Miyawaki Forest in Vinagra Village
Making of Miyawaki Forest in Vinagra Village
Agroforestry, which integrates trees and shrubs into farming systems, can be a valuable practice even in areas with limited water resources. We planted the Vinagra Village Miyawaki Forest in May 2023, just four months ago. Miyawaki forests are mini miracles of nature, created by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. They grow ten times faster than normal forests, with density being a key factor. To put this to the test, we planted 375 native species very close together, approximately 1 meter apart, in order to recreate the layers of natural forests. The results have been fantastic, as you can see here.
These are the strategies we employed:
Selection of Drought-Tolerant Tree Species: We opted for tree species well-suited to thrive in arid conditions.
Efficient Water Management: We maximized our water resources by implementing drip irrigation systems, which deliver water directly to the base of each plant, thereby minimizing evaporation. Additionally, we applied mulch around the tree bases to further reduce evaporation, improve soil moisture retention, and suppress weed growth. During planting, we also utilized sheep wool for the same reasons, primarily to reduce evaporation, enhance soil structure, and inhibit weed competition for water.
Rainwater Harvesting at Vinagra Village: Recognizing the importance of rainwater as a valuable water source, we constructed a pond within our Miyawaki forest area to collect and store rainwater.
Strategic Windbreaks: To mitigate evaporation and soil erosion, we strategically planted trees and shrubs to serve as windbreaks.
The results, achieved through careful planning and diligent management, are truly gratifying. They underscore the potential of making agroforestry a viable and sustainable farming practice.
