Introductory Agroforestry

CRITERIA FOR NURSERY SITE SELECTION

i. Nursery should be selected as carefully as possible with reference to the area to be planted.
ii. Enable regular supervision.
iii. In order to have good irrigation facility, it should be situated near or slightly below the source of adequate water supply.
iv. Soil should be well drained sandy loam. Clayey soils should not be selected as their aeration and drainage is poor and they are liable to crack during summer.
v. In the hills, a gentle slope not exceeding 5° should be selected. If the slope is steeper, cost of terracing increases.
vi. In the Western Himalayas, northern aspect should be preferred, but towards higher limits of the altitudinal zone of the species southern aspects are suitable, that only up to an altitude of 1200 m; beyond that they become too cold and wet, and so western or south-western aspects are preferred.
vii. Altitudinal zone of the species should also be kept in mind while selecting site for nursery in hills.
viii. Site should not be frost pocket.