New species for afforestation in semi-arid lands
New species for afforestation in semi-arid lands
Mahmood Iqbal Sheikh
ABSTRACT
In the quest for finding out suitable methods of afforestation in arid and semi-arid areas of Pakistan, some studies have been conducted in Rakh Dagar Kotli (Thal desert of Pakistan) using different methods of site preparation and tree species. The water harvesting methods used i9nvolved preparation of trenches with and without catchments, sloping catchments without a trench, pits and flat ground to serve as control.
The tree species tested included Acacia albida (Sudan). Acacia aneura (Australia), Amodesta, A. tortilis (Sudan), A. victoriae. (Australia), Parkisonia aculeate, Prosopis cineraria and Tecoma undulate. The results over a period of 7 year have indicated that trees can be successfully planted if some micro catchment is provided for harvesting extra quantity of water for the plants. Acacia tortilis and A.victoria turned out to be the most outstanding exotic species and P. cineraria and T. undulate which are local to our deserts but never tried before gave very indicative results. These species should be propagated on a large scale for bringing back the desert vegetation for fuel, fodder and food.
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