Direct Sowing and Planting of Salvadora persica (Linn.) and Salvadora oleoides (Decne.) for Ecological Restoration and Livelihoods Improvement in Thar Desert

Abstract

"Salvadora persica Linn. and Salvadora oleoides Decne. are two important species of western Rajasthan. In Thar desert, their wide ranging ecological, social and economic importance on the one hand and declining population on the other necessitates that the species are included in restoration programmes. Taking stock of the new advances in research and field experience on both the species, this technical note provides guidelines for raising S. persica and S. oleoides in Thar desert. In particular, both the species are capable of regenerating through direct seeding and planting of nursery-raised seedlings in the field. Thus, we need to enhance our efforts in incorporating these species in afforestation and restoration in Thar desert. This document is the first in a series of technical notes to support connecting science to decision making aimed at bridging the science--management divide in Jodhpur Forest Circle.