How to Plant Rubber Tree in Kerala

Rubber trees are grown extensively in the Indian state of Kerala for their latex, which is used in a variety of products such as rubber bands, gloves, and tires. If you're interested in growing rubber trees in Kerala, here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant them:

Selecting the Right Site

Firstly, you need to select a suitable site for planting rubber trees. Rubber trees prefer a warm and humid climate, which makes Kerala an ideal location. However, they also require well-drained soil, so choose a site that has good drainage. The site should also receive plenty of sunshine, but do not plant rubber trees in an area that is prone to flooding.

Preparation of the Site

Once you have selected the site, the next step is to prepare the soil. Rubber trees prefer acidic soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. If the soil pH is too high or too low, you'll need to make some adjustments. You can lower the pH by adding organic matter such as peat moss or sulfur. If the pH is too low, you can raise it by adding agricultural lime.

Planting Rubber Trees

Before planting the rubber trees, dig holes that are about 2-3 feet deep and 2-3 feet wide. Make sure that the holes are at least 15-20 feet apart to give the trees enough space to grow. Add some organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the bottom of the hole. Then, place the rubber tree seedling in the hole and backfill with soil. Tamp down the soil to remove any air pockets.

Caring for Rubber Trees

Once the rubber trees are planted, you need to take care of them properly. Water them regularly, especially during the dry season. You should fertilize the trees every year with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. It's also essential to control weeds around the trees, so the young plants do not have to compete for resources.

Harvesting Rubber Latex

After a few years, rubber trees start producing latex, which is the main reason why they are grown. To harvest the latex, you need to make a small incision on the tree trunk. This is done with a special knife that's made for the purpose. Once the incision is made, the latex starts to flow out of the tree and is collected in a cup. The latex is then filtered to remove any impurities before being used in products.

Conclusion

Planting rubber trees in Kerala can be a profitable venture, provided you take care of them properly. By selecting the right site, preparing the soil, and caring for the trees, you can ensure a healthy crop that produces high-quality latex. Follow these steps and you'll be well on the way to growing your rubber trees.