permaculture

Workshop Module 8: Forests, Tree Crops, and Bamboo 241

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RTICIPATORY

Field activity : Bamboo clump management

Method : Group practical activity

Tools : See preparation below

References : PC Book MOD 8 - Forests, Tree Crops, and Bamboo

Objective : Participants practice bamboo clump management

Preparation

• Identify 3 clumps of unmanaged bamboo clumps that the participants can work on.


• Collect the management tools – Machetes, knives (for cutting and marking),
  secateurs, wheelbarrow or buckets, shovels.


• Collect mulch, compost, manure, and cement.

Running this exercise

Explain the process and steps involved to the whole group. See in the “How to grow high
quality bamboo” section from PC Book MOD 8 - Forests, Tree Crops, and Bamboo for
detailed explanations on clump management techniques, including:

• Fertilizing.


• Watering.


• Bamboo clump management:
  
  
  • Removal of dead or old culms.
  
  
  • Thinning the number of culms to the desired amount.
  
  
  • Branch pruning.
  
  
  • Marking and cutting new shoots.
  
  
  
  

Step 1 - Form workgroups

• Ask the participants to split up into 3 workgroups.

Step 2

• Each group is assigned 1 unmanaged bamboo clump to improve using any or all
  of the techniques outlined above.


• The facilitator should observe each groups techniques and offer advice as
  needed.

Step 3

• Each group presents the results they have achieved and the techniques they
  used.


• Discuss the techniques that were used by the groups with the whole group.


• The facilitator can review the processes used and give inputs if needed.

For more detailed information on bamboo management, see the “How to grow high quality
bamboo” section from PC Book MOD 8 - Forests, Tree Crops, and Bamboo.