Cultivation Practices
Cultivation Practices
- Bamboo grows rapidly and regenerates annually.
- During the growing period, it can grow up to 90 cm/day.
- Some species are clumping and some are running type.
- Grows in ‘tropical’ regions. Some species are found in temperate regions also.
- Can tolerate drought and flooding for short durations.
- Well-drained loamy soils are best. It can grow in poor soil and degraded lands but the yiels will be low.
- Helps bind soil, control erosion, and ensure slope stability.
- Improves water holding capacity by 20%.
- Releases 30% more Oxygen and sequesters 40% more Carbon than trees.
- Bamboo Plantation:
- Plantations may be raised from seeds, rhizome or rooted cuttings and tissue culture.
- Dig pits of size of 60x60x60 cm. Fill with 5 kg compost/FYM + 100 g VAM. Plant seedlings in June.
- Irrigation is must for post monsoon, twice a week first year and once a fortnight 2nd year onwards @ about 20 lit/plant/day.
- Fertiliser: 100 gm Nitrogen, 50 gm Phosphorus, 50 gm Potassium along with 5 kg of compost/FYM each year in 2 split doses.
- Spacement 5×5 mt to 8×8 mt depending on species. Higher spacement, thicker is the culm. Don’t plant more than 400 per hectare.
- Caution: High-density planting with 1000 to 2500 plants / acre will be a failure.
- Best to plant bamboo on boundary which will give additional income to regular crops.
- Bamboo does not require much maintenance.
- Expenditure for 1st year about 1lakh /acre. Maintenance average Rs 20,000/- per acre, per year.
- 5-10 culms can be harvested per clump/ year from 6th year till maturity.
- Yields: 10-20 Tons /Acre/year depending on soil, water and other climatic factors.
- Net Returns from plantations about Rs.30000- 80000/- per year from 6-7th year.
- Caution: 1. Take up bamboo plantations only after ensuring market tie up.
- Specifications for raising plantation varied from region to region. Hence please consult experts in your area before venturing into large scale bamboo planting.
