Mulch application improves survival but not growth of Acacia ampliceps Maslin, Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. and Conocarpus lancifolius L. on a saline site in southern Pakistan

We report on an experiment planted in May 1991 to investigate the effects of single and combined application of wheat straw mulch, NP fertilizer and supplemental irrigation on survival and growth of three salt-tolerant tree species, Acacia nilotica (L.) Del., Conocarpus lancifolius L. and two provenances of Acacia ampliceps Maslin., on a highly saline site near Hyderabad, Pakistan. Mulch application was the only treatment to significantly improve survival. There were no significant treatment effects on growth. Based on overall performance up to 42 months after planting, A. nilotica was the most productive species, followed by C. lancifolius and the two A. ampliceps provenances.