Performance of Exotic Dry Zone Hardwoods in Salt Affected Semi-arid Regions of Uttar Pradesh

Forestry activities in semi-arid regions of Uttar Pradesh are of great importance to meet the fuel, fodder and timber demand of local people. An international trail of dry zones hardwood species was carried out in Vrindavan forest block, Mathura, for screening a wide range of species, suitable for use in rural afforestation schemes and agroforestry systems. The results of the 8 year old trial showed that species adapted for region are Guazuma ulmifolia, Senna atomaria, Caesalpinia velutina , Parkinsonia aculaeta, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Mimosa tenlliflora, Caesalpinia coriaria etc. Most of these species are nitrogen fixing legumes and hence will be useful in improving the soil characteristics.