As more scientific research is going on on Moringa, we are seeing the modern day proof of native uses of this amazing plant. Moringa, commonly called The Miracle Tree or Tree of Life has the potential for healing because of its high nutritional levels. It is believed to be one of the fastest growing biomasses on the planet when properly nourished.  

Growing tips as suggested by Lowell J. Fuglie and K. V. Sreeja:
Moringa oleifera is believed to be native to sub-Himalayan tracts of northern India but is now found worldwide in the tropics and sub-tropics. It grows best in direct sunlight under 500 meters altitude. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers a neutral to slightly acidic (pH. 6.3-7.0), well-drained sandy or loamy soil. 

Minimum annual rainfall requirements are estimated at 250mm with maximum at over 3,000mm, but in waterlogged soil the roots have a tendency to rot. (In areas with heavy rainfall, trees can be planted on small hills to encourage water run-off).  Presence of a long taproot makes it resistant to periods of drought.  Temperature ranges are 25-35 degrees Celsius, but the tree will tolerate up to 48 degrees in the shade and it can survive a light frost. 

Moringa trees will flower and fruit annually and in some regions twice annually.  During its first year, a Moringa tree will grow up to five meters in height and produce flowers and fruit.  Left alone, the tree can eventually reach 12 meters in height with a trunk 30cm wide; however, the tree can be annually cut back to one meter from the ground.  The tree will quickly recover and produce leaves and pods within easy reach.   Within three years a tree will yield 400-600 pods annually and a mature tree can produce up to 1,600 pods.

If planting a large plot, it is recommended to first plough the land.  Prior to planting of seedling, dig a planting pit about 50cm in depth and the same in width. This planting hole serves to loosen the soil and helps to retain moisten in the root zone, enabling the seedlings’ roots to develop rapidly.  The day before out planting, water the filled pits or wait until a good rain before out-planting seedlings. Fill in the hole before transplanting the seedling. In areas of heavy rainfall, the soil can be shaped in the form of a mound to encourage drainage. Do not water heavily for the first few days.  If the seedlings fall over, tie them to stick 40cm high for support.

In a backyard garden, seedlings can be grown anytime of the year because of availability of water. Some few moringa trees in our backyard will improve health of households and the leaves can also be processed to powder form and sell.  2-kilogram leaves can produce about 200 grams of moringa powder which can be sold between N200 –N300. Some few Nigerians are already making millions from the many products of this amazing plant.  With just N4,000 for 10 seedlings, in the next 6-8mths you can start making money from the trees. 

SPACING:
For intensive Moringa production, plant the tree every 3 meters in rows 3 meters apart.  Trees are often spaced in a line one meter or less apart in order to create living fence posts.  Trees are also planted to provide support for climbing crops such as pole beans, although only mature trees should be used for this purpose since the vine growth can choke off the young tree. 

Moringa trees can be planted in gardens; the tree’s root system does not compete with other crops for surface nutrients and the light shade provided by the tree will be beneficial to those vegetables which are less tolerant to direct sunlight.  From the second year onwards, Moringa can be inter-cropped with maize, sunflower and other field crops.  

PINCHING THE TERMINAL TIPS:
When the seedlings reach a height of 60cm in the main field, pinch (trim) the terminal growing tip 10cm from the top.  This can be done using fingers since the terminal growth is tender, devoid of bark fiber and brittle, and, therefore, easily broken. This pinching, done four times before the flowers appear (when the tree is about three months old), will encourage the tree to become bushy and produce many pods within easy reach. Pinching helps the tree develop a strong production frame for maximising the yield.   If the pinching is not done, the tree has a tendency to shoot up vertically and grow tall, like a mast, with sparse flowers and few fruits found only at the very top.

Don’t just plant trees, plant Moringa Trees! To be continued next week.