Since the seed orchard is planted entirely for the production of seeds (with the exception of the combined genetic tests/seed orchards) the conditions should benefit flowering and fruiting. Selection of the appropriate site for the seed orchard will ease the management during and after the establishment.
1. Species specific requirements:
Climate: temperature, precipitation, photoperiod, wind exposure.
Soil: texture, nutrients, pH, drainage
Topography: flat/hilly/mountainous, exposure.
Altitude: meter above sea level.
Knowledge of the species specific requirement and especially reproductive biology is crucial for proper matching of species and site, i.e. to be sure that the species will produce fruits at the site in question. The seed orchard should be established in the main portion of the species geographical and ecological range. For exotics, a seed orchard should be established only once the flowering and fruiting have been successfully proven in the area. The site should be selected in order to promote seed production only, unless it is combined with a genetic test. A site with average fertility is preferred to an area with high fertility since the latter may promote vegetative growth on the expense of reproduction. That may be especially important for low demanding species. A poor soil fertility can be manipulated with the application of fertilizer.
A flat or slightly undulating area is generally preferred since such area is generally homogeneous in soil structure and fertility.
In a mountainous area, mountains will cast shade according to sun position (season and time of the day), that may have a crucial influence upon the reproductive biology of the trees. Special threats such as termites should be taken into consideration when selecting the area in areas where, e.g. termites are problems.
2. Management requirements:
Accessibility
Labour availability
Close to administration
Close to nursery
Gentle topography
The seed orchard should be established as strategic for rational management as possible. Since the seed orchard is labour intensive both in terms of operation (establishment, maintenance, seed collection, etc.) and administration (record management, organization of labour, etc.) a central place, e.g. near to a local forest administration office and nursery is preferable. Such areas may also be easier to protect. A flat or slightly hilly area, for example, abandoned agricultural land, is preferred e.g. because it permits mechanical operation by tractors and other machines.
3. Protection:
Strong winds, typhoons, etc.
Fire
Illegal logging/fuelwood collection
Destroying animals
A seed orchard site should be established far from places where natural disasters are frequent. In areas where strong winds and typhoons occur, it should be placed as little exposed as possible, i.e. sheltered by hills or mountains. Fire is mainly caused by man and it is advisable that the orchard site be placed where e.g. grass fires are rare. In areas with severe wood shortage and consequent cutting and fuelwood collection, the orchards may be in danger unless the area has been negotiated with local authorities. Both wild and domestic animals can be destructive to seed orchards. Location close to national parks/game reserves or close to villages where for example, goats and cattle graze freely may be destructive. In general remote places should be avoided since they may be difficult to protect.
4. Specific orchard requirements:
Isolation from pollen contamination (distance and time)
The seed orchard should be placed as far as possible to stands of the same species or species with which they can hybridize. If the species has a different phonology, crossing will be separated in time. Establishment of pollen dilution zones and, especially for wind pollinated species, a design with long axis of the orchard with the direction of the prevailing wind decreases the risk of pollen contamination. The seed orchard should provide optimal conditions for the pollination agent. In case of exotics with very specific pollination (e.g. birds or bats) pollination may be restricted due to lack or proper pollination agent.
5. Other side requirements:
Land tenure
Possible future land requirement
The land tenure should be settled. Establishment of a seed orchard on community land may give problems with local community interests since it may interfere with possible traditional or alternative land use. Knowledge of possible plans for future alternative land use, e.g. roads, buildings, inclusion into urban zones, etc. is important for the longitivity of the seed orchard.
