Tree planting is both a science and an art. Trees give us cool shade, prevent soil erosion. Tree is the source of nutritious fruits and medicines. The role of trees in beauty enhancement and entertainment is undeniable. To maintain the balance of the environment, a country should have at least 25% forest area. But the amount of forest in our country is only 11.2 percent. Again, it is not equally widespread. Numerous trees are being cut down every day to meet the needs of the growing population. As a result, the number of trees is declining, which can pose a serious threat to the balance of the environment. That is why every year an official tree planting campaign is conducted to motivate the people. We all have a responsibility to make this campaign a success. We all need to be careful about what we do to keep the balance of the environment so that our future generations do not fall victim to the harsh effects of the environment.
The maximum benefits can be obtained by planting the right tree at the right time, in the right place, in the right way. The following points should be taken into consideration while planting trees in modern method.
Suitable time for planting saplings
We know that trees suck sap from the soil. A small portion of the sap that the plant absorbs from the soil is used for food preparation through the process of photosynthesis (only 0.1%). The lion's share of the absorbed sap (99.9%) is released into the air through the 'stomator' through the transpiration system, which is in the form of water vapor in the air. At low temperatures in the upper atmosphere, this water vapor condenses, creating cloud-rain. In this way the tree helps in maintaining the balance of the environment. The amount of water vapor in dry air is very low. As a result, the transpiration rate increases and more water needs to be sucked from the soil. Trees cannot survive if there is not enough sap in the soil. That is why in our country monsoon season is the best time to plant saplings. This is because during the monsoon season, on the one hand, the air humidity is high and on the other hand, the amount of sap in the soil is sufficient. Which helps in keeping the planted seedlings fresh. Again it is not advisable to plant trees during extra rains. This is because excess water accumulates in the soil at this time and interferes with the breathing of the roots of the tree, resulting in root rot and death of the seedlings.
Where to plant trees
The amount of our land is limited. So we have to decide very carefully - where we will plant the trees. Places where there is not enough water in the rainy season, adequate sunlight is available and there is sufficient soil depth suitable for planting trees are suitable for planting saplings.
We will plant different species of trees to meet our family, social and national needs. To meet the nutritional needs of different types of vitamins and minerals, we will plant different types of fruit trees, both forest and fruit trees are suitable for wood. Again, fast growing trees should be chosen for chalk. Dense canopy and densely rooted trees are useful to prevent soil erosion and deep rooted trees are useful to prevent river erosion. To increase the fertility of the soil, it is necessary to select trees that are able to bind nitrogen from the air and have dense foliage.
Planting trees on the edge of the house and in the backyard
To make our home environment comfortable, attractive and charming and healthy, we need to plant suitable trees in the right places. Fruit trees, spices and medicinal plants will be preferred for planting at home. However, arrangements have to be made for the production of nutritious vegetables throughout the year. We can meet a lot of our nutritional needs by planting different fruit trees on the edge of the house and in the surrounding fallow land. Moreover, fuel wood can be provided in rural areas by planting fast growing trees.
Fruit trees include Mango, Jackfruit, Litchi, Guava, Amalki, Mango, Kamranga, Cool, Blackberry, Coconut, Pomegranate, Papaya, Lemon, Batabi Lemon, Olive, Jamrul, Bell, Kathabel, Latkan, White, Orange, Banana, Golapjam, Dates, Arbarai, Ata, Sharifa, Chalta, Tal, Bilati Gab, Tamarind etc. can be selected.
Medicinal plants include Neem, Tulsi, Basak, Amalki, Bahera, Hartaki, Arjun, Pomegranate, Plum, Buckflower, Fig, Sajane, Ashwattha, Ashoka, Hijal, Mehedi, Akand, Kamranga, Kalojam, Mango, Tamarind, Coconut, Gab, Babla , Supari, Chirata, Kalomegh, Arshgandha, Shimul, Palash make special contribution.
Among the spice plants, bay leaves, black pepper, chilli, ginger, turmeric, garlic and onion are useful.
When planting trees in the house, the trees on the south and east sides should be relatively short and the branches should be short so that open air can easily enter the house. It is suitable for planting relatively tall trees on the north side and medium size trees on the west side. Guava, pomegranate, lemon, papaya and other trees can be planted on the south side of the house. In addition, planting a couple of neem trees can provide healthy fresh air. Ginger and turmeric can be grown in shady places. The beauty of the house can be enhanced by planting some exotic trees at the gate of the house. It is important to note that at least one amalki, one neem and a few horseradish trees must be planted in each house.
Seedling selection
Special importance needs to be given to planting fruit saplings while planting trees. Seedlings of right variety, right age, disease-free and high quality should be collected from trusted nurseries. Seedlings can be collected from Horticulture Base / Nursery, Upazila Nursery, BADC Nursery, Nurseries of various research institutes and any other trusted nursery of the Department of Agricultural Extension.
Planting trees along the road
Forest trees can be planted along the roadside - Australian Acacia, Minjari, Arhar, Acacia etc. On the slopes of the road - trees suitable for river red gum (Eucalyptus kemaldulensis), Epil Epil, Khayer etc. On the other hand, at the foot of the road - Buckflower, Menzium, Jatkarai etc. are suitable for planting. Along the roadside, blackberry, amalki, tamarind fruit tree saplings and sajna tree branches can be planted for vegetables and herbs.
Planting trees on the banks of the pond
Coconut, palm and short fruit saplings can be planted on the banks of the pond. In some parts of the pond, herbaceous vegetables can be grown with jungle.
Planting trees on the banks of the river
There is no substitute for planting trees to ensure proper use of fallow land along river banks and to prevent river erosion. Short-term measures can be taken to prevent river erosion immediately by planting fast-growing tree saplings on an emergency basis along the river banks. In addition, as a measure of long-term river erosion prevention, it is necessary to plant deep-rooted long-lived tree saplings.
Planting trees in char areas
Soil conservation and development measures can be taken by planting seedlings of Zhou tree and sowing Dhancha seeds in the char areas. In addition, additional nutrition and financial income can be provided by planting banana trees. During the floods, the banana raft plays an important role as an emergency vehicle for the residents of Char.
Planting trees in educational institutions and public-private institutions
Educational institutions or public-private institutions need to plant seedlings of various fruit trees around the field so that nutritious fruits are easily available. Every educational institution needs to have at least a few mango trees. This will make vitamin C readily available to children because Amalki is the king of vitamin C.
Fruit single or mixed orchard placement
Single or mixed orchards can be established considering family needs, land availability and market price. The best time to plant a tree is from Ashar to Ashwin. Early in this period Mango, Jackfruit, Litchi, Pomegranate, Coconut, Rosemary, Guava, Lemon, Betel, Orange, Bell, Batabilebu, Olive, Amalki, Mango, Kamranga, Karamcha, Ata, Sharifa, Chalta, Pineapple, Latkan, Jamrul, Fig, Deia, Almond, Palm and Date saplings can be planted. From Madhya Shravan to Madhya Bhadra, cool saplings and Ashwin-Karti can be planted with papaya and banana saplings.
Flower garden
At the beginning of the tree planting season, flower saplings like Rangana, Mosanda, Nayantara, Sandhyamani, Kamini, Gandharaja, Hasnahena, Togar, Kana, Botanful, Belly etc. are planted. In the month of Ashar-Shravan, deciduous, weeping fir and black top can be planted among the ornamental trees.
Method of planting and caring for tree saplings
We want to enjoy the benefits of planting saplings. In order to prevent the seedlings from dying, the seedlings should be planted in a proper manner and taken care of. In this regard, it is necessary to be careful about the following issues-
A) Fresh seedlings of right variety, right age, disease free should be collected.
B) Hole digging and application of organic manure: Holes of moderate size should be dug depending on the variety and well digested waste or dung manure should be well mixed with the hole soil at least 15 days before planting.
C) Application of chemical fertilizers: Each plant needs some essential nutrients. Some of these essential nutrients are needed in large quantities and some in small or very small quantities. However, in the absence of any of these nutrients, the tree fails to complete its life cycle and we are deprived of its benefits. Very small amounts of essential nutrients are usually obtained from plants through organic fertilizers. The relatively large amount of food required is supplied through chemical fertilizers. Generally Nitrogen is supplied through Urea, Ammonium Sulphate etc., Phosphorus: TSP, DAP etc., Potash: Muriate of Potash, Sulfur: Gypsum, Ammonium Sulphate etc. Fertilizers other than urea have to be mixed with pit soil at the time of application of organic manure.
D) Irrigation: The soil of the hole should be lightly sprinkled with water immediately after planting the seedlings. Then light irrigation is given every few days as required.
To maintain the balance of the environment, a country should have at least 25% forest area