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J3.1 Plant density and plantation strategy |
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Last Update: 05. June 2008
Description: Find out the best strategy for planting Jatropha (hedges, high density plantation for early fruit building, low density plantation for big plants)
LIRE staff planting Jatropha plants in alignment for the experiment
Status of work: - Practical experience with propagation has been gained.
- New experiment: Screening of plants that were propagated with cuttings and seedlings and planted at the same time
Program Leader: | | | Assistants: | | | Involved agencies: | None at present | Funding agencies: | No contractual arrangements so far |
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There are different opinions about the optimal spacing for Jatropha plantations. The most common recommendations are 2m x 2m or 2m x 3m. Also a design of hedgerows seems to be suitable for plantations.
The plant density influences plants through competition for nutrients and sunlight which are limited resources. On the other hand, competition between plants is known to promote early flowering and fruit production.
LIRE has started with a small experiment in which Jatropha plants are aligned at different spacings in order to determine the influences on growth in the short and long term. After implementation of the test environment at the test field in May 2008, first results are expected in the beginning of 2009. | |
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