PAU’s Miyawaki forest grows denser

Ludhiana: Nearly a year after it was planted, the Miyawaki forest at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has grown denser showcasing the rapid growth the technique is known for. With the onset of the monsoon season, the forest is expected to grow even faster, providing researchers with a timely opportunity to scientifically assess its ecological benefits and limitations. Planted on a one-acre area inside near gate no 1, the Miyawaki forest comprises over 42 species, including ‘kikkar', ‘phalsa', ‘sohanjna', ‘pappdi', and ‘lasuda'. The initiative was launched not only as a green project, but as a controlled research study to compare this dense plantation method with a conventional mini-forest that has been planted nearby with standard spacing.The Miyawaki forest at PAU was supported under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Vardhman Special Steel with additional facilitation from EcoSikh, an environmental organization that promotes native afforestation, and is maintained by the organisation. Experts generally are divided over the long term effectiveness of Miyawaki technique as dominant species in the long term tend to survive by competing for sunlight and space over the other species, but it provides a denser ecosystem for species to grow faster in the beginning and needs less maintenance. Although the university has not advocated for Miyawaki technique, the Miyawaki forest at the campus now gives an opportunity to experts to study the pros and cons more closely and deeply, that would steer the direction of the decisions, PAU experts say."Near the Miyawaki forest, we have also gotten trees planted in a planned way as per the distance required by different species. This would aid in the parallel research and study of the growth and effectiveness of Miyawaki and traditional methods," Dr RIS Gill, estate officer and dean college of horticulture and forestry, said. "We'll be observing how different species are competing, co-existing, and responding to natural conditions. The aim is to understand both benefits and challenges of this high-density plantation model vis a vis planned afforestation," he added. To assess the long-term viability and sustainability of Miyawaki forests in conditions in Punjab, PAU researchers will conduct parallel study of both the Miyawaki plot and a conventionally spaced mini-forest. What is Miyawaki technique?The Miyawaki technique, developed in Japan by botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki, involves planting multiple native species closely together to recreate the layered structure of natural forests. The method tends to encourage rapid canopy formation, improved soil health, and higher biodiversity. Trees planted using this approach are known to grow 10 times faster in height and form 30 times denser forests than traditional methods. But the long term benefits of the technique remains debated. For example, even though it is claimed that Miyawaki forest expedites carbon sequestration, that may not true, Dr Gurvinder Pal Singh Dhillon, HoD, department of forestry and natural resources, said. However, on the campus, the research work of the forest has been given to different departments that would carry out study of the forest and its impact from different aspects, including biodiversity, under same climatic conditions, and its pros and cons over traditional planting would be researched, he added.Some of the parameters include growth rate, survival rate, canopy development, biodiversity impact, maintenance, etc "We would study which model responds better to seasonal cycles and climatic variations. Only once the studies are carried out, would it be possible to point, concepts and techniques are better," Dr Gill said. The findings from this project are expected to help shape future reforestation policies across Punjab and other parts of northern India. As urban and industrial areas seek green cover solutions, data from PAU could guide government bodies, industries, schools, and environmental NGOs in selecting the right afforestation techniques for long-term impact, another scientist added.