Distribution of Sandal (Santalum album L.), current growth rates, predicted yield of heartwood and oil content and future potential in semi arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, India.

摘要

The wood of Sandal (Santalum album) is one of the most valuable forest products, but this dollar-earning tree is disappearing from its natural range in parts of south India. The present study indicates that sandal may occur naturally in Rajasthan where it is mainly distributed in the semi-arid areas of the south and east - in natural forests; agricultural lands, old havelis, etc.; a few small plantations have been successfully established in this arid region. The oil content in these trees of Rajasthan varies between 0.9 and 3%. The successful establishment of these plantations and the development of the heartwood and oil in these trees indicate the potentiality of this species in the area. Rajasthan and Gujarat have vast areas of waste land that could be utilized for planting this species, but this may entail initial irrigation and strict protective measures.