Dividing Tapping Sections and Work Allocation (Article 104)
Table of Contents
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The number of trees per tapping section is determined based on terrain conditions, tree density, tapping year, panel status, tapping regime, and latex collection method.
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For Group I plantations, sections must be fixed from the first tapping year.
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For Group II plantations, sections must be assigned before the start of the season to avoid disruption during the transition to downward tapping.
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Tapping sections should be clearly marked and numbered for management efficiency.
Table 15. Recommended number of trees per tapping section (by terrain and latex collection method)
| Latex collection method | Terrain / Tree density | Group I (year 1) | Group I (year ≥2) | Group II (year 1) | Group II (year ≥2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latex (liquid form) | Flat land | 250–300 | 600–650 | 220–250 | 500–550 |
| Hilly / sparse areas (>15°) | 300–350 | 700–750 | 250–300 | 600–650 | |
| Coagulated latex | Flat land | 450–550 | 550–600 | 400–450 | 500–550 |
| Hilly / sparse areas | 550–650 | 650–700 | 450–550 | 600–650 |
Notes:
(a) Applied to systems combining both upward (d6 or d8) and downward (d3 or d4) tapping.
(b) Applied to systems using ethylene gas stimulation or single downward tapping.
Upper limit of trees per section is not fixed; depends on productivity and labor conditions.
Tapping Equipment and Materials (Article 105)
Each tapping tree must be properly equipped:
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Hooks (kiềng), latex channels (máng), and collection cups (chén) — separate sets for upward and downward cuts.
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Hook height: 35 cm below the tapping cut for both upward and downward systems.
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Hooks must not be nailed into the tree; tie with steel spring wire (φ = 1.0 mm) or nylon cord (not polypropylene).
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Máng (spout) installation:
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10 cm below the tapping cut (upward tapping).
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15 cm below the cut (downward tapping).
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Depth into bark: 2 mm, slope: 30° relative to trunk axis.
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Collection cups: glazed ceramic or smooth plastic, 500–1,000 ml capacity (liquid latex) or 1,800–2,000 ml (for coagulated latex).
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Additional accessories: rain guards, cup covers, latex flow guides, rubber tubing (non-PP material).
Design of Tapping Cuts (Article 106)
a. Height of the Tapping Cut
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Initial (BO-1) cut height: 1.2–1.3 m above ground, standardized for the entire plantation.
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Upward tapping continues for at least 6 years on BO-1 (virgin bark), then shifts to BO-2, maintaining the same height.
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Controlled downward tapping begins when the cut height is 1.2–2.0 m. Above 2.0 m is considered beyond manual control.
b. Slope of the Tapping Cut
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Upward tapping: 32° angle from the horizontal.
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Downward tapping: 45° angle from the horizontal.
c. Tools for Tapping Design
Key instruments used in setting up tapping cuts include:
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150 cm measuring stick (marked with positions for tapping cut, spout, and hook).
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100 cm string with 3 knots or marked measuring tape to divide the trunk evenly (½ or ¼ sections).
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Template gauge (rập) with handle ensuring correct angle.
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Bark consumption ruler for monthly wear monitoring.
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Cutting knife and different templates for upward vs. downward cuts.