15 December 2020.

Introduction:

The Mansa unit of Punjab state Police is developing Miyawaki forests. The Bengaluru Hennagara Lake is to get a new life with Miyawaki Forests.

Miyawaki forest is a method of afforestation developed in Japan. It involves the planting of saplings in a small area resulting in formation of dense forests in relatively short time periods. The method is specifically used in urban areas to increase green cover. Some of the advantages of the method include low space requirements and lower chances of weed growth as the dense canopy prevents sunlight from reaching the ground.

About Miyawaki Afforestation Method:

• Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense, native forests.
• The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual.

• It is also called Potted Seedling Method.
• The technique is used to create dense multi-layered forests
• The Kerala Forest Department has adopted Miyawaki Afforestation Method to be used in government schools, offices and in waste lands.

How of Miyawaki Afforestation Method:

• For a multi-layered process, choose different species of plants like shrub layer (6 feet), sub-tree layer (6-12 feet), tree layer (20-40 feet) and canopy layer (above 40 feet). Do not place the same species next to each other.

Step 1: Identify Native Species

·         Make a list of all native species in your area. Go to your nearest nursery and buy the native saplings with an ideal height between 60-80 centimetres.

Step 2: Division:

Step 3:  Prepare the Soil:

• Ensure smooth and quick perforation of water to the roots by using biomass that is both spongy and dry like rice or wheat husk or groundnut shells.
• Add some water and moisture retainer, like cocopeat or sugarcane bagasse. ulch the soil with organic and bio-degradable ingredients, like agro-waste.
• This step protects the soil and prevents sunlight from directly hitting the plants.
• Finally, add organic fertilisers like manure or vermicompost.
• Include some beneficial microbes for nutrition and to keep the pesticides at bay.

Step 4:

Dig a one-metre-deep pit and plant 3-5 native saplings per square metre. Maintain a distance of 60 centimetres between the saplings and level the soil around the stem of the plant.

Step 5: Insert Sticks:

To ensure that plants do not bend in the initial period, insert support sticks inside the soil. Tie the plants to the sticks with jute strings. 

Step 6: Monitor:

• Water the forest once a day and keep the forest free from weeds for the first two years. Check the forest once or twice in a month for changes or improvements.
• For best results, do not prune or cut any trees.

Benefits of the method

·      It is a unique methodology proven to work worldwide, irrespective of soil and climate conditions.

• Approximately 30times more trees planted, as compared to conventional plantation techniques.
• A minimum of 300% more species in the same area as compared to conventional plantation species.
• A substantial 3000% increase in noise and dust isolation.
• Up to 30 times or more Carbon-dioxide absorption as compared to conventional forest.
• Guaranteed growth of at least 1 meter every year, in tree height.
• A completely maintenance free, wild and native forest after the first three years.
• A completely chemical-fertilizer free forest that sustains itself and supports local bio-diversity.
• Selection of plant species based on soil climate and usage;
• plantation techniques allowing for 10x faster growth.
• No maintenance required after 2 years; biodiverse plantations enabling ecosystems of birds and butterflies. 
• Customised modem day plantation that can be modified and inserted in everyday spaces available around us