Hair cut is in progress at the farm for most supporting leguminous trees (indigofera and inga) during this wet season. Apart from the napier rows seen above, there will be insertion of coffee saplings at their designated locations to capitalize on the full sun exposure on this slope.
It’s the raining season now and that means 3 things. Guarding against fungal attack (durian trees especially), get new plants into the ground (create new root network) and prune supporting species (for biomass, increase aeration and promote new growth for target plants).
The highlight of this planting season is the 20 cacao and 20 liberica coffee saplings (more to come later) weaved into the durian and carambola trees, amongst the petai, rambutan, mangosteen and duku langsats. The strategic addition of cacao and coffee is instrumental in lending towards an inclusive, cohesive and experiential farmsteading business model years down the road.
This is the “black horse” section of the farm that I mentioned a little while back. Super poor sandy soil from erosion uphill washed up to the farm. It’s the furthest from zone 0. Once the target trees of rambutan and mango are placed, supporting leguminous trees are inserted in between. Here, I’ve chopped and dropped to maintain the target trees. In due time, I hope to build up the soil organic matter. This line of young trees is separated from its adjacent neighbouring fertile patch of space (code name “Pulau”; island in the malay language, because it is really an isolated “island” from top view) by a small earth drain. There’s still much to be done here to plant in this rainy season but since it’s the furthest away, it tends to be neglected for now.Slowly building up this slope piece by piece using the additive approach (as opposed to the subtractive approach which I will post about later). Previously, this entire area was filled with wild figs in a haphazard manner. The whole place was covered in shade. With the additive approach, all the trees were fell and only a few at the perimeter were spared for the birds. Then, target and support trees were planted systematically in their place. Once this is established, I will begin to insert rare tree species, and native dipterocarp trees. With this approach, I’m prioritising more common human food crop trees / animal fodder stock with the intent to let emergent trees rise to their full potential in 30-50 years; a somewhat transitory process for zone 4 to make way to zone 5 eventually.
The key is to create social/economic value and impact through biodiversity on a small plot of land.
Twenty units of 4 types of hybrid cacao clones bought from Lembaga Koko Malaysia in Nilai at RM 15 each.20 Liberica coffee saplings. RM 6.50 each.The cacao saplings are strategically planted to make full use of the shade provided by the star fruit trees (which are also sheltering the stingless bee nests). Over time, the star fruit trees will be trimmed back to allow for the cacao to flourish. Notice the biodiversity achieved in such a small space (in this photo frame); and I’m just barely starting.Newly planted cacao sapling. Top soil and compost mixed back into the planting hole before covering with subsoil at the top.Newly planted cacao sapling.Lightly mulched away from the stem.
