Miyawaki Forest: How to grow a mini forest at home using the Miyawaki Method

Team Udayavani, Jul 13, 2020, 2:10 PM IST

Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps grow dense forests. Dozens of native species are planted in the same area, close to each other, which ensures that the plants receive sunlight only from the top, and grow upwards than sideways.

The approach  is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual. Using this method, urban forest can grow within a short span of 20-30 years.  Small patch of forests in multiple locations within the city will act as carbon sink.

Here’s how

First one needs to study the soil in which you are planning to grow the forest. Identify what nutrition the soil lacks. Also, combination of perforators, water retainers, fertilisers and microorganisms should be mixed with the soil

Identify what species we should be growing in this soil, depending on climate. Experts suggest classifying the plants into four layer.First layer will be of  shrubs that grow upto 6 feet, the second layer is of trees that grow upto 25 feet, the third of trees that grow upto 40 feet and the final layer is the canopy which grows above 40 feet.

Next, plant the saplings and pack them densely,  three to five saplings per square meter. All the species of plants should be staggered and similar species of plants should not be planted together. Tie the plants to support sticks with a jute string so that they do not stoop or bend

The forest must cover a 100-square-meter minimum area. This grows into a forest so dense that after eight months, sunlight can’t reach the ground. The more the forest grows, the more it generates nutrients for itself, accelerating further growth.

The  forest must be watered once a day and make sure to keep the forest free from weeds for the first 2 years. Do not use any chemicals like pesticides or inorganic fertilisers.

Experts also suggest  to disturb the forest as little as possible to allow its ecosystem, including animals, to become established.