This document provides information on establishing and managing bamboo plantations. It discusses general bamboo growth requirements such as rainfall, soil, temperature, and altitude. Important steps are outlined, including species and site selection, site preparation through clearing and layout. Planting operations are described from digging holes to placement and covering of bamboo shoots. Regular maintenance activities are recommended like weeding, replacing dead stocks, watering, mulching, thinning and protection from fires, pests and diseases.

1. Digno C. Garcia
Laboratory and Experimental Services Division
BAMBOO PLANTATION
ESTABLISHMENT AND
MANAGEMENT

2. WHY GROW BAMBOO?
“In the early days of my business, the first
thing people would ask was: Why on earth
would you want to grow bamboo? I had a very
simple answer: To live in an atmosphere of
beauty and tranquility and make money in so
doing.”
Durnford L. Dart (1999)
Australian Bamboo Farmer

3. PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Bamboo Plantation Establishment and
Management
a. General requirements for bamboo growth
b. Species and site selection
c. Site preparation
d. Planting operation
e. Plantation maintenance

4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
BAMBOO GROWTH
Rainfall
 Moisture affects growth and development
 Annual range of 1,200 – 4,000 mm

5. Soil
 Thrives in various soil types
 Best in well drained, sandy-loam to clay-loam
soils
 Suitable pH ranges from 5.0 to 6.5, although
some species grow even at pH of 3.5
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
BAMBOO GROWTH

6. Temperature and light
 Grows in temperature ranging from 8.0 –
36.0°C
 Clumps in open site produce better culms
than those growing under heavy shade.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
BAMBOO GROWTH

7. Altitude
 Grow in the lowland and up to an altitude as high
as 4,000 meters above sea level.
 Bambusa, Schizostachyum, Gigantochloa and
Dendrocalamus – low to medium elevation
 Phyllostachys – medium to high
 Yushania – high elevation
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
BAMBOO GROWTH

8. Species selection
 Economically important species
 Availability of plantation technologies for a given
species
 Source and availability of planting materials
 Growth and yield information on the choice of
species
Site Selection
SPECIES AND SITE SELECTION

9. 1. Clear the area from unwanted vegetation.
 Spot clearing
 Strip brushing
 Clear brushing
SITE PREPARATION

10. SITE PREPARATION
2. Lay-out the plantation according to the
types of species or purpose.
 Large bamboo: 10m x 10m spacing, Examples
are giant bamboo and bolo
 Medium-sized bamboo: 7m x 7m spacing,
Examples are bayog, kawayan tinik and kawayan
killing.
 Small bamboo: 5m x 5m spacing, Examples are
anos and buho

12. SITE PREPARATION
3. Place stakes at the designated distances
and clear an area of about 1m x 1m around
the stakes.

13. Planting must commence at the onset of the
rainy season using only matured and hardened
seedlings to attain a high chance of survival
and development.
1. Dig holes approximately 40cm x 40cm x 40cm
or larger 60 X 60 X 40 cm for larger planting
materials.
PLANTING OPERATION

14. In hole digging, separate the top soil from the
subsoil. The top soil will be the first to use to
cover the newly planted propagules.
PLANTING OPERATION

15. 2. Transport planting materials from nursery to
planting site using any of the following means:
 Manually
 Animal-driven cart
 Use of vehicles depending on the distance and
accessibility
PLANTING OPERATION

16. 3. Put about 10cm top soil in the hole then
apply 10 grams of HI-Q VAM 1.
PLANTING OPERATION

17. 4. Remove the plastic pot then gently place
the rooted cuttings in the hole.
PLANTING OPERATION

18. 5. Place the bamboo plant vertically in the
hole and fill it up with the topsoil.
PLANTING OPERATION

19. 6. Gently compress the surface soil around
the plant.
PLANTING OPERATION

20. 7. To avoid moisture and nutrient loss,
place mulch around the plant.
PLANTING OPERATION

21. The bamboo plantation should be well
maintained especially during the first two years
of planting.
1. Weed control – ring weeding or strip weeding
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

22. 2. Replace dead planting stocks.
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

23. 3. Water availability is one of the most critical
factor to consider.
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

24. Construction of Watch Tower with Rain Water Harvester
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

25. 4. Mulching and fertilizer application
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

26. 5. Silvicultural operations are necessary for
plantation growth within 3-5 years before
the first harvest.
 Thinning
 Pruning
 Fertilization
 Mulching
 Mounding
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

27. 6. Protect the plantation from the following:
 Fire
 Rodents
 Animals
 Pest and diseases
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

28. Construction of fire-lines and firebreaks
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

29. Bamboo guard
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

30. Pests and diseases
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION

31. Pests and diseases
MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION
Leaf Rust -Bamboo rust pathogen (Kweilingia Divinia)

32.  Lapis, A.B., Tesoro, F.O., Palijon, A.M., & Virtucio, F.D. (2016) Bamboo the grass of hope, Philippine
Bamboo Foundation
 Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development
(PCAARRD). (2012). Information Bulletin No. 295/2012 “Kawayan tinik” Shoot and Pole Production
 Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development.
(1991). Philippines Recommends Series No. 53-A. “Philippines Recommends for Bamboo Production”
 Rojo, J. P., C. A. Roxas, F. C. Pitargue, Jr., & C. A. Brinas. (2000). Philippine erect bamboos: A field
identification guide. Los Baños, Laguna: Forest Products Research and Development Institute, Department
of Science and Technology, p. 161.
 Roxas, C. A., F. T. Tangan, & F. D. Virtucio. (2000). Ornamental bamboos for urban parks. DENR
Recommends. College, Laguna: Ecosytems Research and Development Bureau, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, p. 22.
 Roxas, C. A. (2012). Handbook on erect bamboo species found in the Philippines. College, Laguna:
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
 Virtucio, F. D. & C. A. Roxas. (2004). Bamboo production in the Philippines. College, Laguna: Ecosystems
Research and Development Bureau, DENR, Philippines.
REFERENCES

33. THANK YOU!!!
BAMBOOHAY!!!