Eucalyptus species trial on sandy dunes of Khuzestan province (Iran)

Abstract

There are about 350,000 hectares of sandy dunes and sandy lands in Khuzestan. During the past 40 years, different Physical, chemical and biological operations were applied to stabilize these lands and the results were all satisfied. The aim of the study was to determine the most tolerant species of Eucalyptus to drought and heat for biological fixation of sand dunes. Three species and one provenance of Eucalyptus, including E. camaldulensis 9616, E. camaldulensis, E. microtheca and E. sargentii were planted in 1992 under rainfed condition and statistical design of randomized complete blocks, with three replicates at 3*3meter spacing and against dominant wind direction. In this study, a mulch cover was applied to stabilize the sandy dunes against wind erosion. The measured Eucalyptus characteristics were: survival, height and diameter. After seven years, the data were analyzed, using ANOVA and Duncan tests. The results showed that E. camaldulensis 9616 was the most promising species due to its highest value of survival (73%), mean height (9.66m) and mean diameter at breast height (10 cm)