new rubber garden want planting spacing and when tapping can start Kerala
When can I start tapping rubber and what spacing for new planting in Kerala?
TThomas1yr ago · 421 views
7 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓1yr ago
Rubber trees generally become ready for tapping about 7 years after planting, when the trunk girth reaches the recommended size at the standard height, so do not tap too early as it harms growth and future yield. For new planting, the common spacing gives roughly 400 to 450 trees per hectare, often around 4.9 m by 4.9 m or similar, planted in pits at the start of the monsoon. RRII 105 is a very popular high yielding clone, though it is susceptible to Corynespora leaf fall, while clones like RRII 414, RRII 430 and PB 260 have better leaf disease tolerance. Apply a balanced NPK mixture in split doses and maintain a cover crop in the early years. Confirm clone choice and the latest schedule with the Rubber Board.
MMathew1yr ago
Do not rush the tapping. I tapped a few trees early to earn quicker and they suffered, the panel and growth got set back. Wait for proper girth, the trees give more for longer if you are patient.
SSunny1yr ago
RRII 105 yields well but watch for the leaf fall disease in wet years. A neighbour planted RRII 430 partly for better disease tolerance. Pick the clone with the Rubber Board advice for your area.
JJacob1yr ago
A leguminous cover crop in the early years kept the weeds down, fed the soil and held the slope from washing in our heavy Kottayam rain. The young rubber grew faster on the covered plots than the bare ones. Worth the small extra effort at planting.
CCherian1yr ago
Plan your money for the long wait, rubber takes years before tapping and prices swing a lot. I kept some intercrops and other income in the early years so I was not stuck waiting on the rubber alone. Do not over borrow expecting quick returns.
BBabychan1yr ago
Get the tapping cut and technique right from the start, a poorly opened panel bleeds the tree and shortens its productive life. I had the first cuts done by an experienced tapper and learnt from him rather than guessing. The bark has to last decades so do not waste it with deep or wrong cuts.
SSaji Mathew1yr ago
Clone choice depends a lot on your local weather. RRII 105 gave me top yield in the drier spells but the Corynespora leaf fall hit it in the very wet years, so my newer block is a more tolerant clone. Take the Rubber Board recommendation for your exact area, do not just plant the popular name.