Tree planting and management techniques under limited water availability

Abstract

Arid and semi-arid land environments are generally very fragile. These lands are associated with low and unreliable rainfall, and relatively high temperature thus resulting in limited water resources and difficulty for establishment of stable farming system. Though rich in natural resources, the increased human pressure on forests and woodlands has created conditions conducive to degradation, deforestation and desertification. There is therefore great demand for re-afforestation technologies that can promote restoration and management of forests. Reforestation and afforestation will not only contribute to natural environment preservation, but also to the improvement of the livelihood of local residents. In the long term, restoration of forest vegetation can improve soil properties, contribute to the local water balance by flood control during rainy season and mitigate drought in dry season. Thus re-afforestation is an extremely important and effective measure to conserve/improve local environment.

Re-afforestation techniques which include appropriate planting and management methods are not always well developed thus causing great challenge to dryland forest rehabilitation.

The objective of guidelines is to provide information for tree planting and management in the drylands under limited water availability. This guideline outlines: Relation between forest and water environment; Selection of appropriate tree planting site; Tree planting and management techniques; Water harvesting techniques; Water conservation techniques.