine 40,000
JCB- 3DX 0.2 Hours 0 8 0 40 0
Hitachi 0.2 Hours 0 8 0 40 0
Tipper 0.2 Hours 0 8 0 40 0
Manpower 0.625 Mandays 320 25 8,000 125 40,000
Material- Consumables 83,890
Perforator 0.006 Ton 20,000 0.2 4,800 1.20 24,000
Jeevamrutha 0.75 Liters 35 30.0 1,050 150.00 5,250
Manure 0.015 Ton 10,000 0.6 6,000 3.00 30,000
Coco-peat 0 Ton 0.0 0 0.00 0
Mulch 0.005 Ton 5,000 0.2 1,000 1.00 5,000
Saplings 3 Numbers 30 120 3,600 600.00 18,000
Support Sticks 3 Numbers 1 120 120 600.00 600
Pegs 0.2 Numbers 3 8 24 40.00 120
Support stick rope 1 Meters 1 40.0 40 200.00 200
Lime Stone Powder 0.15 Kg 8 6.0 48 30.00 240
Tying rope for mulch 1.5 Meters 2 60.0 90 300.00 450
Stickers for saplings 0.15 Numbers 1.000 6 6 30.00 30
Cost Estimation
Item Per Sq Mtr Unit Quantity Total Cost
Material-Tools and Equipments 4,830
25
Plastic Cutter 0.025 Numbers 20 5 100
Pans 0.025 Numbers 300 5 1,500
Buckets 0.025 Numbers 300 5 1,500
Trowel 0.025 Numbers 100 5 500
Hoe 0.025 Numbers 150 5 750
Gardening Fork/Rake 0.02 Numbers 120 4 480
Safety Gear 12,700
Safety jackets 0.05 Numbers 700 10 7,000
Helmets 0.05 Numbers 10 0
Gloves 0.05 Numbers 120 10 1,200
Gumboots 0.05 Numbers 450 10 4,500
Facilities-Fixed 40,000
Saplings storage area 0.005 Number 1 0
Material Storage Area 0.005 Number 1 0
Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
EXECUTION
I. MATERIAL MIXING
WHAT
The materials (perforator, water retainer, nourishment material and biomass) have to be thoroughly
mixed.
WHY
The 3/4 materials must be uniformly mixed into the soil. For this, the materials should be first
mixed separately with each other.
WHO
You will require an earthmover (J CB/Hitachi etc.) along with laborers to do the material mixing.
WHEN
Project Execution Stage.
HOW
• Ensure that the materials are mixed in the exact same ratios as what has been fixed
initially i.e. for every 100 square meter of forest: Example:
• Mixing should be done to achieve consistency and uniformity i.e. if you fill up a small
bowl with the mixed material, you should be able to see all the 3 materials.
• We should make sure that the material does not have clumps.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
Above: Excavation or 1 meter trench digging, dumping back half the soil
spreading half of the biomass, then followed by mixing
Above: Dumping remaining half of the soil into the pit and
spreading the remaining biomass on top of the soil
III. PLANTATION
WHAT
Mound making is immediately followed by plantation
WHY
Key aspect of forest creation
WHO
Volunteers/Laborers
WHEN
Execution stage
HOW
The following steps need to be followed:
Step 1: Place the plants on the mound so as to create a multi layered forest. For this, try to group
plants belonging to different layers in each square meter. For e.g.
• Sub Tree, Shrub, Tree
• Tree, Shrub, Canopy
• Sub tree, Shrub, Canopy,
• Sub Tree, Tree, Canopy
• Tree, Sub Tree, Tree
• Sub Tree, Canopy, Sub Tree
Note:
• Try as far as possible not to place 2 trees of the same kind next to each other.
• The combinations or groups are completely dependent on species that have been selected
and the number of trees allocated to each layer.
• Do not follow a pattern when placing trees on the mound. Let the trees follow a random
zigzag pattern.
• This is a natural forest w here some species will dominate the others. It is healthy
competition. Hence, it is absolutely fine if you are unable to have trees belonging to 3
different layers in each group. After a point you will run out of certain species and will
end up having 2 species belonging to the same layer close to each other, or for that
matter even the same species next to each other. Tree positioning on the mound can
only be controlled to a certain extent. Nonetheless it is an important exercise.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
Step 2: Use a trowel or a hoe to dig a small pit on the mound. The pit should be only slightly
bigger than bag size of the plant. Put the plant in the pit to check if the root bag sits comfortably
in it.
Step 3: Dip the root bag in a bucket of water. Allow the air bubbles to come out of the bag, wait
till entire air is drained out.
Step 4: Cut the cover of the root bag/pouch. Only cut the cover, do not cut into the soil
Step 5: Place one hand under the root ball while holding the stem with the other. Place the plant
into the pit without removing your hand from the bottom. Fill the pit with the soil outside. The
soil should be leveled gently around the stem of the plant. Hold the plant from the stem and gently
remove your hand from the bottom of the plant. Once leveled, do not press the soil. In other
words, we need to ensure that the soil is not compacted by hand and is left loose around the plant.
NOTE: Ensure that at any given point in time, there are no more than 8-10 people on the mound.
The idea is to plant on loose soil. Mixing and mound making are important to aerate the soil.
Minimum footprint on the mound will ensure minimum compaction.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
2. Dip the root ball or root bag in the bucket of water. Allow air bubbles to
come out of the bag and wait until air is completely drained out.
4. Carefully place one hand under the root ball while gently holding
the stem with the other. Place the plant into the pit without removing
your hand from the bottom. Fill the pit with the soil around. The soil
should be leveled gently around the stem of the plant. Steady the plant
by holding on to the stem and slowly remove your hand from the
bottom of the plant. Once leveled, do not press or compact the soil.
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
Above: Plantation and mulching Bamboo Pegs nailed into the ground
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Miyawaki’s Rapid Afforestation
V. MULCHING
WHAT
Mulching is the process of covering the soil with a suitable material. This is to be done as soon
as the plantation completes.
WHY
The mulch insulates and protects the soil. It prevents sunlight from falling directly on the soil.
This is especially important for the first 6-8 months,as the plants are young. Direct sunlight on
the soil will make it dry and make the conditions difficult for the young saplings. It also plays a
huge role in preventing the water from evaporating.
WHO
Volunteers/Laborers
WHEN
Post plantation
HOW
• The mulch should be evenly laid out
• The mulching material should not fall on the saplings. It should only cover the soil
• The layer of mulch should be thick (5-7 inches)
• Once the mulching material has been laid out, it should be tied down to the ground
using a rope. Here’s how: - Nail bamboo pegs around the forest, at the periphery. - Use
a rope to tie the pegs to each other, pressing down upon the mulch and keeping it intact.
This will prevent the mulch from flying around - Hammer 30 pegs around every 100
square meter mound. These should be 1.5-2 feet in length and pointed at one end so
that they can be hammered into the ground. - For every mound you will require 3-4 kgs
of jute rope for tying
Rope tied to the pegs to hold the mulch down Above: Mulch and Support Sticks
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Thus, when the forest grows, it looks as wild and dense as any
natural forest. Here are some photographs of our grown forests:
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• With a small knife or your thumbnail, gently scratch the outer/bark layer of the plant a
few inches above the soil.
• If you find wet tissue beneath the bark layer, with a slight greenish hue, then this is a
living tissue and indicates survival.
• If the layer beneath is dry, brittle and brown, then it indicates that the tree has failed to
live.
• Refer to the following images:
Once the number of trees surviving per patch (per 100 square meters) has been counted, the
consolidated data or species wise data can be recorded.
Growth- In order the measure the overall growth of the forest, selected species need to be marked
and measured on the date fixed (monthly or bi-monthly). Usually, one sapling each from 50%
of the species planted is marked for measurement. We can use different methods to mark the
selected species. One of the methods is to use a round plastic pipe with a number, name of specie
and plantation date. For e.g.: Measure up to the highest "point" or the highest tip, which could
either, be stalk or leaf. Please refer to these images for reference:
Tree Height (This is for big trees. We are only concerned with the image here and not the formula)
Living tissue:
Dead tissue:
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Maintenance Instructions:-
1) Regular watering: This is absolutely essential to ensure forest health and survival. Watering
should be done once in a day, either early morning or late evening, but not during the day time.
Watering with hose pipe and shower (at the end of the pipe).
Only water the forest using a shower at the end of the pipe. Strong water force could be
detrimental to plant health and soil stability. If the forest is watered excessively (accidentally
or others wise), then it should be given 1-2 days to dry before the next watering. Watering
is to be done to ensure maintenance of soil moisture. The soil should notbecome completely
dry.
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2) De-weeding: De-weeding simply involves not allowing anything else to grow in the forest,
apart from what we have planted. Thus, grass and weeds need to be kept out. We must keep the
forest weed -free for the first 2-3 years. As soon as the forest starts growing, weed growth too
will stop. However, grasses and weeds can potentially kill the young saplings in the forest.
3) Ensure plants are not under any stress: They should not get buried under the mulch and they
should be kept straight with the help of their respective support sticks.
4) Plant stems should only be loosely tied to their support sticks else they get choked.
Plant has been very tightly tied to its Choked plant stem.
support stick.
5) Keep the forest clean: No litter of any inorganic form (plastic, paper etc.) should be left in the
forest.
6) Drainage: Water should not get accumulated anywhere in the forest. Thus, one should check
for any possible water pipeline leakages etc. Proper drainage system should be maintained.
7) Do not disturb the plantation in any way: Some plants will show initial signs of shock, such
as leaves and stems drying out. No re-planting or intervention is required at this stage. Mortality
rate will be checked after at least 3-4 months after planting. Usual mortality rate is anywhere
between 2-5 percent. If a lot of the planted species are deciduous, they will shed their leaves and
it is not a cause for concern.
8) Do Not use any chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides or inorganic fertilizers: The forest is
well equipped to take care of itself. If you notice any pests, they too should be left undisturbed.
The forest will slowly build its own mechanism to keep itself healthy.
On this leaf we can notice some pests. They should be left undisturbed.
This is seasonal and will go on its own.
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9) Always keep the forest floor covered with a thick layer of mulch: The mulching done during
forest creation needs to be maintained for at least one year. The forest floor/soil needs to be
re-mulched with time. Dry uncovered soil is detrimental to the forest health.
11. Protect the Mounds and plants: Insert iron/wooden rods at the 4 corners of each mound, so
that the watering pipe does not drag around and damage the plants.
Pipe dragging over the mound. Notice the wooden sticks at the corners.
12. NEVER create raised beds to accumulate water in the forest. Stagnant water will kill plant
roots.
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13. NEVER cut or prune even a single stem in the forest. Natural forests are never pruned. If any
cutting or pruning is done, the forest will become weaker. Dr.Miyawaki says, "No maintenance
is the best maintenance. If a forest requires maintenance after the first 2-3 years then it's a fake
forest."
14. NEVER remove the mulch or the forest's organic matter (leaves, flowers, twigs, seeds, wood,
stems) from the forest floor. If organic matteris removed and the soil is exposed, it will kill good
soil microbiology and degrade the forest.