Some OP Pics

PREPARING THE SITE – Schedule of works is important to ensure the land preparation and seedlings availability coincide with suitable weather conditions

1) In the forest trees undergrowth are slashed before the bigger tress are felled using power chainsaws at 2-5 feet from the ground, depending on the girth of the tree base.

2) Mechanical stacking using excavators is preferred by plantations but for smallholders, looping/stacking of felled trees using power chainsaws are more practical, stacking the cut branches and trunks at fixed interrows interval keeping in mind the final planting point pegging for the palm trees itself.

3) Accessible road construction is needed in the next stage. Where necessary, hilly areas may need terraces and planning of roadworks should keep this in mind. Basic culverts and bridges should be constructed in strategic sites to ensure good drainage do not spoil the road constructed.

4) You must protect the soil against the sun, for the sun burns the soil and destroys the humus.

5) At the beginning of the rainy season, sow a cover crop; a mixture of Pueraria javanica, Centrosema pubescens, and Calopogonium muconoïdes. Sow 4 to 6 kilogrammes of seed per hectare.