This article focuses on eucalyptus farming in Kenya. Eucalypts are the leading cultivated forest trees in Kenya. About 100,000 ha of land is under eucalyptus in Kenya.
Eucalypts are mainly grown in Kenya for timber, fuelwood, plywood, fencing poles and electricity transmission poles.
Major Eucalyptus Growing Areas In Kenya
- Western Region.
- Parts of Eastern.
- Central Riftvalley.
- Central Kenya
- Coastal Region.
Varieties Of Eucalyptus Grown In Kenya
- Eucalyptus grandis.
- Eucalyptus saligna.
- Eucalyptus camaldolensis.
- Eucalyptus globulus.
- Eucalyptus regnans.
- Eucalyptus paniculata.
- Eucalyptus maculata.
- Eucalyptus citriodora.
Propagation Of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus can be propagated from seeds and vegetative means (cuttings).
Propagation by seeds
The seeds are obtained from well-developed capsules collected from crowns of standing trees. The seeds are first raised in a seedbed before being transplanted. Germination of the seeds occurs after about 7-10 days.
The seedlings are transplanted after about 3 months when they have reached a height of 30cm.
Vegetative Propagation
The most common method is through cuttings. The cuttings can be obtained from mature trees or seedlings of about 1-2 years old. Rooting of the cuttings usually begins after 2-3 weeks.
Land Preparation
Land should be thoroughly ploughed and prepared early enough before planting. Proper weeding should also be done as young eucalyptus plants are very sensitive to weeds. The best time for preparing land is during the dry season.
Planting
Planting should begin at the onset of rains. The best spacing for planting depends on the objective of growing the eucalypts. However, the best spacing is 3X3m.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests that attack eucalyptus plants include termites and snout beetles. Common diseases include mycosphaerella, powdery mildew and mycosphaerella.
Harvesting
Harvesting depends on the purpose of the eucalypts. For example, if it is for transmission poles, it should take 10-12 years. For timber, it should be after 15-20 years.
Market for Eucalyptus in Kenya
There is a ready market for eucalypts in Kenya. They can be sold to paper mills and other industries for fuelwood or as raw materials. They can also be processed and sold to hardwares as fencing posts, plywood or transmission poles.
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