Drum plantation technique helps grow 3,200 trees in saline land at Dholera

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Tree saplings planted in drums at Dholera in Gujarat. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

More than 3,200 trees planted using a drum plantation technique have survived and thrived in saline land at Dholera, where industrial development is underway under the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR).

The plantation project, funded by the Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority (DSIRDA) and implemented by the Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division of the Gujarat Forest Department, was launched in August 2025 to increase green cover in the area.

According to forest officials, 3,200 saplings of 15 species were planted at Block No. 29 using plastic drums to protect roots from saline soil and prolonged waterlogging. Several saplings have reached heights of up to 12 feet within a year.

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division, Dr. Minal Jani said the area has high soil salinity, low carbon content and remains waterlogged for nearly six months each year, making plantation difficult.

“There were major challenges before us. The soil had extremely high electro-conductivity, low carbon content and excessive salinity, while waterlogging lasted for nearly six months, making plant growth almost impossible. To overcome this, we adopted the drum plantation technique, where saplings are elevated and planted in drums filled with layers of sand, nutrient-rich soil, vermicompost, stubble and cocopeat,” she said.

The drums were fitted with ventilation holes on both sides and embedded about one foot into the ground. DSIRDA supplied fresh water for irrigation, while a drip irrigation system was installed for all saplings.

“We created ventilation holes on both sides of the drums and embedded them about one foot deep in the ground. DSIRDA provided sweet water, and a drip irrigation system was installed for all saplings. Today, nearly all the trees have survived, and some have even started bearing fruits, attracting pollinators and birds,” Dr. Jani said.

Saplings