180 native tree saplings planted in city

Trichy: Pursuing the Miyawaki method, a Japanese technique of growing dense plantation of various

native

tree saplings planted close to each other, around 180 native saplings were planted at Armoury Gate in Ponmalai locality here on Saturday. This is part of the ‘Forest in Trichy city’ initiative from corporates and non-governmental organizations (NGO).

Organised jointly by Trichy-based VDart Technologies and Shine Treechy NGO, the Miyawaki method of afforestation was carried out in a 2,000-square-foot of railway land in Ponmalai. Eighteen varieties of native trees including fruit-bearing trees like mango, guava and gooseberry were planted closely within 2 to 2.5 feet gap between the saplings.

Organisers said that they had opted Miyawaki method as it requires only a small packet of land to grow a dense forest in the city. “In normal plantation drive, the saplings are planted for an equal distance varying between 5-10 feet or in a linear manner. But, in Miyawaki, a proven method of growing dense plantation in cities like Bengaluru, the gap between saplings is too small,” D Manoj, one of the organizers.

Prior to the drive, the land chosen for cultivation was furrowed with machinery to deposit vermicompost. Southern Railway’s Trichy division had agreed to maintain the plantation by watering the saplings every day, organizers added. In the next few days, the gap between the saplings shall be covered with paddy straws to ensure moisture.