Effects of rain storage method and irrigation interval on growth and primary establishment of Prosopis cineraria and Ziziphus spina-christi at south of Baluchestan

Abstract

In order to determine the most suitable water storage method and irrigation interval level on growth and primary establishment of Prosopis cineraria and Ziziphus spina-christi, a trial was conducted under split plots experimental design based on randomized complete blocks, with four replications at Dashtyari territory of Chabahar township (south of Sistan and Baluchestan province of I.R. Iran) for five year period to support reforestation projects. The main factor was water storage method at two levels (turkey nest and terrestrial dam) and the sub factor was irrigation interval with three levels (10, 20 and 30 days). The terrestrial dam and irrigation interval treatments were chosen as control due to local conventional conditions. Results showed that the 10 day irrigation interval was the most suitable treatment for the species establishment and it increased the seedlings survival, growth and establishment significantly. Survival and establishment of P. cineraria was significantly greater than Z. spina christii. Effects of turkey nest and terrestrial dam on survival and species characteristics were often not significant, whereas effects of terrestrial dam on the species vegetative characteristics and establishment were greater than the other treatment.

Keywords

• turkey nest
• terrestrial
• survival
• total height
• diameter
• crown cover