5.4 Dry sites

- Prepare micro catchments (as described in Technical sheet 2).

- On dry sites it is even more important than otherwise that planting is carried out at the right time, i.e. at the beginning of the rainy season. Prepare planting holes in advance in order to complete planting as quickly as possible.

- Use seedlings of best quality with a good root system.

- Use containerized seedlings if available. They generally survive better than bare-rooted seedlings.

- With tall broad-leaved species, young shoots and part of the foliage must be stripped off, as described in section 3.4.

- Make planting holes large and deep, 60 x 60 centimetre. A large planting hole with plenty of refilled soil will help root development and thereby increase the survival rate and growth.

- Pickaxe the bottom of the holes to make it easier for the roots to penetrate.

- Form a basin around the seedling to catch as much water as possible.

- Mulching with grass and leaves around the seedlings will reduce evaporation and prevent the surface soil from hardening.

Dry sites

Prepare micro-catchments

Use containerized seedlings of best quality

Planting technique for dry sites