Challenges faced in establishing eucalypt plantations in Sri Lanka

Challenges faced by the Forest Department in establishing eucalypt plantations in the up country of Sri Lanka

Abstract of a seminar presentation

Jithya Wijesinghe

Eucalyptus was introduced to Sri Lanka in the latter part of 18th century as an exotic species to be raised as a forest plantation species. These were originally raised in the upcountry to produce fuel wood for households and tea industry. But later most of these species were found very promising for railway sleepers and industrial timber. Therefore at present Eucalyptus are planted to meet the requirements of sawn timber, railway sleepers, transmission poles, fuel wood, extraction of essential oils and paper pulp.

Eucalyptus is also planted as windbreaks and shelter belts in certain locations particularly in the upcountry. Beekeeping is another common practice in some areas where eucalypt plantations are raised.

Afforestation of the patana grasslands in the upcountry began in 1930's with planting of E. grandis, E. microcorys and E. robusta in compact blocks on the crests of ridges and hill tops as windbreaks in upcountry.

Environmental issues, social issues, economic issues, accessibility issues, harvesting issues, management issues, unforeseen catastrophes and others are some challenges faced by the forest department establishingEucalyptus plantations in upcountry.

With the sloppy areas, soil erosion was a major challenge that faced by the Forest Department. Furthermore high cost for road constructions, labour cost, encroachment of local people, limited land areas in upcountry, lack of water, high intensity for fire hazards, need of additional effort for soil conservation practices, contours makings are some of challenges faced by the FD.

In order to overcome these challenges establishment of more fire lines, use of soil conservation practices, use of wood aids to protect saplings from wind, enhanced management practices that are used by the FD.

Make harvesting operations well controlled and road guidelines specially in slopes >60⁰, to reduce the wind damage to new plantations, proper grading of seedlings, establishment of water supply programs for field nurseries, enhance the involvement of the local communities to reduce the encroachments are some practices that can be used for further improvement of the establishment of the Eucalyptus plantations in upcountry.