Planting Eucalypts on Modified Paddy Bunds during the Dry Season with Intensive Care and Fertilization

Abstract

This research considered the possibility and potential of planting eucalypts on modified paddy bunds during the dry season using intensive care and fertilizer application.

The average survival rate of eucalypts planted in each month during the dry season was about 94.75%, which was rather better than the survival achieved in occupational plantings by farmers in the areas. The average growth rate of eucalypts planted in January and February was not significantly different, but the growth rate in either month was significantly better than for plantings in March and April. However, all growth rates seemed better than for eucalypts established by the occupational planting mentioned above. The results confirmed that planting eucalypts on modified paddy embankments with intensive care during the dry season was practicable and had the potential to generate extra income for farmers.

Although there was a significant difference between the growth rate of eucalypts on modified paddy bunds with and without fertilization during the dry season, the fertilizing procedures caused some additional expenses. Therefore, there should also be proper consideration of the benefits, taking into account the extra cost.

Keywords: eucalypt, modified paddy bunds, dry season, fertilization, extra income