WBC-VIII-Vol.4 – Resources – Forestry, Plantations and ... - BambuSC

Soil :
Most bamboos are found in sandy loam to loamy clay soil, derived form river alluvium or underlying rock.
Although bamboo, like other commercial crops prefer a well drained soil, it is observed even in swampy soils
and wet stream beds. The soils of the districts vary from clay to clay loam to sandy loam and soil reaction is
acidic with pH of 4.5 to 7.0. A luxurious growth of bamboo is a common feature in the districts and therefore
the soil and climatic conditions are best suited for cultivation of bamboo.
Species:
Among many indigenous bamboo species growing in Assam, only 2 species are cultivated by farmers viz, B.
tulda and B. balcooa. However, the most common bamboo available in the districts and most favored by the
farmers is jati bamboo B. tulda. So it is proposed to plant only jati bamboo for the present project.
Planting Material:
There are various methods of propagating bamboo viz. through seed and vegetative methods including tissue
culture. The vegetative method i.e mainly rhizomes have been considered under the project because this is not
only the traditional method of bamboo cultivation, but also most favored by the farmers because of quick yields.
Besides, the progressive bamboo farmers have been identified for supplying rhizomes to the farmers. It has also
been observed that plenty of rhizomes are available in the project areas.
Raising of the plantations:
The planting will be taken up during the period January to March. Pits of 60 cm3 will be dug and FYM will be
put inside the pits before the Rhizomes are planted at a spacing of 4m x 4 m. The number of plants per bigha is
estimated at 85. A provision has been made for casualty replacement in the second year to the extent of 10%.
Fencing :
Live hedge fencing has been recommended as it is essential to protect Bamboos in initial years from grazing by
stray cows and goats, because bamboo leaves are fodder and voraciously eaten by the animals.
Fertilization :
Bamboo is a heavy feeder and therefore, even rich soils might becomes depleted after a few years if no fertilizer
is added. Although fertilizers may be applied at any time in the year, it is preferred to apply fertilizer after
harvest and before irrigation. It should be noted that rhizomes continue to be active (growing) except during the
coldest part of the year. It is therefore proper to apply small quantities of fertilizer round the year rather than in
one/two large doses. Bamboo responds well to nitrogen and potassium which are found in compost, green
manure, wood ash and chemical fertilizers. Lime is often applied to neutralise soil acidity.
VIII World Bamboo Congress Proceedings Vol 4-6