Miyawaki Project

Layout

• Total area: 5.45 acres
• Zoning & Pathways:

  The area will be divided into nine plantation zones, with a 4-meter-wide pathway along the periphery and between the zones. . Each zone will be further divided into two blocks, separated by a 2-meter-wide sub-pathway, with an additional narrow maintenance path provided within each block. This layout ensures that approximately 80% of the area is dedicated to plantations, while around 20% is reserved for pathways

  

• Need for Pathways & Zoning:

  Since Miyawaki plantations are ultra-dense and become impenetrable once established, these pathways are essential for maintenance, watering, monitoring, and survival assessment, especially during the first 2–3 years.

• Planting Density:

  3 to 4 saplings per sq.m

• Estimated Number of Saplings:

  Based on net plantation area, approximately 60,000 saplings will be required.

• Need for Biodiversity in Miyawaki Forests:

  Biodiversity is central to the Miyawaki method, which seeks to replicate the complexity and resilience of natural forests. Planting a wide variety of native species ensures ecological balance, enhances soil health, supports a range of pollinators and wildlife, and increases overall forest stability. Diverse species with varying growth rates and canopy structures create a natural stratification, enabling faster canopy formation and long-term sustainability. This diversity also minimizes the risk of total failure due to pests, diseases, or climate stress.

• Recommended species diversity is 100 plus for a larger area of 5 acres

• Plantation Methodology (Layered Approach) suitable for semi-arid region:
  • Shrub Layer (35%) – 21000 No

    Native bushy species with height ranging from 1 to 3 meters; provides ground cover, controls weeds, and improves soil health.

  • Sub-Tree Layer (35%) – 21000 No

    Medium-height trees growing up to 3 to 6 meters; includes flowering, fruiting, or shade-giving species that attract pollinators.

  • Tree Layer (20%) – 12000 No

    Species growing 6 to 10 meters; forms the middle structure of the forest and fills vertical space.

  • Canopy Layer (10%) – 6000

    Tall trees reaching above 10 meters; eventually form the uppermost cover, creating a forest-like environment.

  In each zone, all four layers are planted randomly / strategically, and closely (3–4 saplings per sq.m), mimicking natural forests to promote biodiversity, resilience, and rapid vertical growth.

• Site Preparation:

  Soil excavation up to a depth of 1.5 meters. The base soil blended thoroughly with well-decomposed organic manure, cocopeat/coir pith, biochar, and other suitable soil amendments. The enriched mixture backfilled to restore the site, ensuring optimal conditions for root penetration, moisture retention, and plant establishment.

• After completion of the plantation, drip irrigation with springlers laterals shall be laid along the planting rows, with each sapling connected to a dripper or microtube to ensure efficient water delivery.
• A 1 cm thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or dried leaves, shall be applied around each plant (keeping a 2–3 cm gap from the stem) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. These post-plantation measures are essential for ensuring healthy sapling establishment, especially under semi-arid conditions.

Proposal for FM Program

Zone 6, Block 1 has been selected for the Miyawaki Plantation, and in this designated space, the Hon'ble FM will plant one tree from each layer. The plants to be planted include Seetha Phal (Annona reticulata) for the shrub layer, Bilva (Aegle marmelos) for the sub-tree layer, Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) or Neem (Azadirachta indica) for the tree layer, and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) or Champa (Plumeria alba) for the canopy layer.