Here’s a detailed guide on preventing soil contamination during agarwood harvest, which is critical for preserving resin quality and hygiene:
1. Why Soil Contamination Matters
- Resin-rich agarwood is highly valuable, and soil contamination can:
- Introduce dirt, sand, and debris that reduce market quality.
- Increase risk of fungal or bacterial infection during storage.
- Complicate processing for chips or essential oil extraction.
2. Best Practices During Harvest
A. Prepare the Ground
- Clear the harvest area of rocks, mud, and loose soil.
- Lay clean tarps, mats, or wooden planks where logs will be placed.
- Ensure drainage to avoid pooling water around harvested wood.
B. Minimize Direct Contact
- Avoid dragging logs or branches on soil.
- Use manual lifting, rollers, carts, or forklifts to move wood.
- If dragging is unavoidable, use clean planks or rubber mats as a barrier.
C. Cutting Position
- Cut resin-rich sections off the ground using:
- Saw horses, supports, or tripods for trunk and large logs.
- Elevated branches with ropes or pulleys.
D. Cleaning Tools & Hands
- Brush off sawdust, soil, or debris immediately after cutting.
- Wash or sanitize chainsaw chains, chisels, and cutting boards.
- Wear clean gloves to prevent transferring dirt to freshly cut wood.
3. Handling & Transport
- Use tarps, plastic crates, or pallets to store logs immediately after cutting.
- Separate resin-rich wood from non-resinous or potentially contaminated wood.
- Avoid stacking logs on wet soil, which can lead to moisture absorption and microbial growth.
4. Post-Harvest Measures
- Lightly brush off residual dirt before processing.
- If possible, air-dry or sun-dry logs on elevated racks.
- Monitor for mold or fungal growth, particularly in humid environments.
5. Summary Table
| Step | Preventive Measure |
|---|---|
| Ground preparation | Clear debris, lay tarp or planks |
| Cutting | Keep resin-rich wood elevated, avoid direct soil contact |
| Tool hygiene | Clean/sanitize cutting tools |
| Handling | Use carts, rollers, or forklifts |
| Storage | Elevate logs, separate resin-rich sections, dry properly |
Key Principle: Always treat resin-rich wood as high-value and sensitive—even minor soil contamination can reduce its commercial or aromatic quality.
I can also create a visual diagram showing safe cutting, log handling, and storage practices to prevent soil contamination—perfect for field manuals or training posters.
Do you want me to make that diagram?