Land Preparation

 Field preparation

• In the case of new planting, in order to avoid the incidence of root diseases, after felling the trees remove the root system to the possible extent.
• Clear the jungle growth but do not burn, the ash being alkaline will increase the pH of soil.
• In the case of replanting, remove old Grevillea (silver oak) by ring barking, leaving the young ones in the field.
• Level the land into an even slope to facilitate easy cultural operations and proper drainage

 Pitting

• Pits of size 30 cm x 45 cm are taken.
• Keep the top and bottom soil separately.
• In clayey soil and drought-prone areas, deeper pits (60 cm) or trench planting will be advantageous

Planting

• If the soil pH is more than 5.5, apply 100 g of powdered aluminium sulphate per pit and thoroughly mix with soil.
• Select seedlings that is of 12 months old.
• After planting the seedling, compact the soil surrounding the plant and apply mulch @ 25 t/ha

 Propagation

• The seed viability extends up to 6 months.
• Before sowing, seeds are put in water and only the sinkers will be used and floaters rejected.
• Seeds germinate in 4-6 weeks and the cracked seeds are transplanted in polythene sleeves.
• The plants will be ready for planting in the main field in nine months.
• The germinated seedlings can be directly sown on the main field. Alternatively seedlings can be raised in the nursery for 12 to 13 months before transplanting.