CULTIVATING MAHOGANY

Introduction

Mahogany is a kind of wood with straight-grained reddish brown timber. There are different species of mahogany trees. Mahogany is mostly grown for commercial purposes. The mahogany tree can grow over 60 to 70fit diameter. Mahogany can be grown in different parts of the country. The tree develops well in drained deep alluvial soil. 

      Land preparation

Initial to the planting day the land should be thoroughly cleaned of weeds. Dig pits of size 1.5×1.5×1.5fit. while digging the pits ensure there are no weeds. To the pits add well-decomposed manure and organic manure. The topsoil should be kept aside during the digging of the pit. The mixture of manures should be equal for good production quality. The oil-need cake should be added too and kept aside with topsoil. The mixture of the topsoil and the oil- needed is used to fill up the pits. 

   Planting and Spacing

The pits should be dug and kept open for about 1-2 weeks. The pits are later closed with soil after digging, after two days the pits are opened and manure is added and later plant the seedling. If the height of the seedling is more sapling is done and one can use a pole for support to avoid breakage. After planting irrigation is done on the same for good and quality production. The grower should ensure the pits are mixed properly with the appropriate prepared pit -mixture. The mixture should be added at least 2 to 3 weeks before planting.

The advised planting space of the plant is a square or triangular grid shape.

       Irrigation and Maintenance

Watering is done immediately after planting and during the first two weeks of planting, watering should be done on alternate days. Irrigation methods and time also depend on the soil and the weather conditions. During the growth, period applies the appropriate fertilizers every month for good production and good quality. The land should be kept free from weeds and also the soil around should be kept loose and well-aerated. Mahogany does well in a variety of soil depending on the depth, structure, porosity, drainage, and moisture-holding capacity of the soil. The tree prefers a moist warm climate and temperatures of between 25°to 44°c. The rainfall appropriate is between 1200mm and 2500mm. 

    Uses

1= Making furniture and flooring boats

2=High demand for timber in industries

3=Used by the lighting company

For more information on the growth and production of Mahogany, you can contact www.stephennaturals.com for guidance and consultancy.