Layers in Zbnf

Layer 1 - Upper canopy trees

The max solar intensity is in Mar-June which is about 8k-12k foot candle. It's about 8k in March, 9-10k in April, 11k-12k in May-June.

Only large trees (Vruksh) and Grains (Trinn Vargiya) can sustain this intensity.

Large Trees - Mango, Chiku, Imli, Katthal, Kaju, Neem, Jamun, Mahua, Saagwan, Peepal, Bel, Kadam, Coconut, Walnut, Chestnut, Avocado, Butternut, Pecan, Soapnut, Toon

Grains - Rice, Wheat, Corn, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Nawni, Kodo, Kutki, Sugarcane

Also, all plants with sword like leaves

Layer 2 - Mid-canopy trees

This layer does not need a direct sun and needs sun/shade or a dancing shadow. These plants need 6-8k foot candle intensity of light.

Fruit trees: Guava, Amla, Orange, Clove, Silver Oaks, Palm, Bamboo, Kinnow, Malta, Fig grown as tree, Desi Banana, Supari, Mosambi, Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Apricot, Persimmons, Cherry All Dals (Dalhan) All Oil producing plants (Tilhan) All Vegetables All Flowers

Layer 3 - Lower canopy trees

These plants need some shade. Pomegranate, Custard Apple, [[Figs (grown as bush)]], Ber, Papaya, Banana, Orange, Lemon, Sea Buckthorn, Coffee, Cocoa, [[Arandi (Castor)]], Cardamom, Mulberry

Layer 4 - Shrub Layer

After the smaller trees, shrubs like pineapple, Cardamom, napier grass, lemon grass, blackcurrant, gooseberry, etc. have their turn. They can be planted 1-1.5 metres apart. They are fast to produce, and only live a few years

Layer 5 - Ground Layer

These plants need full shade. (3700-5000 foot candle) Plants like Mirch, Haldi, Ginger, Black Pepper, Pan, Vanilla

Sources: [[Subhash Palekar's Lectures]] [[Farmers-Handbook-Volume-4.pdf | Integrated Orchard]]