1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Citrus canopy management refers to the set of practices and techniques employed to optimize the growth, health, and productivity of citrus trees by manipulating the structure and density of their canopy. Effective canopy management is crucial for achieving desirable outcomes in citrus cultivation, such as improved fruit quality, increased yields, efficient use of resources, and enhanced tree health.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Citrus canopy management practices remain basic in Bhutan. Thus, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project was initiated and demonstrated citrus canopy management practices in selected orchards in 2010. In the same year, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project trained land users and extension officers in eastern Bhutan on citrus management practices such as planting methods, nutrient management, pruning and training including top working, fruit thinning and post-harvest management practices. Since then, citrus growers have been slowly adopting the practices in their orchards. However, the adoption rate is low - affecting the yield and quality.
Bhutan has suitable climatic conditions for citrus production, particularly in the southern parts of the country due to the subtropical climate. Citrus such as oranges, mandarins and lemons are grown in orchards and home gardens. In Bhutan, citrus canopy management practices focus on optimizing tree growth, fruit production, and overall tree health. The main elements include pruning, training systems, canopy density management, tree height and size control, and disease and pest management integrated with irrigation and nutrient management practices. Pruning involves selectively removing branches, shoots, or foliage to shape the tree and improve its health. The stump should always be cut as close to the collar region as possible. Training structures the tree in a specific manner to optimize growth and management. Canopy density management regulates foliage density for light penetration and airflow. Techniques such as hedging or topping control the height and size of trees. Disease and pest management practices include adequate air circulation and sunlight exposure. Integration with irrigation and soil nutrient management enhances tree health and productivity. The desirable shape and size of citrus are variable depending on the grower's choice, location, and - most importantly - operational health and safety concerns. In general, the desirable shape and size of the tree should be 2 to 5 m tall, 2 to 5 m width of canopy, and 4 to 6 primary (scaffold) branches that are at least 1 m above the ground level.
The purposes/functions of citrus canopy management technology are to optimize fruit production, improve tree health, and facilitate harvest and maintenance operations. It helps maximize fruit yield and quality. Pruning and maintenance practices enhance tree vigour, reduce the risk of diseases and pests, and improve overall plant health. Controlling tree size and shape makes harvesting easier and more efficient, and simplifies other maintenance activities such as irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
To establish and maintain citrus canopy management technology, activities such as regular pruning and training, knowledge and skill development, use of proper tools and equipment, monitoring and assessment, irrigation, and nutrition management are required. Regular pruning and training of citrus trees according to the selected system and management objectives is essential. Monitoring tree growth, health, and productivity is important, along with proper irrigation scheduling, water management, and nutrient application.
The benefits/impacts of the technology are improved sunlight exposure, enhanced air circulation, reduced disease incidence, increased fruit size and quality, ease of harvest, consistent yield, optimized water use, better pest management, and others. A well-managed canopy makes it easier to access the fruit during harvest, and achieve higher yields and better-quality fruits, reduced need for pesticides, as well as directing nutrients toward fruit production rather than excessive vegetative growth. However, there are some drawbacks of the technology such as the requirement for time-consuming manual labour, lower initial yields, high initial investments for equipment, and concerns about over-pruning.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Bhutan

Region/ State/ Province:

Dagana Dzongkhag

Further specification of location:

Nindukha Village, Kana Gewog

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:

• < 0.1 km2 (10 ha)

Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?

No

Map

×

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2019

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
• create beneficial economic impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Cropland

• Tree and shrub cropping

Tree and shrub cropping - Specify crops:

• citrus

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 1

Is intercropping practiced?

No

Is crop rotation practiced?

No

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• integrated soil fertility management
• irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)

• Tree canopy management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

vegetative measures

• V5: Others

other measures

Specify:

Improve/optimize fruit production and quality by manipulating the growth and structure of trees.

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

biological degradation

• Bc: reduction of vegetation cover

Comments:

Citrus canopy management increases productivity and reduces its susceptibility to diseases which ensures vegetation cover as the trees are not removed.

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• prevent land degradation
• reduce land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

The spacing between trees is 6 m. There are a total of 100 trees per acre. Diseased or damaged trees are removed.

Author:

Thinley Penjor Dorji

Date:

22/08/2023

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

Ngultrum (Nu.)

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

80.0

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The cost for sapling and biocide is borne by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Comments:

The total establishment cost of the technology for one hectare is USD 644.38. The Land users paid 100% of the equipment's cost. They follow a labour-sharing system whereby the labour employed in the farm is compensated by working in their fields and there is no cost involved.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Comments:

Only labour input is needed for maintenance/recurrent activities but the cost is zero as land users follow labour-sharing system.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The land users mentioned that the equipment is the main factor affecting cost.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Moisture content 2.88%, organic matter 6.17%, Organic carbon 3.59%, pH 6.23, electrical conductivity 178.27 µs/cm, nitrogen 0.18%, phosphorus 0.57 ppm, Potassium 134.73 mg/100ml, texture sand clay loam.
The soil analysis was conducted at the Science Laboratory of College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Punakha.

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

The species and habitat diversity provided above are for the citrus orchard.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

The land use rights in Bhutan is traditional legal system guided by formal land act and land rules and regulations.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

Biological disasters

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 11-50%

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

7 households adopted the technology from the total of 50 households.

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

Comments:

All the farmers received material incentives from the government.

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Canopy Management Guide for Citrus Mandarin in Bhutan

URL:

http://rcbajo.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Canopy-management-guide-for-citrus-mandarin.pdf

Title/ description:

Pruning and Training - Evergreen Trees

URL:

http://rcbajo.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pruning-Training-evergreen.pdf