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RECLAMATION OF WASTELAND THROUGH DIFFERENT VEGETATIVE

INTERVENTIONS

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Indian Forester, 141 (5) : 538-548, 2015 ISSN No. 0019-4816 (Print)
http://www.indianforester.co.in ISSN No. 2321-094X (Online)
RECLAMATION OF WASTELAND THROUGH DIFFERENT VEGETATIVE INTERVENTIONS

ASHOK KUMAR, VIKAS KUMAR, HEMLATA BISH1TAND RAHUL KUMAR2

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources,

Department of extension Education
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (India)
E-mail: ashok.dhaked1987@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
The reclamation of wasteland and development measures in general includes land clearing, soil and water
conservation, enhancing nutrient status, provision of irrigation facilities and so on. However, the existing status of
wastelands shows wide variation across different regions of the country in terms of their suitability for cultivation.
Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a scientific assessment of the existing status; fertility, erosion levels, soil
conditions, water potential, suitable cropping system, etc. of the waste lands spread over different agro-climatic zones
of the state so as to prepare a realistic reclamation-cum-development plan for the wastelands. Thus rehabilitation of
the wasteland through the sustainable management serves as a better cover to the soil and aids regeneration of
forests.
Key words: Wasteland, Problematic soils, Development, Reclamation, Vegetation

Introduction Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP),

Land and water are the crucial natural resources
for any development activity. The per capita land
availability in India has declined from 0.48 ha in 1951 to
0.25 ha in 1981 and to about 0.13 ha by the turn of last
century (http://www.spc.tn.gov.in/SLUB_STUDIES_
PDF/Study_44.pdf). In India total wasteland is 47.23 mha
which is nearly 14.97 % of TGA (Ministry of Rural
Development, 2010-11). Rajasthan has maximum
wasteland followed by Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra
Pradesh and Maharashtra, whereas, Punjab has
minimum wasteland area in India. Over the years,
landmass has suffered from different types of
degradations. India has 0.5% of the world’s grazing area
supporting 18% of world’s cattle population. These
pressures have led to drastic changes in the proportion of
land utilized and converted into wastelands. The
productivity of some lands has declined by 50% due to
soil erosion and desertification.
Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Rural
Development, Ministry of Environment and Forest,
Ministry of Water Resources and State Governments are
the main agencies to take care of rehabilitation of
degraded land. Government of India has taken bold new
steps since independence through the various
programmes and schemes such as Rural Works
Programme (RWP), Drought Prone Area Programme
(DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP),
Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Technology
Development, Extension and Training scheme (TDET) and
Integrated Watershed Management Programme
(IWMP).
Afforestation/reforestation of exotic and native
species is required to rehabilitate degraded lands
depending on site conditions (Datta and Agarwal, 2003;
Singh et al., 2004; Shukla et al., 2011). Vegetation on
degraded land not only accumulates biomass in various
plants and developed phytodiversity, even stimulates the
autogenic succession and alters the structure and
stability of communities (Singh et al., 2011).
Afforestation on degraded land showed four times
greater improvement in organic carbon (Singh et al.,
2012). The accumulation of litter by different tree species
increase in resource heterogeneity (Lynch et al., 2004),
which promotes the enrichment of the soil fauna and the
activation of the processes of nutrient cycling (Wang et
al., 2011). Consequently, it improves soil quality and
provides microclimatic conditions allowing the increase
in microbial population of other stress susceptible
species (Chaer et al., 2011). Development of forests and
cropping system, for the restoration of such degraded
lands, are important ecological methods in India (Singh et
al., 2012), contributing globally for the mitigation of
adverse effect of climate change (Pandey et al., 2011; Wu
et al., 2011).

Rehabilitation of wastelands through appropriate intervention of vegetative measures can help in

restoration of ecological security and improving livelihood of forest dependent communities.
1
RUC, Govt PG College, Uttarkashi, HNB Garhwal University (HEMLATA BISHT)
2
GD College, Begusarai, Bihar (RAHUL KUMAR)
2015] Reclamation of wasteland through different vegetative interventions
Techniques for the Reclaimemation of Wasteland
Salt-affected Soils
Soil suffering from salinity and alkalinity are
7167.64 sq km across the country in an around all states
(Ministry of Rural Development, 2010). These may be
broadly grouped into two groups, namely alkali and
saline soils. Alkali soils are largely predominant in the
Indo-Gangatic plains of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
and Bihar, and Rajasthan, whereas the saline soils are
found mainly in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal,
Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and also some of the coastal areas in
states adjoining to sea. The soils are characterized by high
pH, low organic matter, excessive exchangeable sodium,
high clay dispersion, hard pan formation and salt
accumulation in the root zone (Table 1). Several factors
contribute to the development of salinity and alkalinity
(Szablocs, 1989):
a) Arid and semi-arid climate
b) High water table and impeded drainage
c) Impervious hard subsoil due to kankar pan
d) Basin shaped topography
e) Salt bearing substrata or use of brackish water
f) Excessive canal irrigation or flooding
Developmental techniques
ØSoil working: (Dwivedi, 1992)
a) Production of loose soil for rapid root
development
b) Breaking of kanker pan or clay pan
c) Production of soil mass facilitate leaching of
soluble salts
d) Use of soil amendments (gypsum for alkaline)
e) Use of phosphate fertilizer helps in mitigating
adverse effects of salts on plants
ØPlanting methods: Successful afforestation of
highly saline soils generally requires improvement
in soil conditions through the application of
appropriate planting techniques (Table 2 and 3)
(Fig. 1).
Fig. 1: Different method used for planting on saline soils
539
ØSilvipastoral model: It comprising the growing of
Prosopis juliflora and karnal grass (Leptochloa
fusca) together developed at karnal. In this
method both are grown together for near 5 year
then after grass is replaced better forage such as
burseem and senji. After 8-10 year of growing
trees and forage the soil is reclaimed to the extent
that normal crop may be raised after removing
tree or association with trees (Singh, 1995).
ØChoice of suitable species: Normally firewood
species are grown on salt affected soils. The
species should be salt tolerant, having soil binding
characteristics, fast growing (Appendix I).
ØU s e o f N o n - co nve nt i o n a l c ro ps : N o n -
conventional crops of high value is an alternative
option for amelioration of alkali soils and
producing fuelwood, forage, medicinal and other
products of economic use. Use of green manure
like species of Sesbania is well known for
reclamation of alkali lands. Nonconventional crops
such as Matricaria chamomilla, Plantago ovata
(isabgol) and aromatic grasses like Vetiveria
zizanioides, Cymbopogon martini and C. flexuosus
stand chance for such areas (Dagar et al., 2001).
Ameliorative role of trees in salt affected soils (Bhojvoid
et al., 1996)
ØLeaching of salts is improved.
ØLowering the high water table and improves water
permeability
ØSoil moisture and water holding capacity of sub-
soils are conserved
ØAmount of salts were also reduced
ØOrganic matter and nitrogen improved in the
surface soils
ØPromotes micro-biological activities
Waterlogged Wastelands
This problem occurs when soil pores within a few
meters of the soil surface are saturated with water so that
540 The Indian Forester [May

there is a rise of sub soil water. If the depth of water table depending on water depth. Furrow on the sides of
is < 2m then it is called as waterlogged area and water the ridge help to drain excessive water. Planting is
table is > 3 m, it is known as safe from waterlogging. done on the ridges.
Waterlogging conditions can be categorized into: 3. Mound method: In scattered patches of
•Waterlogging conditions caused by stagnant water waterlogged areas and burrow pits along road,
•Waterlogging conditions caused by impeded but canal and railway lines, it is advisable to raise
mobile water mounds about 1 meter at the base and 50 cm at
•Swampy areas the top. Tall plants are planted at the centre of the
•Marshy areas and saline muddy areas mound. It is necessary to use borrowed earth for
Causes of waterlogging (Bhargava and Abrol, 1990) mounds.
a) Transmission losses from canal 4. Tall planting method: where the water is stagnates
b) Lack of natural drainage for 2-3 months, tall plant can give fairly good
c) Upheaval in the riverbed or channels or success. Earth work is to done during dry October-
interception of natural drainage November and planting frost hardy species so that
d) Indiscriminate cultivation in beds of drainage by the next rainy season plants are established to
channels combat the effect of waterlogging.
e) Putting of fishing barriers 5. Selection of suitable species: Plants to be planted
on these lands should have high transpiration
f) Inundations in coastal areas during cyclonic storms rates, high osmotic potential (Appendix I).
Afforestation on these lands is difficult due to Ravine Lands
waterlogging, oxygen deficits physiological drought,
defective aeration, excessive salt accumulation and poor The word ‘ravine’ means a deep gorge and
nutrient availability. Water logged area having salinity associated with a system of gullies, running more or less
greater than 4 dSm-1. parallel to each other. They represent the large stage of
water erosion. Ravine area is characterized by stiff clay
Developmental techniques with poor water retention power, alkaline in pH, more
1. Drainage of excess water from surface and soluble salt, less soil fertility, structure of soil, shape of
subsurface ravines. When the rain falls on bare soil and if it is too fast
2. Ridge and furrow method: it is applicable where to allow the infiltrate into soil, a sheet of water being
water depth is less than 1 meter. Height of ridge is transporting loose soil down slope. As the water
Table 1: Characteristics of salt-affected soils in relation to afforestation/reforestation (Raj and Lal, 2012)
Characteristics Saline Sodic Alkaline
Other names White & Brown alkali, Solanchak, Usarsoil Blach alkali, Solonetz, Rakkar,
Reh, Kari, Pokkati, Thur (Punjab) Bara-bari (Punjab)
EC (dSm) at 250 c > 4 >4 < 4
ESP (%) < 15 > 15 > 15
Ph < 8.5 > 8.5 8.5- 10.0
Sodium Absorption Rate (SAR) < 13 >13 > 13
Dominants salts SO4-2, Cl-, NO3- of Na, Mg and K --- Na2CO3
Soluble salts % >1 % >1 % <1%
Soil colour White --- Black
Formation process Salinization Salinization and Alkalinization
Alkalinization
Physical Condition Flocculated Both condition Deflocculated
Recommended fertilizers (NH4) 2SO4, Single Super Phosphate (NH4)2SO 4, NH 4NO3, Di Ammonium
NH4 NO3 Phosphate

Table 2: Planting methods on Saline soils (Tomar, 1997)

Techniques Size/height Tools used Amendments used

Pit method. 45 x 45 x 60cm spades Gypsum, pyrite, manures
Sub-surface planting method. 15cm (dia) and 45cm (deep) Auger Soil and FYM
Ridge-trench method. 40cm (height) spade FYM and fertilizers
Furrow planting. 20cm (deep) and furrow Soil and FYM
60cm (wide) maker
2015] Reclamation of wasteland through different vegetative interventions
accumulates in low areas, it takes shape into a stream.
Water coming to a gully from various sources may
because it is to branch and develop into a gully system
ravaging the land. Gully between 1 to 5 m deep are
considered medium sized. Gullies are also U and V
shaped. V shape is most common. These have not
contact with permanent water table and as the moisture
retention power is also very less so these ravines become
dry during summer months. U shape is found in loess. U-
shaped gullies require more soil conservation measures
because sides have to be sloped before vegetation can
grow there.
Developmental techniques
1. Mechanical structures: Such as terraces and gully
dams useful in catchments areas where runoff
volume is very high.
2. Sod-strip checks: On gentle sloping beds these are
used for arresting silts. The strips should have a
minimum width of 30 cm and an escapement of 2
to 3 m from one another.
3. Contour trenching: On moderate slopes contour
bunding or trenching are done. Excess water is
collected in catch water drains and diverted into
natural water channels. Such drains should be dug
at a minimum distance of 3 times the depth of the
gully from its head. Easing of the head of the gully
is done by cutting and filling in order to prevent
water from scouring toe of the gully. The slope fall
tufted with grasses like Cynodon, Amphilophis, etc.
4. Terrace or check dam: Steep gullies are stabilized
with building of check dam across them. Siltation
fills in gullies and makes them into useable land
again. In the deposited silt, grasses like Pennisetum
and Panicum should be planted.
5. Choice of Suitable species: The species should be
drought and frost resistance (Appendix I).
6. Aerial seeding: It is used in the state of
Maharastra, Rajasthan, UP and MP for ravine
afforestation. Seeds of P. chilensis A. nilotica,
Azadiractha indica, Albizia spp, D. sissoo, D.
Table 3: Planting methods on Alkaline soils (Tomar, 1997)
Techniques Size/height
Pit method 45x 45 x 60 cm
Ridge-trench method 45cm (h)
Auger-hole method 15cm (Diameter), 150-180 cm
(depth)
Pit auger-hole method 45 x 45 x 45 cm
Pit-auger hole and furrow method (20 cm deep and 50-60 cm wide) tractor-driven furrow maker Soil, 3 kg gypsum, 8 kg FYM,
541
strictus, etc. at the rate of 20-40 kg/ha were sown
using Beaver and Dakota aircraft. The desired
result have not been achieved because of seeds
are either washed away or fall at places where they
cannot strike root in the ground (Ramprasad,
1998).
Coastal Lands
Coastal lands are found in India in the form of
narrow strips along the eastern and western coast. Large
quantity of sand gets accumulated as a result of tide and
high wind prevalent. The soil in coastal areas is purely
sand which is unstable, little water holding capacity,
highly alkaline, poor in nutrients, high water table, poor
textured soil.
Developmental techniques
ØFore-dune system: before plantation on the
coastal sand dunes artificial dunes should be
erected along the sea face to act as a barrier to
prevailing strong winds. Artificial dune 10-13 m
high would generally be sufficient. Wooden planks
like rejected railway sleepers or used telephone
poles can be used for creating fore-dunes
(Cameron et al., 2000). After that Ammophila
arenaria could be planted on foredunes.
ØLive fences: Technique is to trap the blowing sand
with the use of sand fences. Sand fences slow sand
movement by reducing the wind velocity in their
immediate vicinity. While sand fences are very
effective in trapping windblown sand, once they
are filled they have little or no further effect on
sand movement (Woodhouse, 1978). In India, live
hedge of Agave and Aloe on boundary and
Ipomoea biloba as a sand cover plantation have
been successful.
ØDune Grass Mats and Netting are also a useful
technique for protecting bare sand surfaces.
Coarse netting and mats are useful in protecting
dunes while transplanted dune grasses are
establishing (Seliskar, 1995). This technique does
protect the sand surface but does not collect much
Tools used Amendments used
spades Gypsum, pyrite, phosphogypsum,
manures
------ FYM and fertilizers
tractor-mounted Soil, 3 kg gypsum, 8 kg FYM,
auger 10 kg ZnSO4, aldrin or BHC
Spades Soil, 3 kg gypsum, 8 kg FYM,
10 kg ZnSO4, aldrin or BHC
10 kg ZnSO4, aldrin or BHC
542 The Indian Forester
sand, so the best use of netting and mats is to
protect new seedlings. Grasses are Ammophila
breviligulata, A. arenaria, Panicum amarum,
Uniola paniculata and Spartina patens.
ØLupin sowing: Lupin (perennial legume herb) not
only helps develop better protective vegetation
but also adds important nitrogen to the soil.
Planted dune grass and other areas where lupin is
absent receive a broadcast of 10-11 kg/ha of lupin
seed at the time of the second fertilizer application
in autumn (Wendelken, 1974).
ØTree planting: Tree planting can begin after some 3
to 5 years of lupin growth. These plants must be
able to tolerate rapid sand accumulation, flooding,
salt spray, sandblast, wind and water erosion, wide
temperature fluctuations, drought, and low
nutrient levels. Ridge method, sunken method and
raised mounds method are used in saline areas,
wind & salt spray areas and waterlogged areas
respectively (Appendix I).
Hot desert and Shifting Sand Dunes
The desert is dry, barren, hot, and silent. Not a drop
of water for months. Deserts are classified by their
geographical location and dominant weather pattern.
Desert soil is characterized by very low organic matter,
high soluble salts, low nutrients status, high pH, structure
less, less water holding capacity, deficient in soil
moisture.
Types of dunes:
a) Crescent dunes formed by one dominant wind
direction
b) Linear dunes by the action of two wind direction
c) Pyramidal dunes occurs in arid region without a
dominant wind direction
Developmental techniques
ØMulching: Soil water and oil-by products (Bitumen
emulsion) have been used as mulch for stabilizing
moving dunes. Crude oil has been used in Arabian
countries. It is heated to 500 C and spread at the
rate of 4 m3 per hectare. It gives protection for 3-4
years which is enough for growth of vegetation.
ØRaising of micro-wind breaks: it is based on the
principle of reducing the threshold wind velocity at
the dune surface. Brushwood such as Calligonum
poligonodies, Leptadinia pyrotechnica, Zizyphus
nummularia, Aeurva persica, Crotolaria burhea
and Panicum spp. Twig of such material are
inserted in the ground and planted in parallel row
of 5 meter spacing. This should be done before the
monsoon season (Khalil, 2008).
[May
ØPlanting cutting method: Cutting of 60-80 cm
length is set into sand with aid of an iron bar, at
least 50-70 deep (Kolar et al., 1966). Deep planting
protect the planting stock against deflection and
secures root development in a comparatively
moist sand layer. e.g.
a) Pre sprouted branchs cuttings of Tamarix
articulata and Calligonum polygonoides.
b) Pre-sprouted stumps of P. juliflora, A. lebbeck
and D. sissoo.
ØSeeds spray method: Seeds of grasses and legume
crops mixed with clay and sodium arsenate are
sown on the received micro-wind breaks side
during monsoon season.
ØUsing of earthen bricks: planting of seedlings
raised in earthen bricks in pits of 45cm3×60 cm3 has
proved successful revegetation on arid regions.
ØChoice of suitable species: Species suitable for
dune fixation must be highly drought resistant, well
developed root system, wind firm (Appendix I).
Afforestation Effect on Soil Quality of Sand Dunes
(Erhan, 2010)
a) Improvement in physical, chemical, and
mineralogical properties of soil
b) Organic matter accumulation in the soil profile
c) Slight increase of clay at the surface implies an
aeolian dust
d) Contents of total, organic and available
phosphorous in surface horizons are higher
e) Fixation of colloidal materials in soils such as humic
acid and fulvic acid
Cold Deserts
Large area of Leh and Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir
and some area of Lahul and Spiti valley in Himachal
Pradesh fall in this category. Dryness is of two types here;
one is caused by low precipitation inhibiting absorption
of water by plant roots and the other caused by the
dryness of the atmosphere.
Characteristics of cold desert
a) Total precipitation does not exceed 400 mm.
b) Soil vary from sand and sandy loam to loams
c) Topography is flat to undulating and stony rocks,
river banks etc.
d) Neutral slight alkaline in reaction
e) Short growing period
f) Wind erosion is there
Developmental techniques
ØSoil working: soil working is done during March-
2015] Reclamation of wasteland through different vegetative interventions 543

April followed by planting at April end. Soil working
will depend upon type of land (Table 4).
ØVegetation: Choice of species is limited to few
genera i.e. Salix, Populus, Juniperus, etc. S. fragillis,
S. flabilleris, S. angustifolia, S. pycnostachya, etc.
and P. alba, P. nigra, P. ciliate, P. candicus, P.
euphratica etc. are grown in cold areas (Luna,
2006). Planting is done by stem cuttings. Standard
cutting size is 0.25 cm to 7.5 cm in girth and 2 m to
2.5 m in length. In between the rows Alfalfa is sown
for fodder and it improve the soil texture. Planting
is done at the spacing of 2 × 2m or 3 × 3 m.
Mined Spoils
In India total mining wastelands is 505.35 km2
which is 0.02 % of TGA, spread over 19 states. Maximum
number of mines being in, Jharkhand, MP, Rajasthan,
Bihar, Orissa etc. the total area under mining in the
country is equivalent to 1/3rd of that under agriculture.
Establishing of vegetation on wastelands is slight difficult
due altered pH, variable texture, lake of organic matter,
fragmented rock and many other toxic chemical factors.
Developmental techniques
ØSoil working: Following techniques may be used to
afforest mined areas
a) Covering toxic or infertile material with soil or
waste of better quality
b) Neutralizing strong acid alkaline soil by the use
of lime, sulphure or waste of opposite reaction
c) Buffering toxic elements by the use of peat,
humus, clay with a high exchange capacity
d) Leaching the salts by the means of rain water
e) Fertilizing with green manuring Stabilizing the
surface of waste tips of very fine particles by
agglutination sprays or mulches
ØNatural colonizers such as Deschapsia caespitosa,
Poa alpinaperforme and Phleum alpinum better
than introduced species and respond to fertilizers
(Tiwari and Singh, 1996). Cynodones spp, Typha
spp and Cyperus spp are plants to naturally
colonize the edges of drainage of tailing dams.
Some natural colonizers are given in Table 5.
ØUse of Bio-fertilizers: Use of beneficial
m i c ro o rga n i s m s l i ke VA M , R h i zo b i u m ,
A z o t o b a c t e r, P h o s p h a t e S o l u b i l i z i n g
Microorganism (PSM), and Blue Green Algae
(BGA), etc. in the reclamation program is helpful
for prompt reclamation of the mining areas
(Kumud et al., 2006).
ØAgro-engineering measures: it refers to
construction of a series of gabian structure and
loose rock filled check dams. In between trees with
grasses and legumes can be successfully
introduced and maximum benefits can be
obtained from such areas (Mishra et al., 1988).
ØUse of micro-organisms and other living
organisms: Use of algae, lichens and mosses in
establishment of tailing and other overburdens
accelerates the establishment of higher species.
Mycorrhizas which are not sensitive to heavy
metals are one of the important techniques.
Introducing earthworms, termites and other soil
living insects into the cycle of reclamation to
improve the rate of organic matter and porosity in
soil has been suggested as a possibility in building
up the top soil (Karthikeyan et al., 2009).
ØSelection of species: For revegetation of mine
spoils, plant species should have N fixing ability,
2

Table 4: Soil working method for cold desert areas (Luna, 2006)
Methods Conditions Remarks
Trench-cum-pit type Gently sloping areas with stony Digging staggered contour trench spaced 10×10 m.
surface In interspaces 60×60×100 cm pits spaced at 2×2 m are dug.
Both are filled with mix of soil + fine textured silt
Irrigation-cum-drainage Low lying areas with a high salt Planting is one in 45-50 cm deep holes.
type concentration Make 45 cm high mound around the plants.

Table 5: Natural colonizers for different mined areas

Species Mined areas Remarks

Rumex acetosella Al and Mg mines areas P deficient soil
Atriplex nummularia Ni mines Alkaline soil
Atriplex canescens U and coal mines
Robinia pseudoacacia Lime, Coal, Fe, Sulphure Acidic soil
Quercus rubra Brick wastes
Populus tremula, P. nigra Sand wastes Drained soil
Salix spp. Fe, Cu mined areas
Betula spp. Rock-phosphate, asbestos wastes Acidic soil
544 The Indian Forester
Hardiness, quick coverage during early stage,
ability of phytoextraction and phytostabilization.
Establishment of permanent vegetation cover of
suitable trees and grasses mixtures will improve
their deteriorated conditions and stop further
degradation (Appendix I).
ØHydro-seeding: Sowing of seeds directly or
transplanted on difficult surfaces through the use
of water called hydro-seeding. Large volume of
water, seed, fertilizer and mulch are needed to
apply in a fine spray. Any shredded organic
material, such as bark, sawdust or hay can be used
to establish proper microclimate and to avoid
clogging and wood mulch prevents soil crusting.
This technique is best suited particularly for
grasses (Tiwari and Singh, 1996).
Denuded Hill Slopes
Generally found in subtropical and temperate
region of country. The southern aspect of Himalaya is
generally denuded and more common in western
Himalaya than eastern. Because eastern part in more
moist. Cause of denudation is unrestricted felling,
excessive grazing and frequent fires, etc. the soil is poor in
nutrients and moisture.
Developmental techniques
ØSoil working: soil working should be necessary
before plantation of trees on any denuded hills
slope. Two methods viz., contour trenching and pit
method/thalis method are used. Contour trench
with the size of 50×50 cm in cross sections is made
on light sloppy areas, whereas, A pit of 30×30×30
cm or 45×45×45 cm are made on steeper sloppy
areas in pit method/thalis method (Dwevedi,
1992).
ØPlanting methods: Species which are propagated
by vegetative parts are likely to succeed. Species
should be frost hardy. In temperate areas,
different method of stocking are used (Tiwari,
1983). In dry area of north-western India such
species as A. modesta, A. catechu, P. chilensis etc.
and in the peninsular region, E. tereticornis,
Anacardium occidentale, A. auriculiformis, C.
siamia, A. lebbeck etc. have been successfully
used.
Land Slips and Landslides
Downward or outward movement of slope
forming material soil, natural rocks, vegetation etc.
Landslides are vast problem in Northern and Eastern
mountainous region of India. The main causes of
landslides are construction of roads, over-grazing,
deforestation, blasting, earthquakes and extension of
[May
agricultural activates in sloppy hilly areas. An avalanche,
similar in mechanism to a landslide, involves a large
amount of ice, snow and rock falling quickly down the
side of a mountain.
Developmental techniques
ØWattling of area: it is essential part of land slide
stabilization work. Wall lining is done by providing
contour tranches 30 cm wide and 1 m deep which
are filled with wood bundles. On the downhill
slope posts of species which spread on planting
such as Lanna grandis, L. coromandlica, Erythrina
subrosa, vitex nugundo, salix tetrasperma,
Hamiltonia suaveolens are placed in the trenches
(Bansal and Mathur, 1976).
ØMulching: A thick layer (5-7 cm) of locally growing
grass Chrysopogon spp., Heteropogon spp. or
others are spread all over the outer side of land
slips and binds with wire to prevent wind or runoff
water displacing the mulch out of position.
ØPlanting of trees: In order to permanently stabilize
the slip area afforestation in essential, it involve
two factor:
a) Immediate cover with quick establishing
species
b) Permanent cover to restore the original
habitat conditions
Species should have massive tap root system,
vegetatively propagated and climbing nature. They can
be planted during winter or onset of monsoon. A hole is
made in the soil or rock surface with a planting rod and
cutting of about 30 cm length inserted and compacted
(appendix I).
Conclusion
The land degradation problem is increasingly
becoming a challenge for the economy and natural
ecosystems in India. The major causes of land
degradation are fragile geological structure, forest fire,
avalanches, landslides in the hills, river-damaged areas,
deforestation, excessive use of chemical fertilizers,
overgrazing and unscientific farming in steep slope,
flooding in the plain areas, and shifting cultivation in the
mountains. It is realized that the balance between the
land degradation and restoration rates should be
maintained so as not to further degrade the land.
Wasteland afforestation is found to be a financially viable
and environmentally sound use of most of those lands. In
addition, tree planting on wastelands is emerging as a
potent tool for arresting the increasing misuse and over-
exploitation of these lands and environmental degradation
in India. Government of India has taken bold new steps
2015] Reclamation of wasteland through different vegetative interventions 545

since independence through the various programmes and
schemes. There are several methods of planning trees,
grasses on different degraded lands but those will not be
under existence until unless local people do accept.
Afforestation, association of trees and shrubs with
crops, livestock or other factors of agricultural
production, holds great promise for contributing to
sustainable land use systems which can overcome the
problem of land degradation and the imminent “food
crisis”. Before the proper methods of reclamation are
explained it is important to enumerate the basic
strategies that should be adopted in the reclamation of
wasteland. Incentive strategy should be carried out for
increasing agricultural productivity, afforestation and
greening wastelands. Coordinating agency at the
state/district/block and village level should be
established to help the people for technological causes of
wastelands as well as various reclamation measures for
increasing the productivity of such unutilized lands.
Farmers should be helped by the government officials for
leasing of the land, credit, agricultural technological
inputs, market information and marketing, including all
the related materials regarding the wastelands
reclamation. Just like the green revolution there should
be programme for greening the wastelands which should
be the institutional structures of research of high quality
seeds of extension methods would be necessary to
establish the reclamation of wastelands.

Acknowledgement
The authors would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Avtar Singh (Professor-cum-Sr. Silviculturist) and Dr. G.P.S.
Dhillon (Associate Professor-cum-Tree Breeder), Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural
University, Ludhiana (India) for their valuable advice and suggestion and for comments during preparing the article
which were helpful in improving the draft.
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2015] Reclamation of wasteland through different vegetative interventions 547

Appendix I: Choice of suitable species for different degraded soils

Wastelands Conditions Suitable species References
Saline soil 7-10 dSm-1 (EC) Acacia auriculiformis, Salix wmini, S. fruticosum, Salix spp, A. deami, Tomar (1997)
Albinia guachepele, Tamarindus indica, A. lebbeck and A. caribea
10-15 dSm-1 (EC) Pithecellobium dulce, Callistemon lanceolatus, A. nilotica, A. tortilis,
Camarilla glauca, E. tereticomis, A. catechu, T. mjrma and P. pinnata
25-35 dSm-1 (EC) Tamarix articulate, T. troupii, Prosopis juliflora, Parkinsonia acrdeata
and A. famesiana
Alkaline soil 7.5-9.0 pH (Low) Dalburgia sissoo, Morus alba, Grevillia robusta, Azedirachta
indica,Tectona grandis, Populus deltoides, Emblica officinalis,
Hardwickea binnata, Kajellea pinnata, Punica granatum and Aegle
marmelos
9.0-10 pH (Medium) Albizia lebbeck, Pongamia pinnata, Butea monosperma, Feronia
limonia, E. tereticornis, Sesbania sesban, Zizyphus mauritiana, Psidium
guajava, Syzyium cumini, Achras japota and Cassia siamea
> 10 pH (High) Prosopis juliflora, P. cineraria, A. nilotica, Casuarina equisetifolia,
Tamarix articulata and Terminalia arjuna
Waterlogged Waterlogged areas Salix spp., S. cuminii, Terminalia arjuna, Saccharum spontaneous, Luna (2006)
areas Vetiveria zizaniodies, Themenda spp. and Avistida spp.
Waterlogged saline soils A. farnesiana, Parkinsonia aculeata, P. juliflora, Salvadora persica, S.
oleoides and Tamarix spp.
Marshy areas Barringtonia acutangula, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Pongamia pinnata
and C. equisetifola
Fresh water Swamps Diaspyros embryopteris, Pterospermum acerifolium, Bischofia
javanica and Canes
Muddy areas Avicinia officinalis and Manilkara littoralis
Ravine areas Gully slopes Acacia catechu and D. sissoo, Luna (2006)
Gully beds M. alba, Broussonetia papyrifera and Dendrocalamus spp,
Saline and alkaline gully A. nilotica, Azadiractha indica, Albizia spp. and P. juliflora ,
beds
Sandy beds Holoptelia integrifolia, D. sissoo, Dichostrachys nutan, D. strictus, P.
juliflora, A. nilotica and A. indica,
Coastal Lands Salinity areas P. chilensis, Pongamia glabra, Nipa fruticans, Salvadora persica and Luna (2006)
Juncus regidus
Wind and salt spray C. equisetifolia, A. auriculiformis, Atriplex numularia and Simaruba
spp.
Waterlogged areas P. juliflora and Avicennia officinalis,
Hot Desert & 15-30 cm (Rain fall) P. juliflora, A. tortalis, A. senegal C olligonum polygonodies, Zizyphus Luna (2006)
Shifting spp. and Lasiurus sindicus
Sand dunes 30-40 cm (Rain fall) A. Tortalis, P. juliflora, P. chinensis, Tecomella undulate, Zizyphus spp.,
Ricinus cumunis, Crotolaria burhia, Aerva javanica, Lasiurus
subuducya, Cenchrus setigerus and Saccharum bengalensis
> 40 cm (Rain fall) A. nilotica, T. undulate, parkensonia aculata, A. excalsa, A. lebbeck,m,
R. cumunis, Ziziphus spp, Cassia auriculata, C. ciliaris, Panicum
antidotale and S. bangalensis
Mined Spoil Bauxite mined areas Grevillea pteridifolia, E. camaldulensis, Pinus spp. and Shorea robusta Solanki (1999)
Areas Coal mines areas E. hybrid, E. camaldulensis, A. auriculiformis, A. nilotica, D. sissoo and
Pongamia pinnata
Lime stone mine spoils S. tetrasperma, Leucaena leucophala, Bauhinia retusa, A. ca techu,
Ipomia cornia, Eulalopsis binata, Agave americana, Pennnisetum
purpureum and Erythrina suberosa
Rock phosphate mine Saccharum spontaneum, Vitex negundo, Rumex hustatus, Mimosa
himalayana, Buddlea asiatica, L. lucocephala
548 The Indian Forester [May

Wastelands Conditions Suitable species References

Lignite mined area Eucaluptus spp., L. leucocephala, Acacia spp. and Agave spp.
Denuded Hill Direct sowing method Pinus roxburghii, P. wallichiana, Cedrus deodara, A. dealbata, A. Luna (2006)
Slopes altissima, Cupressus torulosa and C. arizonica
Transplants/Potted C. deodara, C. torulosa, Morus spp., Pinus spp., Juglans regia and
plants method Robinia pseudoacacia
Branch cutting method Acer negundo, Salix spp., Plantanus orientalis and Populus spp.
Root suckers method Ailanthus altissima
Landslips & Grasses Pennisetum spp, Arundo donex and S. munha, Luna (2006)
Landslides Shrubs Ipomea carnea, Vitex negundo, S. tetrasperma, Indigofera
heterarantha, Cotoneaster, microphylla, Lantana camara, Dodonea
viscose and Coriar nepalensis
Trees P. longifola, Juglans regia, P. gamblei, Salix spp. Robinia pseudoacacia
and Erythrina suberosa

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