Latex is one of the major and stable sources of income for farmers every year. In addition, rubber wood also has many uses, to contribute to improving the lives of farmers.
Things to know about rubber trees
Rubber is a perennial industrial crop and a key crop of the horticulture industry. From the time of planting and after taking care of about 5 to 7 years, depending on the care conditions, rubber will harvest latex and harvest continuously for many years. The older the trees, the more sap and latex they give. The tree will stop providing latex and resin between the ages of 26 and 30 years.
Properly harvesting rubber latex
Rubber trees allow growers to harvest continuously. Along with that is the investment in caring for plants such as: irrigation, fertilizer, weeding. Due to the prolonged latex harvesting time, continuously from 8-10 months/year and for many years, the correct technique of latex harvesting is very important in ensuring high and sustainable yield for many years. Thanks to the correct harvesting techniques, rubber trees will be minimized the damage on the tree. It will also prolong the life of the tree.
Besides, harvesting latex with proper technique also brings yield and quality for latex. As a result, prices also increase, bringing profits to farmers. Therefore, for the long-term benefit, people should take the time to take care and harvest the right technique.
Standards of rubber trees to the time of harvest
In addition to the criteria of care time, rubber is considered eligible for open scraping when the trunk circumference reaches 50 cm or more, measured 1 m above the ground, the thickness of the bark is from over 6mm. It is necessary to avoid shaving the tree too small (under 40 cm) because when starting to shave, the growth of the tree is slowed down, the tree is slow to grow to give long-term productivity later.
Standards of rubber trees to the time of harvest
Because of economic pressure, many households have shortened the time to harvest latex. This is not really guaranteed. Because it not only affects the quality of latex but also indirectly harms the rubber tree.
In addition, depending on the land, people can also draw their own experiences to have a suitable harvest time. But it is best not to shorten the harvest time of the tree too much.
The best time to harvest rubber latex and sanitize the tree
Time to harvest rubber continuously during the year. For new trees, only start shaving in the months of March – April (before the rainy season) and the end of October (after the rainy season). For the orchards that have been exploited, give a break to shave when the rubber trees have new leaves, (usually in January or February). The tree is shaved again when the leaf layer has stabilized (in March – April). Chi started shaving when the shaving line was clearly visible. In the rainy season, you should not shave when the bark is wet. Have to wait until the water is dry to shave.
The best time to harvest rubber latex and hygiene for the tree
Today, to stimulate the rubber tree to produce more latex, people often apply “stimulant” to the newly shaved trunk. To ensure that the rubber tree is always healthy, it is necessary to regularly clean the shaver, clean the tools, repair the shaving mouth, apply ointment for the shavings, apply the prevention of shaving in the rainy season and absolutely do not burn dry leaves in the rubber garden.
In addition, rubber tree wood is a valuable source of raw materials for the wood industry. After the rubber tree is old or has no capacity for latex, it can be harvested for wood. Rubber wood has thick grain, little shrinkage, beautiful color so it is highly appreciated and “environmentally friendly”.
Thus, unlike other crops, rubber trees have only one seed investment but are harvested and yielded many times a year and the harvest time lasts from 20-25 years. Rubber trees will be a big and sustainable source of income for farmers.
