High density Planting

• Accommodation of maximum number of plants per unit space for maximum return without impairing soil fertility status.
• Ist conducted in Europe in the end of 19^th

Principle of High-density Planting

• Best use of vertical and horizontal space per unit time.
• Harness maximum possible return per unit of inputs.
• Planting of fruits trees rather at a closer spacing than the recommended one.
• Followed in Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand.

I) Low HDP ( < 250 trees/ha)

II) Moderate HDP ( 250-500 trees/ha)

III) High HDP ( 500-1250 trees/ha)

IV) Ultra HDP (> 1250 trees/ha)

#Note

i) Super HDP in Apple ( 20,000 trees/ha)

ii) Meadow orchards ( 70,000 trees/ha)

Characteristics of HDP

1. Maximum number of fruiting branches and minimum number of structural branches.
2. Trained with Central ladder surrounded by nearly Horizontal branches.
3. Branches pruned in such a way, it cast minimum shade on other branches.
4. Height one and half its diameter at the base.

Optimum light interception

• Level of light intercepted by an orchard system above or below which the economic yield will be reduced.