Understanding the Integrated Plantation Cycle
At SKTS Sandalwood Farming, we cultivate sandalwood within a single, large farm ecosystem. This integrated cycle ensures every tree receives consistent care from sapling to maturity. Unlike fragmented farming, our model allows complete oversight, better resource management, and higher quality yields.
Our cycle spans 15–20 years, following sandalwood's natural growth rhythm while integrating sustainable, modern practices.
Plantation Lifecycle Timeline (15–20 Years)
Stage 1: Seed & Nursery (Months 0–18)
Seed selection from high‑oil mother trees. Germination in controlled beds. Sapling growth with regular misting and shade. Hardening before field transfer.
Stage 2: Field Planting (Year 1–2)
Soil preparation and organic enrichment. Planting at optimal spacing with host plants. Installation of drip irrigation and support stakes.
Stage 3: Early Growth & Intercropping (Years 2–5)
Regular watering and nutrient schedules. Intercropping with pulses/vegetables for early income and soil health. Host‑plant maintenance.
Stage 4: Vigorous Growth (Years 5–12)
Canopy development. Pruning for shape and heartwood promotion. Integrated pest management. Annual growth monitoring.
Stage 5: Maturation (Years 12–20)
Heartwood formation monitored via scent and density. Non‑destructive testing. Selective, staggered harvesting. Replanting in same plot.
Stage 1: Seed Selection & Nursery Care
The journey begins in our on-site nursery. Seeds from healthy, high-oil-content mother trees are selected for genetic quality. Germination occurs in controlled, soil-rich beds with partial shade and regular misting. Young plants grow for 12–18 months, monitored for root development and pest resistance, then gradually hardened before field planting.
- •Seed sourcing from high-oil mother trees
- •Germination in controlled beds with regular misting
- •12–18 months of nursery growth
- •Hardening period before field transfer
Stage 2: Field Preparation & Planting
Once saplings reach 18–24 inches, they are transplanted into our main farm plot. Soil is tested, ploughed, and enriched with organic compost. Sandalwood trees are planted at optimal spacing (8–10 feet apart) with suitable host plants like Acacia or Casuarina.
- •Soil testing and organic enrichment
- •Optimal spacing (8–10 feet apart)
- •Host planting for parasitic support
- •Drip irrigation and individual staking
Stage 3: Intercropping & Mixed Plantation
We practice mixed cropping to improve soil fertility and farm productivity. Vegetables, pulses, or medicinal herbs are grown between rows during the first 3–5 years, providing early revenue while sandalwood matures.
- •Short-term crops for early income
- •Multiple host species diversity
- •Soil protection with ground cover crops
- •Mimics natural forest ecosystem
Stage 4: Growth Monitoring & Maintenance
For 10–15 years, each tree is regularly monitored with organic nutrition, pruning, and integrated pest management. Farm logs track each tree's growth, health, and heartwood potential.
- •Seasonal irrigation management
- •Organic fertilizer application
- •Selective pruning for optimal form
- •Integrated pest management (IPM)
Stage 5: Maturity & Heartwood Formation
Sandalwood's valuable heartwood develops after 10–12 years. We monitor color change, density increase, and fragrance intensity. Mature trees are selectively harvested and replanted within the same plot.
- •Heartwood development after 10–12 years
- •Non-destructive testing methods
- •Staggered harvesting to maintain canopy
- •Continuous replanting cycle
The Advantage of One Integrated Farm
Our entire plantation cycle happens within one large plot because:
- ✓End-to-end visibility: From nursery to harvest, every stage is under our direct supervision.
- ✓Consistent microclimate: Uniform soil, water, and climatic conditions produce uniform tree quality.
- ✓Resource efficiency: Water, labour, and inputs are optimized across the whole farm.
- ✓Traceability: Buyers can trace a tree's entire lifecycle within one location, ensuring authenticity.