తెలుగు
Andhra Paper

Farmers' Corner

homeFarmers' Corner

General knowledge on Casuarina

Casuarina

It is reported that Casuarina had come from Indonesia and Malaysia. It can grow via seeds or through clonal propagation. The biggest use of Casuarina has been as wind brake along the coastline (on the sea shore) to protect the coastal villages from strong wind and salt. However, there are many other uses of Casuarina as reported. While main stem of it is sold as Poles or Pulpwood to different industries, the branches are used as firewood. The wood that burns with very high heat is believed as the best firewood in the world. It makes a good charcoal. In china, the wood is used for firing brick kilns. As Poles and Pulpwood also, the Casuarina clones, as introduced by Andhra Paper Limited in coastal Andhra, on an average yields around 60 MT per acre (subject to the following of prescribed cultivation practice), that is considerably high among the pulpwood species. It grows best in loose sandy soil. However, it grows in even red soil, alkaline or acidic soil. It is draught resistant at later stage of growth as well. However, it cannot tolerate water logging, and therefore, while going for Casuarina, the drainage condition of the site must be kept in mind.

However, at a juvenile stage it cannot tolerate water logging, and therefore, while going for Casuarina, the drainage condition of the site must be kept in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true Casuarina clonal plantations requires coastal environment?

No, Casuarina can grow in all types of soils (subject to following of proper practices at the plantation)

What is the yield per acre of Casuarina Clones?

The Average yield from Casuarina clones- 60-70 MT (subject to following of proper practices at the plantation)

What is the crop rotation period?

The period of harvest is 4 years after the planting.

What is spacing for Casuarina?

The required spacing for Casuarina is 3 mtr x 1 mtr. 3 mtr between rows and 1 mtr between plants.

What is the no. of plants required per ac. for Casuarina?

Recommended plants per ac.-1600 no.

Is it true that Casuarina clones will give coppice for next crop rotation?

Some reports say that species like Casuarina junghuhniana does carry the capability of coppice, but Casuarina equisetifolia does not coppice at all. Moreover, even coppice in any Casuarina species grows very poor and is not at all economically beneficial for the farmers.

What type of benefits we can expect from Andhra Paper Limited?

Quality Clonal saplings and field technical advices & recommendation
1. Quality clonal saplings of Casuarina,
2. Technical advices on best planting practices

Shall we go for any intercrop in Casuarina plantations? How many years?

Casuarina is nitrogen fixer and can grow on most adverse soil conditions. Thus, intercropping with Casuarina always benefits the other crop. While growing only Casuarina clones following recommended practice may lead to 60 - 70 MT per acre of Casuarina wood after 3.5 years (of planting), the intercropping would certainly reduce the yield of wood per acre from Casuarina as other crop would also take place. However, farmer would get financial return from the field without waiting for 3.5 years. Thus, both are beneficial. The decision of intercropping is farmers'.

What are the suitable crops for intercrop in Casuarina?

Tobacco, Cotton, Vegetables, Chillis, Ground nut, and water melon are the recommended. Net says various researches on Bhindi, Sesame (Til), Ground nut and Watermelon as successful intercrops with Casuarina (based on different soil types)

Where will we get the Casuarina Clonal saplings?

Andhra Paper Limited Clonal Production Centers (Rajahmundry, Mulagapudi & Theeda (Narisipatnam) Devipurum (Anakapalli) and Zarugumalli (Ongole)

Do Casuarina Clonal plantations require irrigation facility?

YES. Casuarina clonal plantations requires irrigation in the first year when the plants are young. Later its root system becomes stronger and it may withstand less water availability. More importantly, the soil must be free of water logging. In case of no facility of irrigation even in the first year also, planting has to be done during first monsoon itself.

Comparison Calculator

Below is the example calculation of how a farmer's credits are calculated based on below components. You can calculate the credits by entering the values accroding to components.

Casuarina Alternate Crop 1 Alternate Crop 2
Sl. Component Expenses Expenses Expenses
1 Total acrage
2 Total cost of plant (in Rs)
3 Fertilizer in 4 years (in Rs)
4 Pesticides in 4 years (in Rs)
5 Labour
a Planting (in Rs)
b Total Maintenance (in Rs)
6 Harvesting cycle (in years)
  Total expenditure (in Rs)
  Sale rate per Ton (in Rs)
  Total yield (MT) (in Rs)
  Total revenue (in Rs)
  Net profit (in Rs)
  Net profit per year (in Rs)
  Profit/ acre/ year (in Rs)

Intercropping options with Casuarina

Casuarina is a Nitrogen fixing species like subabul that increases the fertility of the soil. Thus, it is often a preferred species for cultivation with other crops. Several studies have been carried to find out the best combinations of intercropping with Casuarina. It is found out that, sesame (til), bhindi, ground nut, tobacco and tomato are a few crops that grow well with Casuarina without causing mutual competition to each other.

Click on thumbnails to enlarge the image.

Best Practices

Package of Practice for cultivation of Subabul

Leucaenaleucocephala, common name: Subabul belongs to family LeguminosaeThe species is native to Central America. There are several verities of the species. K-8, K-28, K - 636 belongs to giant type, which are also called Hawaiin giants.

Environmental Tolerance:

The species grows successfully in a wide range of environmental conditions but vigorous growth is seen in following edapho-climatic conditions-

Soil:

It grows in well drained soils and growth is poor in acidic soil i.e. below pH 5. The growth is best in soil with pH value of 6 to 7.7. Suitable soil for Subabul plantation is loamy soil, clay loam and sandy loam.

Temperature:

The species tolerates high temperature of tropics. Heavy frost kills the plants. It is light demander and grow slowly under the shade.

Rainfall:

The species grows best where rainfall is in between 1000 to 3000mm. It however tolerates dry season for 8-10 months but productivity is reduced.

Utilization:

All parts of the tree are useful. Foliage are good fodder for cattle, though due to mimosine, which form 3-5% of the dry matter, there is a fear of ill effects on the health of cattle. However up to 10-15% of the diet of cattle can be of Leucaena fodder without ill effect. The wood is good for small furniture as pole and plywood core. Unripe pod is eaten by goat. It is a good fuel with calorific value of 4650 K/ cal per kg when harvested from plantation of 2 to 5-year age and it increases with the increase in age. As pulp wood Subabul is one of the best suitable amongst tropical hard wood. The pulp yield is as high as 50-52%.

Plantation Technique and Practices:

Normally farmers practice direct seed sowing method for raising Subabul plantation. Seeds come out from pods which grows in cluster. Per kg seeds contain approx. 20000 to 25000 seeds at 6% moisture.

Seed Treatment:

As the seed coat are hard, they need pretreatment before sowing.

Seeds are soaked in hot water (80 degree centigrade) for two to three minutes or in cold water for 2-3 days. Germination occurs within 7 days with 70-80% germination.

Field preparation:

After clearing bushes, shrubs etc. Land is ploughed with MB plough followed by cultivator so that soil becomes pulverized.

Spacing:

Normally spacing is followed 1m. X 1m. or 1.5m X 1.0 m for pulp wood production

Seed sowing/ planting Time:

if the site is rain fed then planting is done in monsoon season, however in irrigated sites planting can be done round the year except extreme summer (April-June)

Direct seed sowing:

Most of the farmers adopt direct seed sowing. Normally 2-3 seeds are sown at one place and after germination thinning is done.

Only few farmers plant stump or seedlings raised in trays/ polythene bags.

Post planting care:

Weeds are major cause of failure or slow establishment. Regular weeding till plants reach to one or two-meter-tall gives best results. Weeding with soil working round the plants to radius of 0.3 m. should be done thrice in first year and in subsequent years. If the planting is at wide spacing like 3.0m X 1.0 m ploughing can be done in between rows. Such operations gives best result. Pruning of side branches can also be done but foliage must be maintained 1/3rd of total height. Fertilizer application should be done during first year at the time of weeding and hoeing especially phosphatic/ potash fertilizer is applied. In case of any nutrient deficiency is found as per soil test report the deficient nutrient should be applied in consultation with technical field staff. Subabul being a leguminous crop fixes atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules.

Irrigation:

Regular irrigation of plantation accelerate the growth. If sufficient water source is available plantation should be irrigated at interval of 15 days.

Protection:

As the Subabul leaves are highly edible once the cattle/ goat taste it they get accustomed to the fodder and cause extensive damage to plants. Plantation should be well protected from grazing by cattle.

Weeds are a major threat to growth at initial stage. Area should be cleared of this growth.

Harvesting of plantation:

Plantation should be harvested after cessation of rains and before commencement of next monsoon. In south west monsoon area harvesting can be done between Oct- June and in North- east monsoon areas between Feb- Sep. In this period the growing season is almost complete the coppice will then have benefited to by the next monsoon.

The trees must be felled in such that the stump left is 3" - 6" high. The stump should be cut clean without leaving loose bark and cavities to avoid stagnation of water. For felling and billeting the trees use of saw will reduce waste.

Improve package of practices for Clonal Eucalyptus Plantation

  • It is extremely useful and desirable to study soil profiles. Shallow rocky soils or saline and alkaline soils have serious limitations for optimum tree growth and high productivity.
  • Areas with shallow soils less than 1M in depth or those with strong calcareous or lateritic pans must be avoided. Likewise, areas with high alkalinity or salinity must not be planted.
  • Highly eroded sites or lands subjected to heavy water logging must also be avoided. Planting sites must be extremely well prepared by deep ploughing in either direction followed by harrowing.
  • Initial spacing should be 3 x 1.5 M for production of poles and pulpwood.
  • In case of slope or undulating terrain, the 3M wide spacing should be across the contours and 1.5 M distance along the contour. This will facilitate ploughing in between the 3M wide rows along the contours to conserve moisture and prevent soil erosion.
  • In case of level areas, the 3 M wide spacing should be in the east and west direction and 1.5M spacing in the north to south direction. This will ensure wider inter spaces with better exposure to sunlight. Ploughing in between the lines in such cases will be in the north-south direction.
  • In case of black cotton soils, aforesaid procedure should be modified. Irrigation water is added to the planting pit after refilling the pit. Compaction should be carried out after completing the transplanting operations. Only 3cms. upper part of the pit should be left unfilled to retain irrigation/rain water.
  • In case of inadequacy of natural rains, Irrigation or pot watering at 3 to 7 days' interval depending on the need, soil and climatic conditions, will be required till establishment of the transplanted clonal saplings
  • Any chemical fertilizer applied close to the roots or stem of the young saplings shall be positively injurious and harmful. Therefore, avoid application of chemical fertilizers at the time of transplanting.
  • As most of the soils are deficient in phosphorous and nitrogen, 50 kgs. Di -Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) per acre can be applied as basal dressing to the intercrop. Likewise, if soils are known to be poor in potassium, 50 kgs Potash per acre should also be applied as basal dressing to the intercrop. From second year onwards, apply 50 kg DAP twice a year. However, it is advisable to decide the dose of various nutrients based on soil tests.
  • After the establishment of plants, first dose of nitrogenous fertilizer can be given as top dressing after weeding, @ 25 Gms; Urea per plant. However, the urea granules should be applied in the form of a ring, minimum 30 cms. away from the stem. This should be followed by irrigation or the fertilizer should be applied during the course of a mild rain. Any chemical fertilizer placed close to the stem may dehydrate and kill the plant. From second year apply 4 doses of urea per year @ 50 kg per acre each dose followed by irrigation.
  • Farmers should be encouraged to apply farmyard manure to the entire field or raise green manure crops for ploughing back into the fields. In any case of manuring, the FYM or chemical fertilizer should never be placed in contact with the roots or the stem. There should be no FYM or fertilizer within a radius of 30 cms. from the stem of the young saplings. Application of FYM @ 12 to 15 tones and 25 kg zinc sulphate per ha. per year will be helpful for optimum growth and to minimize incidence of zinc deficiency and chlorosis. If there is iron deficiency in soils, apply Ferroussulphate @ 50 kg. per ha. once a year.
  • Young plants are very sensitive to competition from weeds. At least three weeding's, in 50 cms. radius around the plants will be required every year during the first 2 years. Care should be taken not to damage the saplings during weeding operations.
  • Ploughing in between the 3 M wide rows of plants will help improve soil aeration, moisture conservation and control the weeds. During first year, plough the wide strips after harvest of intercrops and arrange second ploughing at the end of monsoon rains. During subsequent years, one ploughing after the first monsoon showers and sowing of green manure crops like sun hemp is recommended. Green manure crop should be incorporated into the soil by ploughing just before flowering.
  • Use only tractors for ploughing in between the 3M wide rows. Do not plough in cross direction unless the minimum spacing in either direction is more than 3 M. Avoid injuries to the stems and roots of trees during ploughing operations. 20-30 cms. space on either side of the plant rows should not be ploughed but maintained free of weeds.
  • Adopt Agro-forestry based plantations as for as possible by planting local agriculture crop suitably in between two rows of trees which not only improve the productivity of plantation but also provide additional income to the farmers.
  • PROTECTION OF PLANTATIONS

  • The farmers may please appreciate that effective protection of plants against damage by cattle, birds, tractors/ ploughing implements etc. and fire is absolutely necessary. No grazing should be permitted.
  • Likewise, prevention of damage to the plants during the ploughing operations should also be ensured. Normal ploughing should be only in one direction in the 3 M wide strips.
  • No crop residues should be burnt in or near the plantation areas as the young Eucalyptus trees are very sensitive to fires. Even scorching hot winds, generated by the fires in adjoining fields, can damage the plants. Therefore, farmers must take adequate precautions.
  • All Eucalyptus clones are self-pruning. No pruning of the branches should be carried out. If any plant is severely damaged because of physical injuries or broken by the wind, the same should be coppiced back 5cms above ground level. If the wind damage is at a fairly high level in plants more than 1-year-old, there is no need for coppicing such plants, as new leaders will emerge from the pollard shoots. Only forked or V shaped double leaders should be prevented in young plants by careful early pruning of co-leader.
  • Package of Practices for Cultivation of Casuarina plantation

  • Site Selection: Site should have water facility for irrigation & proper water drainage. It should be well aerated soil without water logging for longer period.
  • Soil Testing: Soil sample may be collected and tested in our mini soil testing lab for pH, EC, OC, N, P, K in case there is request for farmer due to some doubts.
  • Land Preparation: The land should be ploughed twice with MB plough/ once with rotavator so that soil gets pulverized up to 6-10 inches' depth. After first plough, apply Trichodermaviridaepowder @ 1 kg per acre (mix 1 kg powder with 2kg sand and broadcast on entire land). After Trichodermaapplication, do second ploughing.
  • Spacing: 2.5 m X 1.0 m (1600 plants/ Acre) with inter cropping, 1.5m x 1.5m (1750 plants/acre) for Block Plantation.
  • Planting Time Preferably: June- July. It can be extended up to Oct/ Nov if irrigation facility available
  • Pre planting application of insecticide/ nutrient: well rotten Farm Yard Manure(FYM) @1-1.5 tons per acre should be applied at the time of ploughing. if FYM is not used then vermi compost is recommended @20-25 gm per plant to be mixed with pit soil at the time of planting.
  • Planting Technique: Planting should be done after alignment, apply nutrient/ insecticide as above and keep plants up to collar region below the soil surface. 1Litre water per plant should be given just after planting. Trichodermaviride powder made in solution to be applied before planting and after planting.
  • Casualty replacement: Replace dead plants up to one month after planting. Beyond this period, the replaced plants may be suppressed due to the growth of adjoining plants.
  • Weeding/ soil working and Inter line ploughing: Four weeding/ soil working is necessary during the first year. Timely weeding during first six months is very important. Two weeding/ soil working during second year. 3 times Inter line ploughing in first year and 2 times in second year if planted at spacing of 2.5mX1m
  • Irrigation cycle: Channel irrigation is recommended for casuarina clonal plants for better growth and anchorage. In between two rows make channels for irrigation. Soil dug up to make channels can be used to make ridges and mounding around the plants. Using this method instead of flood method not only show better growth, it also reduces the water requirement and increases water use efficiency. However, if drip irrigation is provided the minimum amount of water needed per tree once in three days is given below: 0-6 months: 6 litres; 6-12 months: 8 litres; 12-18 months: 10 litres; 18 months and above 12 litres.
  • Fertilizer application: The composition and dose of fertilizer requirement will depend on the nutrient status of a particular planting site revealed through soil test.
  • General recommendation: The general dose of fertilizer to be applied at different ages is given below.
  • Fertilizer

    Age of trees (months)

    Quantity of fertilizer (kg per acre)

    Water-soluble mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP)

    1 5
    6 8
    12 10
    18 12
    24 18

    The prescribed quantity of fertilizer should be dissolved in 200 litres of water and applied 100 ml to each plant. This quantity is sufficient for an acre having approximately 2000 trees. The liquid fertilizer may be applied in a small hole made near the plant after watering the plants. Any fertigation beyond second year may not be effective because there will be severe competition for light and space among this trees.

  • Pruning: Pruning of side branches three times at the age of 6, 12 and 18 months will help in promoting the growth of the main stem. Only the branches in the lower one-third of the plant height are pruned. The branches have to be severed at a point of one or two centimetres away from the point of joining with the main stem. In dry areas, pruning may increase the chance of disease incidence by exposing the cut surface to infection. After each pruning, the cut ends have to be treated with Bordeaux paste, to avoid fungal infection.
  • Growth data measurement:
  • On completion of Six month : Survival/ height/ collar girth

    On completion of one year : Survival/ height/ GBH

    On completion of Two year : Height/ GBH

    On completion of Three years : Height/GBH

  • Inter cropping for the benefit of casuarina :Intercropping in Casuarina plantations can be taken up with legumes like groundnut, black gram and cowpea or watermelon during the first six months after planting well before the tree crown starts closing in and cause shade effect to agriculture crop.
  • Intercropping:

    The working culture of APL has positive impacts on local community and livelihood. The Company are generating local employment and giving opportunity to local farmers by engaging & providing the better yield crop cultivation practices and technical guidance to FMUs i.e. pulpwood plantation species Casuarina Clone & other intercropping procedure.

    As far as possible farmers should opt inter cropping with local conventional crop under various Agro-forestry model. During first year inter cropping should be done with small Height crop like black gram, green gram, chilli, Ground nut, tobacco, watermelon etc.

    Protection of plantation from Animals:

    To protect the plantation from grazing or animal trampling it is required to make "Cattle Proof Trench (CPT)" around the plantation or temporary fencing can be done.

    Preventive measures for Protection from fire during summer:

    During summer there should not be dry grasses in plantation. Keep such area clean from such fire hazardous. If the area is prone to fire make fire line at certain interval.

    Maintenance of plantation during 2nd Year:

  • Ploughing should be done in between the two rows before onset of monsoon.
  • Strip weeding and hoeing around the plants should be done so that soil gets pulverized and become weed free.
  • During the 2nd year 50 gm/ plant NPK (19: 19:19) fertilizer should be given in two split doses at interval of one month. Fertilizer should be applied after weeding and hoeing.
  • Inter cropping with suitable agricultural crop can be taken during 2nd year also. During 3rd and 4th year need based maintenance is required.

Farmer Meetings This Week

You can contact our staff to meet us at this location or to have a meeting in your location to understand about Casuarina clonal farming and nursery distribution near to your planting location.

Meeting Date & Time District Mandal Village Company Staff Contact
25-Jul-2022 10:00 AM East Godavari Gollaprolu Kodavalli Srikanth Poosala 8498097632
25-Jul-2022 10:00 AM West Godavari Pedavegi Vegivada Krishna Ravada 8498097662
25-Jul-2022 11:00 AM West Godavari Narasapuram Seetharamapuram Ravi Teja 9866494088
25-Jul-2022 02:00 PM East Godavari Prathipadu Thaduvai Srikanth Poosala 8498097632
26-Jul-2022 11:00 AM East Godavari Jaggampeta Irripaka Srikanth Poosala 8498097632
26-Jul-2022 04:00 PM East Godavari Allavaram Mogallamuru Durga Nadigatla 8498097652
27-Jul-2022 08:00 AM East Godavari Maredumilli Pamulamamidi Ramakrishna 8498097983
27-Jul-2022 04:00 PM East Godavari Gangavaram Nellipudi Ramakrishna 8498097983
28-Jul-2022 10:00 AM East Godavari Addateegala D Bhimavaram Ramakrishna 8498097983
28-Jul-2022 10:30 AM East Godavari Sankhavaram Sankhavaram A Kalyan 9493202991
28-Jul-2022 11:00 AM East Godavari Addateegala Addateegala NSMV Sastry 8498097639
28-Jul-2022 04:00 PM East Godavari Addateegala Ravulapalem Ramakrishna 8498097983
29-Jul-2022 08:00 AM West Godavari Mogalthuru Perupalem Gangadhar B 8498097982
29-Jul-2022 11:00 AM West Godavari Narasapuram Thurputallu Ravi Teja 9866494088
29-Jul-2022 12:30 PM East Godavari Devipatnam Peda Bheempalle NSMV Sastry 8498097639
30-Jul-2022 11:30 AM West Godavari Gopalpuram Gopalpuram Ravi Teja 9866494088
30-Jul-2022 04:00 PM West Godavari Jeelugumilli Kamayyakunta Venkatesh K 9908203005
Designed By BitraNet.
Visitor Count: Visitor Count