Things may move smoothly for some time as we put up Miyawaki forests but occasionally problems may crop up. Recently we encountered one when we planted saplings in a slightly marshy area, covering roughly 30 cents. Water lay merely two feet below the ground. In the initial stage, the forest grew really well. In fact, it was the fastest growing Miyawaki forest we ever nurtured. But, suddenly, it thinned as you can see in the visuals. Of course, we had pruned its branches. Yet the forest floor did not look like one, although a few saplings, examined individually, appeared very healthy.
We think the problem had two causes. One, this spot is in a slightly remote area and so did not get much of our attention. As a result, creepers emerged and virtually engulfed the forest. We pulled them down subsequently. What you see are pictures of those dead and dry creepers. Two, as the wetness of the earth here had made walking difficult, we dug a pit close by and drained the ground water. In effect, we stopped water retention and made the land dry. Now, we have begun to sort out the issue by adopting a couple of measures. One, we have added more and slightly wet, cow dung powder to the soil. This is to help the growth of micro-organisms here. Two, we allow the dry leaves to remain on the ground in order to aid mulching, as it happens in a natural forest.
So, when we create a Miyawaki forest, we should cover the ground with a blanket of dry leaves and branches. Slowly, as the forest begins to drop leaves and branches, the organic blanket will take care of itself. We usually prune or cut off dry branches and throw them away. Let us stop that practice and, instead, allow all that to remain there. It will prevent evaporation and stop the earth from becoming dry. In course of time, it will decompose and make the soil more fertile. Another benefit is that it will attract insects and small creatures. We have taken remedial steps in this plot of land, and will have to wait for six months to see the results. Our hope is that these measures will bear fruit eventually.