Dry-zone afforestation in the Juniper forests of Baluhistan
Dry-zone afforestation in the Juniper forests of Baluhistan
G. M. Khattak Dr. and Mahmood Iqbal Sheikh
ABSTRACT
Intro: The Juniper (Juniperus excelsa) forests of Balucnistan occur over about 250,000 acres between Lat. 30° 9' and 30° 27' N, and Long. 67° 11' and 68° 3' E, on hilly and rugged terrain ranging in elevation from about 5000 to 12,000 feet. Because of inadequate rainfall and steep slopes, only physical weathering of rocks - mainly conglomerate, limestones, sandstones, shales Mias occurred. And the properties of soils are generally determined by their depth, texture, gravel content, water infiltration and moisture holding capacity, and by topography and drainage. About one third of the area comprises bare rock. Over the rest the soil is shallow, light grey brown, gravelly clay loam with a surface covering of gravel. It is generally underlain by weathered limestone fragments followed by bed rock. The soils are highly calcareous, non-saline and moderately alkaline due to the presence of carbonates. Their organic matter content is negligible except for partially decayed humus under trees and shrubs.
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September 1981
Vol. 31, Iss. 3
