Which host plant and spacing should I use for a white sandalwood plantation?

Sandalwood is a semi root parasite, so it must have host plants whose roots it taps for nutrients. Common spacing is around 10 by 10 feet or 12 by 12 feet, giving roughly 300 to 400 trees per acre, though some keep it wider. Plant a primary host like red gram or cowpea early for the young plant, and a long term host such as casuarina, neem, pongamia or red gram in the field. Without a good host the sandalwood grows slowly and weakly. Use healthy seedlings from a reliable government or registered nursery, since seed and seedling quality varies a lot. Confirm spacing and recommended hosts for your district with the State Forest Department or your KVK before planting.