Agarwood plantation layout

1. Planting Density

  • Typical Density: 1,000 – 1,600 trees per hectare
  • Factors Affecting Density:
    • Soil fertility and quality
    • Irrigation availability
    • Intended use (chips vs. high-value oil production)
    • Management intensity and pruning practices
  • High-Density Planting (1,500–1,600 trees/ha):
    • Promotes maximal land utilization
    • Requires more intensive management (pruning, fertilization, disease control)
  • Low-Density Planting (1,000–1,200 trees/ha):
    • Facilitates better airflow, sunlight penetration, and resin induction
    • Easier access for harvesting and inoculation

2. Spacing

StageRecommended SpacingNotes
Seedlings / Young Trees2–3 m × 2–3 mAllows canopy expansion; reduces shading competition
Mature Trees3–4 m × 3–4 mOptimizes resin production and airflow; easier maintenance
High-Value Oil Production4–5 m × 4–5 mReduces stress competition, better for inoculation and pruning

Tip: Wider spacing improves tree health, resin yield, and reduces fungal diseases, especially in humid tropical climates.

3. Planting Arrangement

a. Linear / Row Planting

  • Trees planted in straight rows with uniform spacing.
  • Advantages:
    • Easier access for pruning, fertilization, and resin induction
    • Simplifies mechanical operations if used
    • Efficient irrigation and harvesting
  • Disadvantages:
    • Less natural forest-like environment
    • Slightly less biodiversity support

b. Cluster / Block Planting

  • Trees planted in small groups or clusters with spaces between clusters.
  • Advantages:
    • Mimics natural forest conditions, enhances microclimate
    • Can interplant with agroforestry species
    • Promotes biodiversity and ecological balance
  • Disadvantages:
    • More difficult access for harvesting and resin induction
    • May require manual irrigation or specialized pruning

4. Recommended Layout Design

  • Primary Plantation: Linear/row planting for easier management and higher yields
  • Edge Zones / Buffer Areas: Cluster or mixed planting with shade trees to:
    • Provide windbreaks
    • Enhance microclimate
    • Support biodiversity and ecological sustainability

5. Sample Plantation Plan (Per Hectare)

[Row Planting Example: 3 m × 3 m]
Tree - Tree - Tree - Tree
Tree - Tree - Tree - Tree
Tree - Tree - Tree - Tree

[Cluster / Agroforestry Example]
Cluster A: 4–5 trees, spaced 3 m apart
Cluster B: 4–5 trees, spaced 3 m apart
Intercluster spacing: 5–6 m (for companion trees or access)
  • Combine rows in core areas for high resin production with clusters along edges or biodiversity zones for ecological benefits.

6. Key Takeaways

  • Density: 1,000–1,600 trees/ha depending on soil, irrigation, and management intensity
  • Spacing: 3–4 m × 3–4 m for mature trees; wider spacing for high-value oil production
  • Arrangement: Linear rows for operational efficiency; clusters for ecological enhancement
  • Hybrid Design: Use a combination of row planting for core productivity and cluster planting for buffer/biodiversity zones