LESSON 2: HOW TO PLANT AND PROCTECT SONNERATIA CASEOLARIS

 

Description:

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🌳 In the previous article, we learned about the valuable values that mangroves bring. The urgent measure to restore this wonderful green belt is afforestation.

🌳 In this lesson, we will transform into trainee foresters, learn about the process of planting, caring for and protecting a fairly famous mangrove tree species of Tra Vinh land, which is coriander.

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Content:

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1. Introduction about Sonneratia Caseolaris

Scientific name: Sonneratia Caseolaris

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Characteristics:

• They live in brackish water with extremely harsh conditions, being completely immersed in water for 6-12 hours per day.

• Sonneratia Caseolaris is a woody plant that can grow up to 20m tall when mature.

• Foliage is sparse and broad, opposite, long rounded, pointed tips, often red at petioles and main veins.

• In addition to the role of other mangrove brothers,

• Sonneratia Caseolaris roots are also used as cork in wine, fruit can be used as food.

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 2. How to plant Sonneratia Caseolaris

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2.1 Planting season

🌳 The most suitable time to plant them in Vietnam is from June to August, because there are few storms during this time of year.

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2.2 Planting method

🌳 Sonneratia Caseolaris can be planted as a pure species or intercropped with other species

 

2.3 Planting process
 

🌳 When planting Sonneratia Caseolaris, you first need to collect some seeds from the Sonneratia Caseolaris forest.

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🌳 Then you place the seeds in pots filled with soil from the local area, and completely submerge them in water, in your mangrove tree nursery.

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🌳 After about 7-8 months the seedlings will be 80-100 cm tall and ready to plant.

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🌳 Next we need to remove the seedlings from the water filled mangrove nursery, and allow them to dry for 5-7 days, so they can harden and stabilize before planting.

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🌳 After the seedlings have hardened, you need to carefully carry the seedlings in a basket by boat to your selected planting area, making sure not to damage the roots on the way.

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🌳 When planting, the plastic pots are removed carefully so as to ensure that the roots are not broken or damaged. The seedlings are then planted vertically, with the roots being placed in holes which are large enough to fit all their roots. Then we just need to tamp down the soil so as to ensure the seedlings are firmly planted into the ground.

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🌳 Drive a stake into the ground next to the tree and tie a rope between the stake and the trunk of the tree. Three stakes tilted at 45 degrees, will create a strong brace against the sea.

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2.4 How to take care
 

🌳 Forest care needs to be done for 4 years after planting.

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🌳 In particular, the first 3 months are the most important. We need to periodically inspect the tree, clear away any garbage, tighten the ropes if loose, and remove any crustaceans or shell fish, clinging to the tree.

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🌳 If the trees are growing well, you only need to inspect your trees every 2-4 months.

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3. Measures to protect forests after planting

🌳 As well as planting and caring for mangroves, we also need to take measures to protect them.

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• Make signs prohibiting the exploitation and fishing of aquatic species in the afforestation area in the first 2 years.

• It is possible to ask the local authorities to support, arrange for managers, to look after, to promptly prevent acts of deforestation, forest encroachment and prevention of harmful organisms, pests and diseases.

• Propaganda and popularize with local people not to fill up the land, gather nets to prevent the flow in planted forests for aquaculture or combined production in the first 5 years.

• In the following years, if there are aquaculture activities, it is necessary to have a plan to avoid damage to the forests we have planted.

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🌳 So we have finished the cork planting process. Although going through many difficult and hard times, thinking about the future we will have lush cork forests, fully promoting our miraculous versatility, it’s really worth it, isn’t it?

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