We know that India is the most populated country in the world located. India is fighting with global environmental problems like urban heat island effects, extreme Air pollution in major cities and biodiversity losses. Now in this scenario Miyawaki method in India is very beneficial.
What is miyawaki method? Briefly explained
In recent year me a walkie method in India has gained very popularity due to its ability to fight urban pollution. Miyawaki technique was introduced by japanese botanist Dr. Akira miyawaki, under this technique native trees are grown in dense clusters to rapidly grow micro forest in india, Even in small spaces.
Miyawaki method in India is gaining wider popularity becouse it allow home owner, gardener or any urban planner to grow a micro, self sustaining forest within few years. Whether you have a backyard or school campus area here is how to do this.
1. Identify a suitable space
You know that miyawaki method does not required a large field so even 10×10 ft area can support a well sustaining micro forest. If you are confused to choose area here are few examples– vacant society corners, school grounds, government parks, backyard plots and road side buffer zones. And one thing makes sure that the area you select, receives 6-8 hours of sunlight and doesn’t have any underground pipe or concrete becouse it will resist root enlargement.
2. Clean and prepare tha land
And you find out the perfect place according to you the next step is to clean the area. Remove cement debris, plastic, stones and weeds. Also remove the top dry soil layer if it’s hard packed. Then dig down about 3 feet roughly 1 meter so that root can penetrate.
3. Improve soil quality with natural additive.
Healthy soil is the fuel of your forest’s engine but don’t mix artificial excessive fertilizers. You can mix soil with organic compost from kitchen waste, cow dung, leaf mold. Mix Cocopeat or sawdust to retain moisture. Add biomass rice husk, dry leaves or sugarcane bagasse. Neem cake or bio fertilizer are useful to prevent pests. Let the soil rest 3-7 days before planting
4. Choose a mix of native trees species
Pick species that naturally grow on that area. They can adapt better they don’t require much care, and they can attract local birds and pollinators. Density tip: 3-5 saplings per sq. Meter. Create a four layer forest structure :-
- Canopy tree – Neem peepal Banyan
- Tree layer – jamun amla bael
- Sub tree layer- amaltas kadamba guava
- Shrubs/ ground layer – Hibiscus, curry leaf, lemon grass.
5. Plant randomly
One of the key feature of miyawaki forest is that, under this technique the plants are randomly planted not in a single line. It gives Vibe of natural forest you must planned 3-5 saplings per square metre. Species should be mixed with different height and growing speed.
- This increase healthy competition between plants
- Dense planting also shades the ground, retaining soil moisture and preventing weeds to grow.
- It mimics natural forest. The mixture of fast and slow growing native plants.
6. Add mulch to cover the soil
After planting cover the soil with thick mulch like dry leaves, sugarcane husk, coconut coir or straw agriculture waste. Mulching helps in retaining soil moisture, regulating temperature, suppressing weed growth and boost microbial activity which help in plants growth. Remember that you don’t have to use plastic or synthetic mulch always ko biodegradable.
7. Water regularly for first 1 – 2 years
Don’t forget that you are establishing a whole forest. Under miyawaki method in india. You have to give a proper supply of water during initial phase, at least untill the root settle down deep in the ground. Water 2 – 3 times a week in summer and once a week during cooler month. after two years plants become self capable and the do not required manually watering.
Disadvantages of miyawaki method
1. High initial investment for small plots. If you are covering only 50-100 sq.m, the cost shoots up. And due to this reason this becomes un-affordable for low income individual or community without any external support.
2. Heavy maintenance in first 2 years. Forest request intense maintenance during 18 – 20 month. Proper and frequent watering, weeding and protecting saplings from grazing animals is very important. And hence it becomes labour intensive.
3. Not ideal for water waste. miyawaki forest are dense and growing dense forest means higher water demand. This becomes a barrier in aird zones or drought prone cities. Sustaining this method without proper caring it can backfire.
4. Space may look crowded or unclean. Miyawaki forest are not grown in any order they are grown completely in natural pattern. And because of its wild and natural looks it becomes untidy or un maintained in some cities. It affects the ornamental landscaping.
5. Lack of genetic diversity. Miyawaki forest use native natural plants. Some miyawaki projects use only 15-20 species in bulk due to availability, which defeats the purpose of restoring rich biodiversity. Only truly local sourcing can ensure ecological value.
6. If community ownership lacks, forest will fail. Many micro forest fails within a year. saplings are stolen, nobody waters the plant sapling waste is dumped there and many more problems. Community involvement is not optional it’s the backbone
How much cost is required for miyawaki forest
Creating a Miyawaki micro forest in Indian cities looks like very expensive right ? But that’s not a complete truth. It’s more flexible and scanable than most people think. The cost depends and various factors like soil quality, location and whether you are doing it with help of community labours or your hiring professionals.
| Size of Land | Approximate Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq. m | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 | Small community or park corner project |
| 500 sq. m | ₹1.5 – ₹3.5 lakh | School, housing society, or NGO-led effort |
| 1000+ sq. m | ₹3 – ₹7 lakh | Larger city projects (reduced cost per sq. m) |
Real life success stories of miyawaki forest.
Noida park transformation
In Noida sector 91, within just 2 years a barren Park strip was converted into a dense forest by miyawaki method. Over 300 plants like Arjun, neem, jamun and peeple were grown 2-3 meter tall. They helps in attracting native birds and reducing urban heating island effect. But this was not done by a single individual, it was led by local community and supported by Noida authority. The cost were around 1.5 lakh rs. For 150 sq.m area. During peak summer the local temperature was drop down by 2°C.
SayTrees foundation’s Urban forest in banglore.
Saytrees is a NGO, has pioneered over 50+ micro forest in bangluru. One project near Kundalahalli lake turned a damping side into a dense micro forest size around 600 sq.m with 2400 saplings and 35+ native plants. In just 14 months many trees were taller than their planters. Point to be noted that they involves IT professional, school kids, and elderly residents to built inner touch with the forest.
Warje urban forest in Pune
It is one of the most cited miyawaki case study in india. The forest department with NGO’s support revived a 16 hectare barren land in warje pune by using miyawaki method. Over 23000 saplings were planted creating a thriving oxygen-rich zone. This project also created a biodiversity hotspot with butterflies, snakes, mongooses and over 40 species of birds.
Mumbai’s aarey milk colony
In Mumbai’s aarey colony, due to metro shades trees were cutting down and this leds to a controversy in that area. The local community in the colony decided to start a community led miyawaki forest. In small plots (80-120 sq.m) the planted local native plants according to the miyawaki method like – Bahava, kadamba and karanj. This community were not even supported by government funding they collected donation and established a whole forest. It give a strong message that even under pressure the nature can still fight back if the community is United.
There are many successful stories related to micro forest and I have discussed few. Overall the aim was to tell you that even in the most polluted cities micro forest can reclaim the Barren land. You don’t need acres of land you just need action and support.
Common doubts and final thought
FAQs
Before establishing miyawaki forest you might have some doubts right ? Let’s clear them.
How much space do you require ? you can start within just 30-50 sq.m even narrow strips along parks can be transformed. Plant 3-5 saplings per sq.m.
Do you require government permission? if you are planting your micro forest in your private land then you don’t need permission. But if you are planting in public lands like parks or footpath edges you need approval from local authorities.
Can miyawaki forest survive in dry extreme climate ? Of course yes but only if you choose native plants which are adopted according to your area’s environment. If you are in Rajasthan use khejri or Babool.
How do I know which species to plant in my area ? contact your local forest department or agricultural universities to find out what naturally grows in your area.
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