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A sandalwood plantation requires specific conditions like hot, humid climates, well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH between
6.56.56.5 and
7.57.57.5, and plenty of sunlight. Key steps include planting young saplings in pits with compost, spacing them
333 to
3.53.53.5 meters apart, and establishing host plants like pigeon pea to provide nutrients, as sandalwood is a semi-parasitic plant. Long-term care involves moderate watering and maintenance, as trees take 15-20 years to mature before harvesting.
You can watch this video to learn more about sandalwood cultivation:
Site and soil preparation
- Climate: Sandalwood thrives in warm, humid climates with temperatures between
12∘12 raised to the composed with power12∘ and $35^\circ$C and altitudes between
600600600 and
105010501050 meters.
- Soil: Choose well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of
6.56.56.5 to
7.57.57.5. Before planting, plow the field and test for nutrient requirements.
- Planting time: The beginning of the rainy season is ideal to provide moisture for the young plants.
Planting and spacing
- Saplings: Plant saplings that are 7 to 8 months old and about 1 foot tall.
- Holes: Dig pits of approximately
1.51.51.5 feet in length, width, and depth, leaving a spacing of
333 to
3.53.53.5 meters between them.
- Filling: Fill the pits with a mixture of soil, compost, and organic manure before planting the sapling.
Host plants and nutrients
- Host plants: Since sandalwood is a partial root parasite, plant host plants like pigeon pea, cowpea, or certain acacia species alongside it to provide nutrients.
- Fertilization: Use organic fertilizers like compost and farmyard manure. In the nursery stage, apply nematicides and fungicides to control diseases.
Ongoing care
- Watering: Sandalwood needs moderate irrigation, and too much water can be harmful. Once established, water about 2 to 3 liters per week, and avoid waterlogged areas.
- Maintenance: Keep the area around the trees free of weeds to prevent competition for water and nutrients.
- Pruning: Regularly prune dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Sandalwood trees typically take 15 to 20 years to mature.
- Harvesting: For maximum profit, uproot the entire tree to use the high-value oil from the roots and stump, rather than just cutting the trunk.
Legal and long-term considerations
- Licensing: Obtain necessary permits and licenses from local forestry authorities before beginning cultivation.
- Long-term investment: Recognize that sandalwood farming is a long-term investment that requires patience and consistent care.