MIYAWAKI METHOD #environment

CONTEXT

Bombay Municipal Corporation(BMC) has been using the Miyawaki method to create tiny urban forests in the Metropolitan areas of Mumbai
Earlier, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana ,Kerala and some other states adopted this method.

Miyawaki is an afforestation method based on the work of Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1980s.

Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense,native forests in a short time.

It has revolutionised the concept of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests.
- This method includes planting trees (only native species) as close as possible in the same area which not only saves space, but the planted saplings also support each other in growth and block sunlight reaching the ground, thereby preventing the growth of weed.
- The saplings become maintenance-free (self sustainable) after the first three years.
The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual.
Miyawaki method helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30 years, while through conventional methods it takes anywhere between 200 to 300 years.

Process of Miyawaki Method:

Initially, native trees of the region are identified and divided into four layers — shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy.
After that, The quality of soil is analysed and biomass is mixed with it. Biomass mixing help to enhance the perforation capacity, water retention capacity, and nutrients.
A mound is built with the soil and the seeds are planted at a very high density. Furthermore, the ground is covered with a thick layer of mulch.
Multi-layered saplings are planted close to each other. This blocks sunlight from reaching the ground and prevents weeds from growing. It also keeps the soil moist.
The close cropping also ensures that the plants receive sunlight only from the top. It enables them to grow upwards rather than sideways.

Faster Process and Dense Forest: This method creates mini forests. They grow 10 times faster and become 30 times denser and 100 times more biodiverse than those planted through conventional methods.
Faster Regeneration of Land: Miyawaki forests are designed to regenerate land in far less time. It takes over 70 years for a forest to recover on its own.
Self Sustainable: The saplings become self-sustainable after the first three years.
Environmental Benefits: These mini forests help lower temperatures in concrete heat islands, reduce air and noise pollution, attract local birds and insects, and create carbon sinks.