Performance of selected tree species under saline-sodic field conditions in Pakistan

Abstract

Results are reported regarding four preliminary and two long-term field studies on the performance of selected (number varies from one to 12 in different studies) tree species under saline-sodic conditions. The surface salinity (0-30cm) of soil in the long term studies at Uchkera farm varied between 15 and 41dS m^-1, SAR between 13 and 172, and, in general, it decreased with increase in soil depth. The plants were planted in furrow beds irrigated with fresh canal water and soil below furrows had lower EC _e and SAR values. At PARS site, surface EC _e, varied from 17.6 to 83.8 dS m^-1 and SAR between 38.4 and 129.5 and it decreased with increase in depth. The soil at Uchkera farm was light textured whereas at PARS it was dense. On overall basis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis proved to be the most successful species under a variety of salinity conditions while Leucaena leucocephala was the most aggressive species especially under moderate salinity conditions. Tamarix aphylla showed rapid growth under high salinity.

The economic after 7¹/₂ year growth have been computed and the effect of plant species growth on soil salinly is reported