Sustainable Cultivation & Conservation of Aquilaria Species
1. Introduction
The Agarwood Nursery Management Plan aims to establish a sustainable, high-quality nursery for the propagation of Aquilaria species (A. malaccensis, A. cumingiana, A. filaria, etc.), ensuring the long-term conservation and commercial viability of agarwood farming.
This plan outlines nursery site selection, seedling propagation, pest management, irrigation, and operational best practices to ensure a high survival rate and robust tree growth.
2. Objectives
✔ Conserve endangered Aquilaria species through controlled propagation.
✔ Provide a sustainable supply of high-quality seedlings for commercial & conservation plantations.
✔ Ensure genetic purity through DNA sequencing & certification.
✔ Implement best nursery management practices to optimize seedling growth.
✔ Facilitate farmer training programs on proper agarwood cultivation.
3. Site Selection & Nursery Setup
3.1 Ideal Site Requirements
Climate: 22–32°C, humid conditions, moderate to high rainfall
Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with pH 5.5 – 6.5
Water Source: Reliable access to clean water for irrigation
Shade Requirement: Partial shade (30-50%) to prevent seedling stress
Accessibility: Proximity to main roads for logistics & distribution
3.2 Nursery Layout
Seed Propagation Area: Germination beds, seed storage
Hardening & Acclimatization Area: Transition phase for young plants
Irrigation & Drainage System: Water-efficient drip irrigation setup
Soil & Nutrient Preparation Area: Composting & soil treatment zone
Storage & Processing: Equipment, fertilizers, and inoculum storage
Training & Research Hub: Facility for farmer training & monitoring
4. Seed Collection & Propagation
4.1 Seed Collection & Selection
✔ Source: Certified parent trees with high resin-producing potential
✔ Collection Timing: Mature seeds collected from November – March
✔ Seed Treatment: Cleaning, soaking in fungicide, air-drying before sowing
4.2 Propagation Methods
| Method | Procedure | Expected Growth Period |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds | Direct sowing in germination beds | 2-4 weeks for sprouting |
| Tissue Culture | Lab-based propagation for large-scale planting | 3-6 months |
4.3 Germination Process
Germination Bed: Fine sand & cocopeat mix for optimal moisture retention
Moisture Control: Daily light watering; avoid waterlogging
Shade Regulation: 40-50% shade cover to prevent sun damage
Growth Monitoring: Remove weak seedlings & select vigorous ones
5. Seedling Care & Maintenance
5.1 Watering & Irrigation
✔ Stage 1 (0-3 months): Frequent misting (twice daily)
✔ Stage 2 (3-6 months): Reduce frequency to once daily
✔ Stage 3 (6-12 months): Deep watering once every 2-3 days
5.2 Nutrient & Soil Management
Compost Mix: Organic compost + river sand + loamy soil
Fertilization Schedule:
- 1 month: Nitrogen-rich fertilizer (20-10-10) for root growth
- 6 months: Balanced NPK (10-10-10) for foliage development
- 9 months+: Reduced nitrogen, increased potassium (5-5-10) for hardening
5.3 Pest & Disease Management
| Common Pests/Diseases | Prevention & Treatment |
|---|---|
| Aphids & Mealybugs | Neem oil spray, introduce ladybugs |
| Fungal Rot | Proper drainage, Trichoderma-based biofungicides |
| Damping-Off Disease | Use sterilized soil, avoid overwatering |
| Leaf Spot | Remove infected leaves, use copper-based fungicide |
6. Hardening & Acclimatization
Duration: 2-3 months before field transplanting
Process: Gradual exposure to sunlight (increase from 30% to 70%)
Wind Resistance Training: Expose seedlings to mild wind conditions
Fertilizer Reduction: Wean off high nitrogen fertilizers
7. Quality Control & Certification
DNA Barcoding: Certification for genetic purity & traceability
Survival Rate Monitoring: 90%+ healthy seedlings before distribution
Batch Testing: Random sample health checks every 3 months
Tagging & Documentation: Unique ID for each seedling batch
8. Farmer Training & Distribution
✔ Training Sessions: Best practices for agarwood cultivation & inoculation
✔ Farmers’ Toolkit: Guidebooks, fertilizers, and planting instructions
✔ Monitoring System: Ongoing support & tracking for distributed seedlings
9. Financial & Operational Plan
9.1 Cost Estimates
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Land Preparation & Infrastructure | $50,000 |
| Seed Procurement & DNA Testing | $25,000 |
| Propagation & Nursery Management | $75,000 |
| Irrigation & Nutrient Management | $30,000 |
| Pest & Disease Control | $15,000 |
| Farmer Training & Outreach | $20,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $215,000 |
9.2 Revenue Model
✔ Seedling Sales: $5-10 per seedling (10,000+ seedlings/year)
✔ Contract Farming: Bulk supply to commercial plantations
✔ Government & NGO Partnerships: Conservation funding & subsidies
10. Monitoring & Sustainability Plan
Quarterly Growth Reports: Monitor survival rates & health
Soil & Water Testing: Bi-annual quality checks
Community Engagement: Farmer-led co-ops for sustainable management
Carbon Credit & ESG Certification: Integration into green investment portfolios
11. Conclusion
The Agarwood Nursery Management Plan ensures a scientifically backed, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable approach to agarwood cultivation.
By implementing this plan, we can secure a reliable seedling supply, support conservation efforts, and drive long-term profitability for farmers and investors.
For investment & partnership opportunities, contact us at: putzagarwoodfarm@gmail.com