Burkina Faso/Environment: Good planting practices for successful reforestation

From the selection of the site, to the choice of the planting period, to the selection of the tree species, including staking, digging, filling, to protection, maintenance and monitoring, Colonel Bertrand Tapsoba, Director of Forests and Reforestation, shared the secrets of successful reforestation. “Reforestation is essential because it helps to fight desertification, a phenomenon that seriously threatens the land in Burkina Faso,” he introduced.

Site Selection

Colonel Bertrand Tapsoba immediately stated that successful reforestation requires adherence to a clear process. This starts with the selection of the site. In fact, according to Colonel Tapsoba, the species to be planted must be adapted to the soil-climatic conditions of the site where it will be planted. In addition, the site must be protected from stray animals and bushfires. To this end, he said, the planting space must be selected in conjunction with a competent technical service (forestry service) and the municipality.

Thus, these locations can be municipal forests, national forests, protected areas, woods, high schools and colleges, green areas and other places that welcome the public (schools, health centers, etc.), riverbank protection strips and water bodies, along roads and all areas that benefit from land security.

Choosing the planting period

For Colonel Bertrand Tapsoba, the favourable planting period is the one when the rains begin, which is essential to ensure a good recovery of the plants planted. “In fact, the period from June to the end of August is usually particularly favourable. This period allows the seedlings to benefit from the necessary moisture to take root and grow optimally,” he said.

By planting during this season, it is indicated that the plants will reach an acceptable growth threshold before the rains end, thus increasing their chances of survival and sustainability.

Variety selection

The reforestation expert stressed that the selection of tree species is a key step for the success of a plantation. This selection must take into account several fundamental aspects: first, the adaptation of the species to local climatic conditions is essential to guarantee its survival and growth. Then, the nature of the soil must meet the requirements of the selected species. The quality of the species is also important, free from parasites and pathogens to prevent the spread of diseases.

Finally, the plants must be vigorous and have spent the recommended time in the nursery before transplanting, ensuring they are robust enough to successfully establish themselves in their new environment. In Burkina Faso, the selection of plant varieties is based on phytogeographical regions, each of which has specific climatic conditions and soils.

Col. Tapsoba said that, for example, Acacia is one of the preferred species in the Sahel region (northern) because it is drought-resistant and adapts well to the dry conditions of the Sahel. For the Sudano-Sahel region, the large-leaved Parkinia, commonly known as Néré, is ideal because its seeds are rich in protein and have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. As for the Shea nut, scientifically known as Vitellaria paradoxa, it is recommended for use in the Sudan region because it is important in the production of Shea butter and grows well in wetter areas.

picket

Colonel Bertrand Tapsoba explains that at this level of the plantation, staking out involves marking out the location of the future holes that will house the plants, seeds or seeds. This step is crucial as it determines the arrangement of the plants according to species and the spacing required for plant survival and optimal development. Staking out can be done in different patterns, including square, staggered or random, each offering specific benefits for plant growth and efficient use of space.

The discovery

Afforestation experts explain that drilling is an essential operation that consists of digging a hole in the ground in preparation for planting. In this step, it is crucial to separate the first fifteen centimeters of soil from the rest to comply with the “first in, first out” rule. That is, this upper layer must be put back first when filling. If the soil is of poor quality, such as laterite, it is recommended to add fertile soil to improve the growing conditions of the plants. The size of the hole varies depending on the variety, but in general, it is recommended to dig a hole 60 cm wide (diameter) and 60 cm deep.

Refills

Mr Tapsoba said filling is an operation that closes the holes used to house the plants in a precise sequence. First, the soil taken from the first 15 cm of the hole, considered the top layer and usually the richest in organic matter, is put back first following the “first out, first in” rule. Then, soil from the lower layers (usually the less fertile) is added last. This technique provides the best nutrition for the seedlings by replacing the most fertile soil, thus creating the best environment for root development.

Pull protection

Col. Bertrand Tapsoba said it is recommended to provide individual protection or fencing for plants in reforestation sites to protect young plants from livestock, fire or any other human activity. Depending on the means available, several options can be considered to protect the plantations: guarding, opening firewalls, installing protective nets around each plant, or setting up fences around the plantations.

This type of fence can be made in different ways: a living hedge made of thorny plants, a wire fence supported by wooden or metal supports, or a large mesh fence supported by wooden or metal supports. When the supports are made of wood, they must be firmly fixed and treated against termites to ensure their durability.

interview

The Director of Forests and Reforestation said that in order to increase the success rate of plantations, reforestation organizers must not only develop plans to protect plants, but also carry out regular maintenance, especially weeding of the sites in question. For plantations located in residential centers or near watercourses and water bodies, it is recommended to water the plants during the dry season as this significantly increases the success rate. If plant mortality is observed, it must be replanted and diseased plants must be properly treated with phytosanitary measures as mortality is often caused by termite infestation.

The Director of Forests and Reforestation also pointed out that certain appropriate silvicultural treatments, such as thinning, sanitary felling and pruning, can be carried out at required intervals. In this regard, organizers will be able to benefit from advisory support from the Forestry Service to ensure optimal management of the plantations. These interventions are essential to maintain the health and vitality of the plantations, thus guaranteeing their sustainable development and harmonious integration into the local ecosystem.

Monitoring

Monitoring of plantation sites must be an ongoing effort, carried out by the forest department, local residents and members of simplified cooperative societies (SCoopS) trained for this purpose. This surveillance aims to combat any form of illegality that is not in line with the site development plan. To strengthen this vigilance, mixed controls consisting of SCoopS members and foresters can be organized. This collaborative approach ensures the protection and sustainability of plantations, thereby ensuring their sustainable contribution to local environmental and economic development.

To reverse the trend of desertification, Colonel Bertrand Tapsoba, director of forests and afforestation, invites everyone to participate this year by planting a forest or developing a street, a green area or a roundabout. These initiatives can help Burkina Faso regreen.

Hamid Nanema

Lefaso.net