Effects of irrigation intervals and water storage methods on survival and growth characteristics of Acacia nilotica

Abstract

In order to determine the most suitable water storage method and irrigation interval on growth characteristics of Acacia nilotica for using in afforestation, a split- plot experimental design with four replications was conducted in south of Sistan and Baluchestan province in Iran. The main factor was rain saving method with two levels (turkey nest and small soil dam), and the sub factor was irrigation intervals with three levels (10, 20 and 30 days intervals). Results of the experiment showed that Acacia nilotica is a suitable species for afforestation in Dashtyari region of Chabahar. The best irrigation period was 10-day interval, due to better survival rate andgrowth characteristics of Acacia nilotica than in other treatments. 20-day irrigation interval could be introduced for regions with scarcity of water. Two methods of rain water saving did not have any statistically significant effect on establishment of this species.

Keywords

• Acacia nilotica
• water saving method
• irrigation intervals
• MORTALITY
• turkey nest
• small soil dam