Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a valuable and aromatic tree, primarily grown for its fragrant heartwood and essential oil. Traditionally, India has been one of the largest producers of sandalwood, with its cultivation rooted deeply in the culture and economy of states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. However, with increasing demand and the depletion of natural sandalwood resources, there is a significant opportunity for farmers across India to cultivate sandalwood commercially.

Why Choose Sandalwood?

Sandalwood cultivation offers several advantages:

• High Economic Value: Sandalwood oil is one of the most expensive essential oils globally, making its cultivation highly profitable.
• Long-Term Investment: Although sandalwood trees take 15-20 years to mature, the returns are substantial.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, sandalwood trees require minimal care and can be intercropped with other crops, providing additional income.

Varieties of sandalwood

Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album): Found in India, especially Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Renowned for its rich, sweet, and woody fragrance. Highly valued in perfumery, cosmetics, religious rituals, and traditional medicine.

Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum): Native to Western Australia, this type has a lighter color and milder scent. It is less expensive and used in essential oils, cosmetics, and industrial applications.

Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum): Indigenous to Hawaii, it has a sweet, slightly fruity aroma. It’s less common and primarily harvested from wild trees, though sustainable cultivation efforts are underway.

Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus): Found in southern India, especially Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Unlike other sandalwoods, it doesn’t produce fragrant oil but is valued for its deep red heartwood used in dyes, medicine, and woodworking.

New Caledonian Sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum): Native to New Caledonia and Vanuatu, this sandalwood has a pale yellow wood and a pleasant fragrance. It’s used in essential oils, perfumery, and local crafts.

Fiji Sandalwood (Santalum yasi): Native to Fiji and Tonga, it shares a similar fragrance with Indian sandalwood and is highly prized for its oil. Sustainable cultivation is promoted to protect this species.

Northern Sandalwood (Santalum lanceolatum): Found in Northern Australia, it has a lighter scent and is used locally for traditional medicine and crafts, but is not as commercially significant.

Misidentified Varieties: Some plants, like West Indian Sandalwood (Amyris balsamifera) and African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata), are incorrectly called sandalwood. They differ significantly in characteristics and uses from true sandalwoods.

 

Benefits of sandalwood

Fragrance: Sandalwood has a rich, sweet, and long-lasting fragrance that is widely used in perfumes, incense, and cosmetics. Its scent is considered calming and soothing.

Aromatherapy: Sandalwood oil is used in aromatherapy for its relaxing and mood-enhancing properties. It is believed to alleviate stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

Antiseptic: Sandalwood oil has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat minor cuts, wounds, and skin infections.

Anti-inflammatory: The oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful in treating conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Diuretic: In traditional medicine, sandalwood is used as a diuretic to promote the excretion of urine, helping in the treatment of urinary tract infections and fluid retention.

Digestive Aid: Sandalwood is believed to aid digestion and relieve symptoms such as heartburn and nausea.

Anti-aging: Sandalwood oil is used in skincare products for its anti-aging properties, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Complexion Enhancer: It is known to improve skin complexion, reduce blemishes, and promote a healthy glow.

Cultivation of sandalwood

Climatic and Soil Requirements

Climate: Sandalwood thrives in a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 35°C. It requires moderate rainfall of 600-1600 mm annually. The tree can tolerate drought conditions but is sensitive to waterlogging.

Soil: The tree grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Red sandy loam and clayey soils with good organic content are ideal. It is important to ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Site Selection and Preparation

Site Selection: Choose a location with adequate sunlight, as sandalwood requires full sun for optimal growth. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging. If the land is uneven, consider contour planting to manage soil erosion.

Soil Preparation: Start by clearing the land of weeds and debris. Plow the land thoroughly to break up clods and improve soil aeration. Incorporate well-decomposed organic manure, such as farmyard manure (FYM) or compost, into the soil to enhance fertility.

Planting Techniques

Propagation: Sandalwood can be propagated through seeds or vegetative methods. However, seed propagation is the most common method. Seeds should be pre-treated by soaking in water for 24 hours to enhance germination rates.

Planting: Sandalwood is a partial root parasite, meaning it relies on a host plant for some nutrients. Common host plants include pigeon pea, cowpea, and casuarina. These host plants should be planted simultaneously with the sandalwood seedlings. The recommended spacing for sandalwood is 3m x 3m, allowing for around 1,100 trees per hectare.

Irrigation and Fertilization

Irrigation: Young sandalwood plants require regular watering, especially during the dry season. Drip irrigation is recommended for efficient water use. As the trees mature, their water requirement decreases, and they can survive on natural rainfall.

Fertilization: Apply organic fertilizers, such as compost or vermicompost, twice a year to maintain soil fertility. Additionally, use a balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer based on soil tests. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can harm the host plants and the sandalwood trees.

Pest and Disease Management

Sandalwood is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:

• Spike Disease: A significant disease caused by phytoplasma, leading to stunted growth and death of the tree. Control measures include removing and destroying affected trees and practicing good sanitation.
• Leaf Spot and Rust: Fungal infections that can be controlled with appropriate fungicides.
• Termites: These pests can damage the roots and stems. Regular inspection and the application of anti-termite treatments can help prevent infestations.

Intercropping Opportunities

Sandalwood cultivation allows for intercropping with short-term crops, providing an additional income stream. Suitable intercrops include:

• Legumes: Pigeon pea, cowpea, and groundnut are excellent choices as they also serve as host plants for sandalwood.
• Vegetables: Crops like tomato, chili, and brinjal can be grown in the early years before the sandalwood canopy closes.
• Medicinal Plants: Aloe vera and turmeric are also good options for intercropping.

Harvesting and Yield

Harvesting: Sandalwood trees are typically ready for harvesting 15-20 years after planting. The ideal time to harvest is when the tree reaches a girth of 50-60 cm at breast height. The heartwood, which contains the valuable oil, forms in the root and lower stem. Harvesting involves uprooting the entire tree to extract the maximum amount of heartwood.

Yield: A well-managed plantation can yield approximately 500-800 kg of heartwood per hectare. The heartwood contains 3-6% oil, which can be extracted through steam distillation.

Post-Harvest Processing

Oil Extraction: Sandalwood oil is extracted through steam distillation, a process that requires specialized equipment. The oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and medicinal products, making it highly valuable. Consider partnering with established distillation units or setting up a small-scale unit if feasible.

Marketing: There is a high demand for both sandalwood heartwood and oil in domestic and international markets. It is advisable to enter into contracts with buyers or government agencies to ensure a steady market for your produce.

Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Success

To ensure the sustainability and profitability of your sandalwood plantation, consider the following practices:

• Soil Conservation: Implement measures like contour planting and mulching to prevent soil erosion.
• Biodiversity: Maintain a diversity of host plants to promote healthy growth and reduce pest and disease risks.
• Water Management: Use water-efficient irrigation systems and practice rainwater harvesting to conserve water resources.
• Organic Farming: Minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to protect soil health and the environment.

Regulations for cutting trees

Under Section 228 of the Indian Penal Code, if someone cuts down or removes a tree without the authorization of the government, local authority, or Gram Panchayat, they must pay the tree’s value in addition to other fines. Additionally, the government has the right to seize the tree or any of its parts that were cut down.

Steps regarding getting permission to cut trees

Step 1: Draft an application to the Forest Department explaining why the tree needs to be cut down. Be sure to include proof of land ownership and attach a photo of the tree in question.

Step 2: Await an Inspection: A Forest Officer will visit the site to assess the situation. They will determine whether the tree can be legally cut down.

Step 3: Obtain Permission: If the officer approves, you will receive official permission to proceed with cutting down the tree.

Sandalwood markets

The sandalwood market is dominated by Indian and Australian sandalwood due to their high commercial value. India and Australia are the leading producers of sandalwood, while major markets for these products include the United States, China, Japan, and the domestic Indian market.

Reference articles

1. https://vsagreenwealth.com/sandalwood/#:~:text=Sandalwood%20trees%20can%20be%20planted,to%20grow%20in%20full%20bloom.
2. https://www.nimbusagrofarms.in/post/sandalwood-farming
3. https://www.hosachiguru.com/blog/be-a-part-of-a-thriving-economical-segment-sandalwood-cultivation/
4. https://www.tractorjunction.com/blog/sandalwood-cultivation-in-india/

 

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