HANDLING OF AGARWOOD
Agarwood trees are delicate and should be appropriately administered. In the process of cultivation, other than careful supervisions, cultivators should have profound understanding of the genus of Agarwood. A holistic cultivation method and plan must be drafted, including weeding executional plan, loosening of soil, pruning, pest control, proper drainage and wind protection. All the above are the quintessential criteria for cultivation Agarwood. Its production is influenced by these uncompromising requirements, rendering Agarwood rare, precious, and valuable.
INCHOATION
The Aquilaria (Thymelaeaceae) is a well-known Agarwood-producing genus, where some species in the genus accumulate resins in parts of their trunks when mature. The resins then in turn form aromatic nodules, referred to as ‘Chenxiang’ (sinking incense) amongst the Mandarin-speaking.
The ancient Chinese referred to Agarwood as ‘ChenShuiXiang’ (sinking incense wood) in the earlier days, even likened to fairest beauty of Ancient China, Xishi, for she had captivated many including the Emperor with her favorite daily douche fragrance alike to that of Agarwood. Other parts of the world may provide each distinctive identity; in Malaysia, it is most commonly known as Agarwood or gaharu.
SOIL AND CLIMATE
Agar plant prefers high humid, sub-tropical climate with rainfall between 1800-3500 mm per annum. It grows from sea level up to 500-m altitudes.
It is a sun-loving plant and requires plenty of sunshine. It prefers well-drained deep sandy loam-to-loam rich in organic matter but can profitably be grown in marginal soils and also in shallow soils over rocky beds with cracks and crevices. It grows well in hill slopes and forest environment. The traditional agar growing areas exhibit the preference of acidic soil reaction. Mycorrhiza and other beneficial funguses, which seems to be responsible for oil formation in the Agar tree are soil borne; requires acidic soil for their propagation.
