Rubber Tree Planting Techniques in Vietnam: From Hole Preparation to Gap Filling

Planting rubber trees is a crucial phase that determines the success of an entire plantation cycle. Under the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) guidelines, each stage — from digging holes and applying base fertilizer to planting and replanting — follows strict technical procedures designed for optimal root development, uniform growth, and high survival rates.

This article outlines the standardized techniques for rubber tree planting applied in Vietnam and neighboring regions such as Laos and Cambodia.

---

1. Hole Digging and Basal Fertilization

Article 61. Digging and Soil Preparation

Planting holes can be prepared either mechanically or manually, depending on the unit’s equipment and field conditions. The recommended methods are:

• Mechanical drilling:

  • Hole diameter ≥ 60 cm, depth ≥ 60 cm.

• Mechanical excavation:

  • Bucket width ≥ 60 cm, hole depth ≥ 60 cm.

  • The topsoil (first scoop) must be set aside near the hole for refilling, while the lower layers remain in the hole.

• Manual digging:

  • Hole size 60 × 60 × 60 cm, with bottom width 50 × 50 cm.

  • Separate topsoil and subsoil during excavation.

• Contour planting:

  • Hole center must be at least 1 m away from the downhill edge (talus).

Basal Fertilization

Each hole should receive:

• 300 g of fused phosphate fertilizer

• 5–10 kg of well-decomposed organic manure or equivalent organic biofertilizer

Mix the fertilizers thoroughly with the topsoil and refill the hole at least 15 days before planting.
Use the subsurface tillage (subsoiler) method to break compacted walls if possible, and place a marker stake at the hole center for planting alignment.

---

2. Planting Season

Article 62. Planting Schedule

Rubber trees must be planted at the right season, only under favorable weather and adequate soil moisture.

Any planting outside these time frames must be assessed and approved by VRG.

This schedule ensures that seedlings establish roots before the dry season.

---

3. Planting Polybag and Top-Cut Seedlings

Article 63. Planting Method

1. Site preparation:

   • Clear weeds, roots, and debris around planting holes.

   • Loosen the soil slightly in the hole center (just larger and deeper than the seedling bag).

2. Handling the bag:

   • Use a sharp knife to cut off the bag bottom and the protruding taproot.

   • If the taproot is coiled, cut it completely.

3. Planting:

   • Place the bag upright in the hole with the bud facing the prevailing wind.

   • The graft union should be level with the ground surface.

   • Vertically cut open the plastic bag, then lift it gently while refilling soil around the bag — compact lightly to avoid air gaps.

   • Avoid breaking the soil ball.

4. Post-planting:

   • Collect and properly dispose of plastic bags following environmental regulations.

---

4. Replanting (Gap Filling)

Article 64. Gap Filling (Replanting)

To maintain uniform density and plantation quality, replanting (known as trồng dặm) must be conducted within the first or second year.

Year 1:

• Start 20 days after planting, using seedlings with 2–3 stable leaf whorls.

• Reserve 10% of total seedling quantity for replanting needs.

• Replace any missing or dead plants immediately.

Year 2:

• Use seedlings with at least 3 leaf whorls or core-stump seedlings (core tum) if available.

• Quantity: maximum 5% of the total number of planted trees (based on year-one inventory).

• Replanting must start at the beginning of the replanting season and finish within one month.

All replacement seedlings must match the clone and growth stage of the original planting.

---

Conclusion

Proper rubber tree planting and replanting techniques are essential for uniform stands, optimal root establishment, and long-term productivity.
By following VRG’s standardized methods — from hole preparation and fertilization to planting and maintenance — Vietnamese rubber plantations ensure strong, uniform, and sustainable growth across diverse terrains.