Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
mulch line, using non-browsed species outside the fence and other thorny species
inside the fence. Many times it will be better to use non-browsed species on both the
sides, if grazing pressure is too great.
Live hedge can be used advantageously with social fencing or with demarcation
line in unfenced plantations. In both these cases, some demarcation of the plantation
boundary will be carried out, either by trench digging or with a mulch line. Sowing
of seeds of suitable species will not only mark out the plantation boundary but will
also give some protection to the plantation.
Choice of species is a critical decision that determines the effectiveness of a live
hedge. A species for live hedge should be fast growing with long and stout spines or
thorns, thick and bushy in form, hardy to withstand adverse climate, and should have
a strong tendency to come up well from sowing (although in many cases planting of
seedlings can also be considered, with a little extra cost but with better and assured
results). If the species selected is also a source of fuelwood, medicine, or oilseeds,
and has soil-binding properties, it is even a better choice.
Maintenance of a live hedge is an indispensable operation. Timely resowing,
weeding, and hoeing are the simple but essential operations in maintaining a live
hedge. It will rarely be required to water the hedge plants if the hedge has been raised
from seeds. However, in case of hedges raised by planting nursery-raised seedlings,
watering may be necessary to tide over a crisis caused by drought, heat, frost, or pest
attack. It is also advantageous to interweave the branches of neighbouring plants in
a hedge to give it compactness and impenetrability.
4.5
Entrance Gate and Inspection Path
When a plantation is fenced, some entrance has to be provided in the fence. An
entrance is needed for the workers to go into the area for working, for vehicles or
animal carts during watering, and for inspection. The entrance should be suitably
located and provided with a suitable gate. As far as possible, only one gate should be
kept in a fenced area. Too many gates will make it unmanageable to protect the area
effectively. If secondary gates apart from the main gate are kept for the reason that
certain portions of the plantation are not accessible with a vehicle or an animal cart,
they should be of the same specifications as the fence, and should not be used on any
occasion other than that of watering when entry of vehicles or carts is required.
There is no need of a pre-fabricated sophisticated gate. An improvised gate made
of locally available wooden batons and pieces of barbed wire will also serve the
purpose. Large pre-fabricated gates of mild-steel iron will be a temptation to the
vandals for taking it away and selling it in the market. In any case, the gate should be
such that it is not less effective than the fence itself in preventing the entry of animals.
The terminal posts of the fence on which the gate will hinge should be supported
in all directions except towards the gate, and should preferably be of greater height.
The gate frame should be firmly tied to the posts using barbed wire pieces, so that
no animal could push it open.
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