MS4 ATTACHMENT 3 Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Collaboration for Agriculture and Rural Development Sustainable community-based forest development and management in some high poverty areas in Bac Kan Province (Project No. 017/06 VIE) Agroforestry Model Implementation Plan Prepared by Brian Gunn and Khongsak Pinyopusarerk CSIRO/Ensis and Tran Thi Thu Ha Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry October 2007 2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 1. Introduction 3 2. Environmental Conditions 3 3. Proposed Agroforestry Model 3 3.1 Agroforestry sites 4 3.2 Tree and crop species 4 3.3 Planting design and layout 5 4. Implementation Strategy 5 4.1 Species information 5 4.1.1 Acacia hybrid (keo lai) 5 4.1.2 Manglietia conifera (Mo) 6 4.1.3 Melia azedarach (Xoan) 6 4.1.4 Leucaena sp (Keo dau). 6 4.2 Raising seedlings for planting 6 4.3 Site preparation 7 4.4 Fertilization 7 4.5 Weed control 7 4.6 Thinning 7 4.7 Pruning 8 4.8 Coppice management 8 4.9 Crop management 8 4.10 Time line for activities 8 5. Growth and Yield Assessment 8 5.1 Trees 8 5.2 Crops 9 Appendix I. Field layout of agroforestry model 10 3 1. Introduction The agroforestry model implementation strategy and timeline has been prepared taking in to account the findings from the ‘Baseline Survey’ presented under Milestone 3. This strategy forms part of Milestone 4 and is linked to the Community Forest Management Plans and Land use Planning and Land Allocation. As indicated in the Baseline Survey report, survey teams visited the four project villages; Na Muc and Khuoi Lieng of Van Minh commune and To Dooc and Ban Sang villages of Lang San commune. The outcomes of these surveys indicate that the villagers wish to allocate community forest land mainly for protection function. There is a clear awareness of the importance of well protected forests to maintain the quantity, quality and reliability of both drinking and irrigation water. Another relevant finding to this strategy is that the main sources of household income are from crop and animal production and, while there are large areas of forest land (both private and Commune, and soon to be Community), these are not currently producing much household income. The recommendation is that immediate support is required in terms of improved techniques and seedling production for reforestation, agroforestry and enrichment planting of native forests. This document provides recommendations on a model agroforestry system linked to a field demonstration. As with all agroforestry practices there is a huge suit of options and alternative combinations that can be used. This document therefore does not pretend to provide the perfect model nor cover all options. The focus here is on addressing the needs of the villagers through the recommendation of a model that offers economic opportunities while providing intercropping options with tree species and environmental control and is achievable within the available resources. 2. Environmental Conditions Given the relatively close proximity of the villages to each other and similarity of environmental conditions as reported in the LUP reports, the following description serves to represent all four villages unless otherwise stated. The four villages are located at a latitude of 22 o 12’ N and longitude 106 o 10’E. Elevation ranges from 300 – 600 m asl. Climate – mean annual temperature is 21.6 o C with a maximum of 38.6 o C in July and a minimum of 2 o C in January. Frost is reported to occur. Mean annual rainfall is 1500 mm concentrated between June and August. Average humidity in the wet season is 82%. The topography comprises steep mountainous areas with limestone casks. There are a number of water courses including the Bac Giang, Khuoi Lieng, Khuoi Boc and Na Ri Rivers. The topography varies from being fairly flat along the main river systems where rice is grown to steep slopes (45 o -50 o ) with degraded forest. Soils are reportedly fertile of light texture suitable for tree panting and agroforestry. Agricultural soils have a pH of 6-7. 3. Proposed Agroforestry Model The design of the agroforesty model takes into account the need for income generation for communities. Expanding market opportunities exist for planted trees 4 of a number of species reflecting the transition from dependency on a natural forest to a planted resource. By selecting appropriate species well adapted to the local environment, which are fast growing and meet a market need, communities can benefit financially from tree panting projects either on community land or other land surplus to agricultural requirement. Crops on the other hand will provide opportunities for added food security with surplus crops providing additional income. The model has been designed to demonstrate both intensive tree farming approaches to maximise financial return and to provide an example of intercropping where nitrogen fixing trees are used to support agricultural traditional agricultural crops. The model provide alternative options which can be adapted to suit individual farmers’ requirements. At the same time tree growth and crop yield data will be able to be generated from the trial both during the course of the project and beyond. For example, the timber species will take between five and 25 years to deliver a marketable crop. This time frame is well beyond the project time frame. However, the trial would provide opportunities to generate valuable information associated with market analysis. The agroforestry model has focussed on timber and alley cropping species either recommendation under the Land use Planning (LUP) report or by the project collaborators. Under the LUP report a number of horticultural trees including grafted canarium and lemons were recommended. However, these trees are more suitable for gardens than model agroforestry trials and have therefore not been included. The LUP reports indicate villagers’ choice for tree plantations in community forest land across the different villages. These plantations are seen as separate to the agroforestry model and beyond the scope of the project. However, the project will prepare extra seedlings to support these plantings. 3.1 Agroforestry sites Sites have been selected for each of the four villages following lengthy discussions involving the village community groups and project collaborators. The areas for the agroforestry model trials are about one hectare each. In the case of Na Muc and Khuoi Lieng (Van Minh commune), community forest lands are too far from the village centre to manage and will lose the visual demonstration effect. In this case, house land will be used with locations within a short distance of the village centres. For To Dooc and Ban Sang (Lang San commune) suitable sites have been located on Community Forest land linked to the respective villages. Both sites are near the main road and therefore easy to access and ideal for demonstration. 3.2 Tree and crop species The selection of species is based on the key species recommended in the LUP surveys which are considered to have potential as either commercial species or for use in alley cropping systems. For timber production, Acacia hybrid (Keo lai), Manglietia conifera (Mo) and Melia azedarach (Xoan) are preferred by villagers, and these are the tree species for this model. In addition, one fast-growing, multi purpose species, Leucaena (Keo dau) has been selected for production of firewood and leaf fodder. Choice of agricultural crops between tree rows will to a large extend be left to the villagers to decide based on local experience. In the case of Ban Sang which has relatively poor soils, pineapples have been recommended. 5 The trees will be raised as seedlings in the village nurseries set up by the project except for acacia hybrid (cuttings) which will be sourced from commercial suppliers in Bac Kan province. 3.3 Planting design and layout The layout of the model for the four villages is presented in Appendix I. The model is based on an alley cropping arrangement, which is simple to establish at the village level. All the same four tree species form a common theme across the villages. For Keo, Mo and Xoan, trees will be planted in separate species blocks divided by 25 m wide belts of agricultural crops. Each tree species block will comprise three rows. The space between trees is 2m along rows and 3m between rows. Each tree row consists of 50 plants (100 m in distance). The total number of seedlings required for planting per species is 150. This initial close spacing is intended to allow for early thinning at 2-3 years after planting. The material from thinning can be used as firewood and/or garden poles. Leucaena will be planted at 1 m along rows and 1 m between rows. Thus each row consists of 100 plants. The total number of seedlings required for leucaena planting is 300. The close spacing at 1m x 1m is recommended for leucaena in anticipation of early and frequent harvests for firewood and leaf fodder. The space for cash crops is 25m. This wide spacing will ensure sufficient space for cultivation of cash crops throughout the lifespan of tree species. Tree and crop rows will be aligned along the contour. Erosion control will be managed through the maintenance of native grass cover or plant herbs, spices, lemon grass etc as a ground cover to stabilise the ground. 4. Implementation Strategy It is emphasised that these guidelines are based on available information and may require to be adjusted as more information comes to hand. The local conditions will also have a strong influence on timing and cultural management. The following information is therefore provided as a guideline which will need to be revised in line with the management practice. 4.1 Species information 4.1.1 Acacia hybrid (keo lai) Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium x A. auriculiformis) is currently a major commercial tree species in Vietnam for the production of pulpwood, sawlogs and other wood products. It also assists in soil improvement through nitrogen fixation. Small plantations of acacia hybrid can be seen scattered around Na Ri district area. For Na Ri, either the Acacia hybrid or A. mangium are regarded as potentially the best suited species. For the agroforestry purpose, acacia hybrid has and advantage over A. mangium due to its propensity to produce a single stem with a conical crown form and thus less shading effect on crop. Acacia will be grown primarily for pulp on a short rotation of 5-6 years to obtain a financial return in the shortest possible time. 6 However, through changes to thinning and cultural management, selected trees could be harvested for sawn timber if villagers chose to take this alternative route. 4.1.2 Manglietia conifera (Mo) Manglietia conifera (Mo) is an evergreen indigenous tree distributed in central and northern Vietnam growing to 20 – 25 m tall with a 20-50 cm dbh. The species is recommended for enrichment planting and reforestation including agroforestry systems with potential for fast growth in high rainfall areas and an ability to coppice following felling of the trunk. It is light demanding requires fertile well drained soils. The wood is soft, resistant to termites and easy to work. It is favoured as a peeler log, used in carving and suitable for pulp. As with the acacia hybrid, Mo is grown in small plantation plots or in group of 10-20 trees by many households in Na Ri district. For the purpose of the agroforestry model, Mo will be planted for the purpose of producing high value sawn timber on a rotation of 20-30 years. 4.1.3 Melia azedarach (Xoan) Xoan is deciduous trees growing to 20 m tall in open plantings. It is one of the most common homestead trees in Vietnam being found growing in most settlements. The tree is highly adaptive to a wide range of environments. It has a wide range of uses including sawn timber, carving, fuelwood, ornamental, extracts used for control of pests and leaves provide fodder. Fruit is toxic to humans and warm blooded animals. It coppices well unless the tree is very large and re-sprouts after removal of branches. Xoan is grown more commonly for sawn timber for house construction. In general, the trees are harvested after 20 years. 4.1.4 Leucaena sp (Keo dau). Leucaena (Keo dau) is an exotic legume probably offering the widest assortment of uses. It produces nutritious forage, firewood and rich organic fertilizer. Most leucaenas are a large shrub, easy to grow, coppice well and yield large amount of wood for firewood, and fodder leaves. There are many suitable leucaena species, but the one selected for this CARD project is a hybrid variety available at the Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement of the Forest Science Institute of Vietnam. This hybrid variety is resistant to psyllid which is a common insect pest of leucaena. Leucaena trees can be cut for firewood 12 months after planting. After that coppiced shoots can be harvested for firewood as often as needed. 4.2 Raising seedlings for planting This section addresses a general guide for raising nursery seedlings but also addresses special treatments for some species where necessary. Training on basic techniques for raising seedlings has been provided to villagers. With further guidance of CARD project extension staff from Bac Kan province, villagers should be capable of raising seedlings for planting in the agroforestry model. However, it is recommended that the written manual for village nursery operations be consulted. Rooted cuttings of Keo lai are normally used. Material can be readily obtained from commercial nurseries in Bac Kan province and transported to the four agroforestry sites. 7 For Mo and Xoan, fresh seed from the current crops only should be used. Fruit should be collected from off the tree before it opens and sheds the seed. Depulp the fruit immediately after collection by the removal of the out fleshy skin by hand then wash in clean water. Once clean place the seed in a container of water and remove any seeds floating on the surface. The good seeds which sink in the water should be sown within a short time as the seeds do not store losing viability within five weeks of collection. Direct sowing of the seed into pots is recommended. If seed is sown in germination tray or nursery bed, follow the prick out procedures as described in the written manual. For Keo dau seed which is supplied by the Forest Science Institute of Vietnam, seed must be treated with hot water (80°C) for 2-3 minutes and soaked in cold water for 1- 2 days before sowing. Seed should germinate about 7-8 days after sowing. Treated seed can be directly sown into pots. 4.3 Site preparation Refer to Appendix I for details of the layout for each of the four villages. The area required for each village is 100m x 100m. For each of the 6m strips for planting tree, remove all existing trees and shrubs. No soil cultivation is to be done on these strips, as it is intended to maintain ground vegetation to protect top soil and reduce surface water runoff. Planting holes 30 cm deep and 30 cm wide are dug prior to planting. 4.4 Fertilization Soon after planting apply 30 grams of complete fertiliser (NPK) to each plant. Fetilizer is dug in two holes 15 cm away from the plant. 4.5 Weed control Weed control is done by frequent slashing of ground vegetation to minimise competition to tree growth. In the first year it may be necessary to carry out weeding 3-4 times and cultivate the soil 60 cm diameter around the plants. The middle space along the tree strips can be used to grow herbs or spices . The appropriateness of the crop will vary depending on their shade tolerance. 4.6 Thinning The initial close spacing of 2m along the tree rows has been designed for thinning to be done at 2-3 years after planting for use as firewood or garden poles. In each row, 50% of the trees will be removed to increase the spacing to 4m between trees. Keo lai is anticipated to be clear felled at age 5-6 years as pulpwood, therefore no further thinning is required. Replanting on the clear strips can be done with a tree species of preferred choice in the future. Mo and Xoan are normally grown for saw logs. Therefore, additional thinning will be required when the remaining trees are subject to competition. 8 4.7 Pruning Trees grown for production of pulpwood as in the case of keo does not require pruning. For sawn timber products, pruning is necessary to improve the quality of the sawn wood, i.e. less defect from large knots. Mo and Xoan are normally very capable of self-pruning and thus may not require the pruning treatment. However, there may be some individual trees that have large branches on the lower part of the main stem. In this case it is recommended that those large branches be remove by a sharp saw close the stem. 4.8 Coppice management For leucaena, once the trees are established and reach 2-3 metres in height, the stems should be cut back to about 0.5 m above ground to encourage optimum coppice growth. Under the model design, three rows of leucaena are proposed. To maintain a continuous supply of firewood, it is recommended that one row be harvested at a time. 4.9 Crop management As indicated in Appendix 1, crops will be planted in 25 m wide space between the blocks of trees. The agricultural crops will run across the length of the model estimated to be 100 m. The choice of crop will be left to the discretion of the villagers use traditional crops including maize, peanuts, beans, cassava, taro except for Ban Sang where pineapple was recommended. The crops will be rotated over time to allow for soil enrichment and may well require a period of fallow when yields drop. The crops will be established early in the wet season as with normal crop rotations. 4.10 Time line for activities The table below is a general schedule for implementation of the agroforestry model. 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Activity O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D Acquire seed Sow seed Raise seedlings in nursery Acquire Keo cuttings Prepare field sites Tree planting 4 sites Crop planting 4 sites Fertilizer application Weeding Harvest as required Pruning as required Thinning as required 5. Growth and Yield Assessment 5.1 Trees Growth of trees provides information of the productivity and potential returns at harvest. A simple assessment of tree growth is suggested. For each tree species, measure height and diameter at breast height (1.3 m above ground) on every third tree in each row at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 months after planting. Thereafter, measure tree growth every 3 years. Enter growth data in the table below. 9 Location: Date of measurement Tree No. Height (m) Diameter (cm) Remarks 5.2 Crops At each harvest, record yield (in kg) of the crops harvested in the table below. Location: Crop species Date of planting Date of harvest Yield (kg) Market value 10 Appendix I. Field layout of agroforestry model CARD Project 017/06VIE - Proposed agroforestry model at each village 50 trees along row x 4 rows (final tree numbers depends on space) Distance (m) Keo lai - acacia hybrid x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 m along row Keo lai - acacia hybrid x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 m between rows Keo lai - acacia hybrid x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 25 Mo - Manglietia conifera x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 m along row Mo - Manglietia conifera x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 m between rows Mo - Manglietia conifera x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 25 Xoan - Melia x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 m along row Xoan - Melia x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 m between rows Xoan - Melia x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 25 Keo dau - Leucaena x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 m along row Keo dau - Leucaena x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 m between rows Keo dau - Leucaena x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 96 Crop choices (rotate through time and space: pineapple, maize, peanuts, beans, casava, taro) maintain native grass cover OR plant herbs, spices, lemon grass, etc as top soil cover maintain native grass cover OR plant herbs, spices, lemon grass, etc as top soil cover 6 6 Crop choices (rotate through time and space: pineapple, maize, peanuts, beans, casava, taro) Crop choices (rotate through time and space: pineapple, maize, peanuts, beans, casava, taro) 100 firewood trees along row x 3 rows maintain native grass cover OR plant herbs, spices, lemon grass, etc as top soil cover 6 3 Harvest one row at a time . planting and reforestation including agroforestry systems with potential for fast growth in high rainfall areas and an ability to coppice following felling of the trunk. It is light demanding. poverty areas in Bac Kan Province (Project No. 017/06 VIE) Agroforestry Model Implementation Plan Prepared by Brian Gunn and Khongsak Pinyopusarerk CSIRO/Ensis and Tran. strategy forms part of Milestone 4 and is linked to the Community Forest Management Plans and Land use Planning and Land Allocation. As indicated in the Baseline Survey report, survey teams