1. Climate & Soil Requirements
- Climate: Tropical to semi-arid; ideal annual rainfall: 600–1,200 mm
- Temperature: 25–35°C; tolerates occasional drought
- Soil: Well-drained sandy-loam or red volcanic soils; pH 6–7
- Topography: Slightly sloping lands (avoids waterlogging)
2. Tree Characteristics
- Height: 4–9 m
- Crown Diameter: 3–5 m
- Growth Type: Semi-parasitic (requires host trees for optimal growth)
- Gestation Period for Heartwood: 15–20 years
3. Recommended Host Trees (Philippine-Friendly)
| Host Species | Type | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Acacia mangium | Fast-growing legume | Nitrogen-fixing, drought-tolerant, compatible roots |
| Albizia lebbeck | Nitrogen-fixing legume | Provides partial shade, improves soil fertility |
| Leucaena leucocephala | Legume shrub/tree | Fast biomass, nitrogen enrichment |
| Sesbania grandiflora | Nitrogen-fixing small tree | Short-term host, fast-growing |
| Gliricidia sepium | Legume | Shade and parasitic support for young seedlings |
Note: Each sandalwood seedling should be planted with at least one host within 0.5–1 m radius for parasitic root attachment.
4. Propagation
- Seed Propagation:
- Germination: 50–70% success
- Pretreatment: Soak seeds in warm water 24 hours
- Nursery Stage: 6–12 months before field transplantation
- Tissue Culture / Clonal Propagation:
- Promising for uniform quality and faster plantation establishment
- Vegetative Cuttings: Less common, limited success
5. Planting & Spacing
- Recommended Density: 625–1,111 trees/ha
- Row Spacing: 3 m × 3 m for open plantations
- With Host Trees: Alternate sandalwood and host rows for optimal parasitism and growth
- Planting Season: Onset of rainy season (May–July in most Philippine regions)
6. Maintenance & Management
- Watering: Critical in the first 12 months; minimal irrigation afterward if hosts established
- Weeding: Regular removal of competing grasses and shrubs
- Fertilization: Light organic compost; host trees supply nitrogen naturally
- Pruning: Prune host trees to allow sufficient sunlight
- Pest & Disease Management:
- Shoot borer (Sandalwood shoot borer)
- Root rot (especially in poorly drained areas)
- Fungal infections
7. Growth & Heartwood Yield Projections
| Year | Avg. Height (m) | Diameter (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.5–1 | 1–2 | Nursery stage, root establishment |
| 3 | 2–3 | 5–7 | Parasitic attachment to host established |
| 5 | 3–4 | 8–10 | Rapid growth with host support |
| 10 | 5–6 | 12–15 | Early heartwood formation in some trees |
| 15 | 6–7 | 15–20 | Significant heartwood accumulation; harvestable for oil |
| 20+ | 8–9 | 20–25 | Optimal quality heartwood; high α- and β-santalol content |
8. Oil Yield & Quality
- Heartwood Proportion: ~20–25% of mature stem biomass
- Essential Oil Content: 3–8% of heartwood dry weight
- Estimated Oil Yield per Tree:
- 15-year-old tree: 0.5–1.2 kg oil/tree
- 20-year-old tree: 1–2 kg oil/tree
- Oil Quality Metrics:
- α-Santalol: 40–50% (key fragrance component)
- β-Santalol: 15–20%
9. Economic Considerations
- Gestation Period: Long-term investment (15–20 years)
- Revenue Sources:
- High-value heartwood logs
- Essential oil extraction
- Seedlings for sale (nursery propagation)
- Cost-Saving Tips:
- Use nitrogen-fixing hosts to reduce fertilizer costs
- Intercrop with short-cycle crops in first 2–3 years
10. Recommended Plantation Model (Philippine Agroforestry)
- Mixed Sandalwood–Host System:
- 1 sandalwood : 1–2 host trees
- Ensures optimal parasitic support, improved soil fertility, and reduced irrigation needs
- Optional Intercrops: Short-term legume vegetables or timber seedlings
- Digital Monitoring: Implement tree mapping and growth monitoring for plantation management
If you want, I can also create a visual “Sandalwood Plantation Projection Infographic” similar to what we made for Agaris™ or Plantation TerraForestry™, showing tree growth, heartwood formation, host interaction, and oil yield over 20 years. This could be used in investor or farmer guides.
Do you want me to make that infographic?