In recent news, the southern Indian state of Kerala has announced its decision to utilize the Japanese Miyawaki technique for afforestation purposes. This method, previously embraced by several other states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Telangana, will now be implemented in Kerala. The adoption of this unique approach is particularly noteworthy due to the on-going Rebuild Kerala initiative, which aims at countering issues such as floods, landslides, and soil erosion that the state has suffered.
Understanding the Concept of Miyawaki Afforestation
The innovative Miyawaki method has revolutionized urban afforestation, transforming traditional backyards into lush miniature forests. It has proven to be efficacious over diverse soil types and varied climatic conditions, leading to the establishment of more than 3,000 forests globally. This method facilitates the creation of dense forests within two to three decades, a drastic contrast to the two to three centuries required by conventional techniques. Miyawaki-grown forests are noted for growing 10 times faster and being 30 times denser. After an initial nurturing period of three years, these forests are capable of sustaining themselves.
An Overview of the Miyawaki Technique
To implement the Miyawaki process, the region’s native trees are first identified and categorized into four layers – shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy. Further, the soil quality is analyzed and biomass, which can enhance perforation capacity, water retention, and nutrient content, is mixed with it. A mound is created using this enriched soil and densely sown with seeds. This mound is then covered with a layer of mulch. Saplings from multiple layers are planted closely together, blocking sunlight from reaching the ground and inhibiting weed growth. This close cropping technique induces vertical growth and maintains soil moisture. This unique approach contributes to the rapid height gain of these forests.
Interesting Facts about Miyawaki Forests
| Title | Fact |
|---|---|
| Density Multiplier | 30 times denser than conventional forests |
| Growth Speed | 10 times faster |
| Sustainability | Becomes self-sustainable after three years |
Controversies and Concerns
However, there have been rising concerns over the Miyawaki method. It has been pinpointed that the resulting forests lack some qualities found in natural ones, such as medicinal properties and the ability to induce rainfall. Critics argue that these fast-growing plantations are more akin to woodlots capable of small-scale production of forest products than true forests. Moreover, there is skepticism over the technique’s claim to replicate a forest’s complex ecosystem, as forcing plants to photosynthesize faster might not be the best approach. Some environmentalists also have reservations about the application of a technique developed in Japan, with its distinct climate and frequent natural disasters, to a tropical country like India.
