Planting methods:
There are numerous methods for planting out in such waste lands. Each method has its special features. Choice of appropriate method depends on kind of planting materials and planting sites, and its fertility. Some of the important methods for plantation establishment in waste lands are given below:
- Pit planting
A pit of 1 ft x 1 ft is prepared. A seedling with ball of earth is placed and held vertically in the pit. Roots are spread in the natural position. A mixture of soil of same pit, 1 kg organic matter and 500 grams soil (for Mycorrhiza or Rhizobium) of a forest where the planting species is grown should be mixed and placed around the plant in the pit.
Soil is made firm by pressing with heal. Plant is buried in the soil up to its collar or a little more. The pit should be irrigated with ample amount of water. A ridge may be provided around the pit in order to retain more water for the plant, but not water logged.
- Mound planting
This method should be applied in temporarily water logging sites, in which a heap of soil made and the plant is planted at the top in a small pit or hole. The plant is water in the beginning until its roots get in touch with ground water. For large scale planting mound may be replaced by ridges.
For better plant growth, mixture of soil of same field, 1 kg organic matter and 500 grams soil of a forest where the planting species is grown should be mixed and placed around the plant in the pit or hole.
- Notch planting
It consists of making a slit in the soil with a narrow blade shovel. The roots of the plants are inserted into the notch before closing and pressing it with heal. It may used in conjunction with other planting methods. This method is useful for entire plants with naked roots as well as seedling prepared by root and shoot cutting (Sissoo seedlings).
- Dibble planting
A hole is made in the soil with the help of a planting rod. The plant is inserted in the hole and is made firm with a lever action of the planting rod. This method may be used in conjunction with other planting method. This method is also useful for entire plants with naked roots as well as seedling prepared by root and shoot cutting (Sissoo seedlings).
Notch and dibble planting are extremely cheap and fast planting methods. These methods also give very good result provided there is not any unusual problem with the soil.
- Berm or slot planting
Planting in this case is done on berm (edge) of a pit or trench. This method is applied where rainfall is very variable and unpredictable and where plants may suffer either from drought or drowning/water logging.
The pit or trench conserves and supplies water without any fear of drowning where as mound or ridge provides shelter against hot wind. It gives very good result.
Planting seasons
In Nepal, most of the trees are planting in rainy season (June –July). However, some deciduous tree species like Popular, Mulberry etc are planted in Januray-February which is propagated by cuttings. If there is irrigation facility, we can plant trees at any season