Based on practical field results and previous experiences in the Mekong Delta, MDF VRG Kien Giang Joint Stock Company has launched a pilot hybrid acacia plantation covering more than 50 hectares. Once successful, this model will not only bring significant economic benefits but also serve as a foundation for expanding forest areas to ensure stable wood material supply for processing factories in the future.
Research-Based Implementation in Favorable Conditions
The project was designed with a total area of 50.14 hectares located in Compartment 19, Hon Dat District, Kien Giang Province. The region’s climate and irrigation systems are highly suitable for forestry development. Local labor resources are abundant, providing favorable conditions for forest planting and management.
However, the site also presents several challenges such as acidic soil, unpredictable floods, and limited access routes (mainly waterways). These factors can impact growth performance and complicate forest protection efforts.
To address this, the company — with years of expertise in forest cultivation and management — carefully studied soil elevation, drainage, and plantation density to ensure optimal growth. The technical team decided to raise the ridge height by 0.45 meters above the original level, ensuring proper soil moisture and preventing root damage during floods.
Hybrid Acacia Plantation Design and Expected Yields
The pilot plantation includes 46 hectares of planted forest, 3.13 hectares of wetlands, and 0.6 hectares of fire-prevention canals. It tests four hybrid acacia clones — AH1, AH7, TB12, and BV32 — with different planting densities: (2×1.5m), (2×2m), and (2×3m).
Two primary clones, AH1 and AH7, were selected for trial planting at a density of 2,500 trees per hectare (2×2m). These clones had shown high productivity (30–40 m³/ha/year) in acidic soils in U Minh District, Ca Mau Province.
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AH7: 22.7 ha planted across 15 ridges
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AH1: 22 ha planted across 16 ridges
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Total trees planted: ~80,893 trees
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Average density: 1,803 trees/ha (including replanting)
All seedlings were cuttings grown in 6×12 cm bags, 25–35 cm in height, and at least three months old before planting. The plantation is closely monitored through each growth phase — from planting to the third year — and early indicators show healthy growth, straight trunks, and low mortality rates.
Economic and Environmental Impact
After five years, the hybrid acacia forest is expected to reach an average yield of 150 m³/ha, with a total estimated volume of 6,957 m³ from 46.4 hectares.
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Estimated selling price: VND 700,000/m³
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Projected revenue: VND 4.8 billion
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Expected profit (after costs): ~VND 2.7 billion
Once scaled, the model could supply up to 90,000 m³ of raw material annually, supporting sustainable production for MDF factories in the region.
Beyond its economic value, the project contributes to income improvement for local workers through forest care and contracting activities. It also helps optimize land use, reduce environmental degradation, and strengthen Vietnam’s sustainable wood supply chain.
“The hybrid acacia pilot project demonstrates our commitment to integrating forestry with industrial processing. It will form the basis for sustainable wood sourcing, regional employment, and long-term industrial development,” said a representative of MDF VRG Kien Giang.