 |
| Miyawaki Technique |
The Miyawaki Method is a pioneering approach to reforestation and afforestation developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s that aims to recreate dense and diverse native forests. The Miyawaki Method has been successfully applied in various parts of the world, resulting in rapid reforestation and ecosystem restoration. It’s a powerful approach to combating deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. It involves planting a diverse range of native species together to create a dense, multilayered forest ecosystem that mimics the natural forest structure. Inaugaration of Miyawaki Forest Information and Demonstration Center Lokaparna, near Statue of Unity, Gujarat has been done by the Prime Minister on 31st October 2022, since then Miyawaki technology became famous in India. This article sheds light on what this Miyawaki method is, who invented it and how long it takes to see the benefits.
Who is Akira Miyawaki?
Akira Miyawaki born on 29 January 1928, grew up in a farming community to Wakichi Miyawaki and Tsune Miyawaki in the Okayama Prefecture of Japan. He studied and worked as a researcher in the fields of ecology and plant biology at universities in Japan and Germany. During this he inspired by remnants of natural forests preserved around temples and cemeteries in Japan. Then Miyawaki developed the idea of growing such forests in the 1970s. The Miyawaki Method first implemented for the Nippon Steel Corporation, today there are more than 4000 Miyawaki forests spread across the world. Akira Miyawaki remained actively involved in several afforestation activities till his death on 16 July 2021.
Key points of the Miyawaki Method:
Use of Native species:
This method emphasizes Identifying native vegetation, Indigenous plant species and plant native species hat are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. It includes planting native trees, shrubs, and plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This enhances the resilience and sustainability of the forest. Native species selection approach enhances the chances of successful establishment and growth of the forest.
Selection of Native species-
The native trees of a region can be classified into four layers. The first is 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.
Soil preparation-
Prepare the soil by removing debris, weeds, and non-native vegetation. The soil is often enriched with organic matter and amendments to improve its quality and fertility
Method of Plantation-
On an average there should be 3-5 saplings in one square metre. Do not follow a repetitive pattern while planting the saplings. Once the saplings are planted, a thick layer of mulch should be evenly laid on the soil to insulate the soil and prevent water from evaporating.
Diversity and close planting-
This method includes planting a diverse range of species together to create a resilient and adaptable ecosystem. This planting is done close together (3-5 saplings per square meter).
Mulch and water regularly-
Maintain the forest for the first 2-3 years, then it becomes self-sustaining.
High Density Planting-
Trees are planted very close to each other, typically three to five saplings per square meter. This density encourages rapid growth as plants compete for sunlight and nutrients. This close spacing accelerates the growth of the forest and reduces the time needed for it to become self-sustainable. Planting at a high density to mimic the natural forest environment and promote competition and cooperation among plants.
Natural Selection-
By planting a diverse mix of species, natural selection ensures that the most resilient and well-adapted plants thrive, leading to a robust and self-sustaining forest ecosystem.
Multilayered Forest Structure-
The method involves planting a variety of species that will create different forest layers, including canopy, under story, shrub, and ground cover. This mimics natural forest structure and promotes biodiversity.
Biodiversity focus-
Advantages of Miyawaki Technique for Dense and Diverse Forests-
Due to the various development works which have taken place in the last few years, the trees have been felled on a large scale in the urban areas, the development works are ongoing and will continue in the future, so this cutting of trees will continue. To compensate for the damage caused by this felling of trees, there was not enough tree plantation and the trees that were planted are not being taken care of. Therefore, creating an urban forest in the Miyawaki style has become the need of the hour.The Miyawaki method gained significant popularity in India, especially in urban areas. Cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Delhi have utilized this technique to create urban forests and green spaces.
- Fast and efficient reforestation: Forests created using the Miyawaki Method grow ten times faster than conventional plantations. They can achieve maturity in as little as 20-30 years. The use of native species and dense planting results in highly biodiverse forests that support a wide range of wildlife. The diversity of plants is attractive to various types of fauna, providing habitat and food for everything from invertebrates to birds to mammals. By planting a diverse range of native species in intimate proximity to one another, this method creates a microclimate that encourages rapid growth and development, resulting in a forest that is more resistant to disease and pests.
- Faeter growth- Miyawaki technique ensures 10-times faster plant growth, thus, resulting in forests that are as much as 30 times denser than regular plantations.
- Short period- Dense multi-layered forests of native species can be grown in a short period of time in small urban spaces and degraded land using the Miyawaki method.
- Cost effective- By planting a dense forest in a small area, the cost of planting and maintenance is greatly reduced. Miyawaki forests often require less initial cost of funds, which may include installing a watering system, labor costs for planting and the first few years of development, the price of saplings, and the price of soil additives. In the long run after the initial period of growth, investment requirements are little to none. The best part of the technique is that after three years saplings become maintenance-free or self-sustainable. Additionally, the forests that are created using this method require less maintenance and can grow more quickly than traditional forests.
- Carbon Sequestration: Miyawaki technique trees are planted, and they develop much more quickly, accelerating the process of creating forests and absorbing more carbon. These forests are highly effective at capturing and storing carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.Miyawaki technique can help to mitigate the effects of climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and by planting a dense forest using the Miyawaki method, carbon sequestration is increased, which can help reduce the effects of global warming.
- Environmental Resilience: Miyawaki forests are more resilient to environmental stresses such as drought, pests, and diseases due to their high biodiversity and native species composition.
- Prevents calamities- Apart from carbon sequestration, Miyawaki forests have also proven effective when used for a specific purpose, such as providing tsunami protection, stabilizing mine dump slopes, and as typhoon protection systems.
- Other benefits- The dense forests created through this technique help combat soil erosion, improve water retention, sequester carbon dioxide, enhance air quality, and support wildlife habitats.
- Ecological benefits- Miyawaki forests have been shown to be more resilient than traditionally planted forests. These forests have a much greater biodiversity – above ground and below. This forests provide potential habitat for fungi and invertebrates. Miyawaki forests achieve ecological succession within 20 or 30 years, compared to 100-200 years for a traditionally planted forest.
Disadvantages of Miyawaki Technique for Dense and Diverse Forests
- Lack certain qualities- The Miyawaki technique are not natural forests, they lack certain qualities, such as their ability to bring rain to a particular area and medicinal properties.
- Destructive to tree health- Miyawaki technique work on forcing accelerated photosynthesis, which may often prove detrimental to the trees' health.
- Lack of genetic diversity- Miyawaki plantation technique involves planting a high density of trees of the same species, which can result in a lack of genetic diversity. This can make the forest more susceptible to diseases, pests, and other environmental stresses.
- Less availability for wild life- The movement of wildlife species is restricted due to less availability of space between the trees.
- Not suitable for all locations- This technique may not be suitable for all locations or types of soil. It requires specific soil conditions to be successful, and may not be effective in areas with poor soil quality or where there is a high risk of erosion. The method can be applied over empty spaces and plots since growing such heavy forests on the roads or footpaths can lead to numerous accident risks.
Care and Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is crucial in the initial years to ensure the healthy growth of the forest.- Water regularly, especially during dry periods
- Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Protect from grazing animals and human disturbances
- Monitor growth and adjust as needed
- Engage local communities and stakeholders in the process
Steps to Create a Miyawaki Forest
1. Site Preparation:- Clear the site of any weeds or non-native vegetation. The soil is then enriched with organic matter such as compost to support plant growth. Do not apply chemical fertisers and pesticides.2. Species Selection: - Select a diverse mix of native species that include trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants. The selection should aim to create a multi-layered forest structure.
3. Planting:- Saplings are planted densely, usually in groups of three to five per square meter. This close planting mimics natural seedling establishment and encourages faster growth.
4. Mulching and Watering: - A thick layer of mulch is applied to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. Regular watering is essential, especially in the initial stages, to ensure the young plants establish well.
5. Maintenance: - For the first two to three years, the forest may require some maintenance, including weeding, watering, and adding mulch. After this period, the forest should be self-sustaining with minimal human intervention.
6. Tie the Plants to a stick:- Tie the plants to support sticks with a jute string so that they do not stoop or bend in the initial months of plantation.
Conclusion-
The Miyawaki Method, developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki, is an innovative approach to forest creation. It emphasizes the use of native species to restore natural vegetation, creating dense, biodiverse forests in a short period of time. Miyawaki Plantation offers numerous benefits that make it an excellent choice for reforestation efforts. It is a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to restore degraded land and help mitigate the effects of climate change.