Miyawaki Method of Plantation and its Benefits

Context: During the recently concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh government implemented the Miyawaki Method for afforestation & to create “oxygen banks” and increase green cover.

About Miyawaki Method of Plantation

• Miyawaki Method is a technique for creating forests quickly using native trees on degraded land. It is based on principles of natural reforestation and is effective in urban areas.
• Developed by: Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, it is also called the pot plantation method.
• It involves planting native species of trees and shrubs very close together, accelerating their growth.
• Plants grow up to 10 times faster with this technique compared to traditional methods.
• It helps create self-sustaining forests in a short period by mimicking natural ecosystems.
• The method is particularly effective in urban areas where space is limited and is used to combat deforestation, climate change and urban pollution.

Benefits

• Fast-growing: The trees grow quickly, which helps create forest cover quickly
• High biodiversity: Miyawaki forests have higher biodiversity than neighbouring woodlands.
• Carbon capture: The trees capture more carbon.
• Climate remediation: The method can help remedy soil, air, water, and climate issues.

Key Features of Miyawaki Method

Focus on Native Species

• Only indigenous tree species are planted to ensure high survival rates.
• These trees require less water, fertilizers and maintenance after the initial phase.

High-Density Plantation

• Plants are placed 3-5 saplings per square meter, creating dense green cover.
• The close spacing forces trees to compete for sunlight, resulting in rapid vertical growth.

Fast Growth & Self-Sustaining Forests

• Trees grow 10 times faster than in traditional afforestation methods.
• A fully developed forest can be achieved in 20-30 years instead of 100-200 years.
• After 3 years, forests become self-sustaining, requiring minimal human intervention.

Multi-Layered Forest Structure

It mimics a natural forest with four layers of vegetation:

• Shrubs (small bushes and plants)
• Sub-trees (medium-sized trees)
• Canopy trees (tall trees forming a dense upper cover)
• Emergent trees (the tallest trees extending beyond the canopy).

Applications of the Miyawaki Method

• Urban forest projects
• Restoration of degraded lands
• Combatting desertification
• Beautification of residential and industrial spaces

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