Miyawaki Method of Plantation and its Benefits

Miyawaki Method of Plantation is a revolutionary technique for creating dense, fast-growing, and sustainable forests. Learn how this method restores biodiversity, combats climate change, and transforms barren land.

Table of Contents

Context: During the recently concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh government implemented the Miyawaki Method for afforestation & to create “oxygen banks” and increase green cover.

About Miyawaki Method of Plantation

Miyawaki Method is a technique for creating forests quickly using native trees on degraded land. It is based on principles of natural reforestation and is effective in urban areas.
Developed by: Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, it is also called the pot plantation method.
It involves planting native species of trees and shrubs very close together, accelerating their growth.
Plants grow up to 10 times faster with this technique compared to traditional methods.
It helps create self-sustaining forests in a short period by mimicking natural ecosystems.
The method is particularly effective in urban areas where space is limited and is used to combat deforestation, climate change and urban pollution.

Benefits

Fast-growing: The trees grow quickly, which helps create forest cover quickly
High biodiversity: Miyawaki forests have higher biodiversity than neighbouring woodlands.
Carbon capture: The trees capture more carbon.
Climate remediation: The method can help remedy soil, air, water, and climate issues.

Key Features of Miyawaki Method

Focus on Native Species

Only indigenous tree species are planted to ensure high survival rates.
These trees require less water, fertilizers and maintenance after the initial phase.

High-Density Plantation

Plants are placed 3-5 saplings per square meter, creating dense green cover.
The close spacing forces trees to compete for sunlight, resulting in rapid vertical growth.

Fast Growth & Self-Sustaining Forests

Trees grow 10 times faster than in traditional afforestation methods.
A fully developed forest can be achieved in 20-30 years instead of 100-200 years.
After 3 years, forests become self-sustaining, requiring minimal human intervention.

Multi-Layered Forest Structure

It mimics a natural forest with four layers of vegetation:

Shrubs (small bushes and plants)
Sub-trees (medium-sized trees)
Canopy trees (tall trees forming a dense upper cover)
Emergent trees (the tallest trees extending beyond the canopy).

Applications of the Miyawaki Method

Urban forest projects
Restoration of degraded lands
Combatting desertification
Beautification of residential and industrial spaces

UPSC PYQ

Q. The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the: (2022)

(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas

(b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora

(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces

Answer: C

FAQs

What is the Miyawaki method?

The Miyawaki Method is a technique of planting dense, fast-growing forests using native species. It involves high-density planting and replicates the natural forest ecosystem.

Who developed the Miyawaki Method?

The Miyawaki Plantation Method was developed by Dr. Akira Miyawaki, a Japanese botanist and ecologist, in the 1970s.

How long does it take to grow a Miyawaki forest?

A Miyawaki forest takes about 20–30 years to reach maturity, compared to 200–300 years for a naturally grown forest. However, significant growth is visible within 2–3 years.