A study was designed to evaluate the effect of different water conservation techniques on the growth and height of different planttree species at Karak and Mianghundi (Quetta) and Mastung districts of Balochistan.
Rainwater harvesting and dry afforestation techniques were compared with conventional method of planting (simple pit planting) of three species viz. Pistacia khinjak, Elaeagnus angustifolium and Atriplex spp. at Mianghundi Quetta. The above techniques were also compared at Karak valley on Atriplex canisence, A. lentiformus, Ailanthus sp. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Data on survival of all species and height of Atriplex canisence was recorded and analyzed.
The survival of species at Mianghundi under different water conservation techniques viz. trenches, earthen bunds, micro-catchments and eyebrow plant pits was 48%, 43%, 33% and 30% respectively while in simple pits it was 26% respectively. But at Karak valley it was 55%, 48%, 43% and 38% and in simple plant pits survival was 33%.
The average height growth of Atriplex canisence under trenches, earthen bunds, micro-catchments and eyebrow plant pits was 1.412m, 1.350m, 1.346m. and 1.344m. respectively while in simple pit planting it was 1.270m.
At Mastung for sand dune stabilization trenches and simple pits were compared with surface planting on the following species Tamarix gallaca, Calligonum spp., Saccharum spp. and Arundo donax. The survival of species at Mastung under trenches and simple pits was 70.5% and 58% respectively while in surface planting it was only 36.5%.
So it is, safely concluded that various water conservation techniques have a significant effect on survival and growth of plants as compared to conventional planting methods. Within the various water conservation techniques contour trenches and earthen moistures are more economical and are able to keep the period happy and vigorous for a longer period of time. Biological treatment to sand dune stabilization is the only permanent and everlasting solution to this problem.