JODHPUR: Exotic species of saltbush a common name of a triplex Australian and American rangelands can combat the high salinity and aridity of Thar Desert in western Rajasthan state say ecologists at the University of Jodhpur.
Dr DN Sen. head of the Botany department told PTI here Dec 31 that the revegetation of saline wastelands using saltbush species was ecologically safe and improved the habitat for wildlife and birds
Dr Sen. said ten species of saltbush have been raised and acclimatized in the saline patches and barren lands to meet the demands of increasing livestock population and for biological reclamation.
It was found that its species withstood the high salinity and aridity prevailing in western Rajasthan he said
Dr Sen. said to escape from the harmful concentration of salt saltbush secreted it into a specialized bladder on the plant’s surface.
The study indicated that besides its saline characteristics saltbush leaves are palatable and contain a high level of crude protein (up to 26%) a main source of cattle fodder.
The biomass production is quite high even with minimum rainfall it found.
A report submitted to the department of environment also highlighted its importance for preventing wind erosion and use as shelter belt plantation in areas with loose top soil.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 11, 1991
