Comparative growth performance of some multipurpose trees and shrubs grown at Machakos,Kenya

Growth rates of 29 multipurpose trees grown in an agroforestry arboretum for six years at a sub-humid to semi-arid climatic zone are presented. Exotic species such as Grevillea robusta, Sesbania grandiflora, Leucaena leucocephala, Cassia siamea and Sesbania sesban, some of which were outside their traditional climatic zones, had higher diameters, heights and bole volumes/tree (upto 130% more in certain cases) than of the indigenous species. However, poor performance of several species (both exotic and indigenous) would limit their agroforestry potentials at the evaluation site or other similar areas.     

Land use impact on Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaerten. stand structure and distribution patterns: a comparison of Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari in Atacora district in Benin

The shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, is a socio-economically important tree for the rural population in parts of West Africa. Our study assessed the current status of this native tree species with regard to increasing human pressure in northern Benin. We compared distribution of adult shea trees, seedlings and saplings in farmed lands with protected areas in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari (BRP). At our study site near BRP, agricultural activities foster recruitment of shea trees by regularly cropping of vegetation cover. Furthermore, traditional farming practices preserve adult individuals thus permitting regular fruit harvests. Consequently, most of the tallest and largest individuals of shea trees are found in framed lands. In contrast, the highest density of juvenile trees including seedlings (dbh <5 cm) and saplings (dbh 5–10 cm) occurred within BRP. Saplings were negatively affected by farming activities. Furthermore, spatial point pattern analysis revealed differences in the spatial structure of juveniles. Juveniles showed significant aggregations at small scale (<20 m) in BRP as well as significant and positive small-scale associations with adult trees. This contrasts with farmed lands where we did not find such spatial patterns at similar small scale but only a weak aggregation between juveniles and absence of association (attraction) of adults to juveniles. Although our analyses indicate that shea trees are rather well preserved, we conclude that the observed severe reduction of saplings in farmed lands is likely to negatively impact the long-term viability of the tree population. Therefore agroforestry practices must consider the preservation of sapling populations in farming areas for long-term conservation.     

Factors influencing establishment by direct seeding of indigenous tree species in typical plantations and shrubland in South China

Seed limitation of desired indigenous species has constrained the succession of established plantations from an early successional stage, to more natural forests in South China. Because of its low cost and time-saving advantages, direct seeding has been considered a useful method in forest regeneration. To improve our understanding of whether and how direct seeding can lead to the establishment of indigenous tree species, we carried out an experiment in four typical plantations (eucalyptus, mixed-native, mixed-legume, mixed-conifer) and a shrubland in South China. We also tested the effect of understory vegetation and litter removal on seedling establishment and growth. Seeds of three indigenous tree species (Castanopsis chinensis, Cryptocarya chinensis, and Psychotria rubra) were sown with understory vegetation and litter either retained or removed. Seedling emergence, survival, and growth were recorded for 21 months. We found that conditions that favored seedling emergence often differed from those that favored seedling survival. While the removal of understory vegetation and litter did not influence the final seedling establishments for all the three introduced species, growth of Psychotria rubra was influenced at several sites. Seed mass was positively correlated with seedling emergence and subsequent growth. The large-seeded Castanopsis chinensis showed higher emergence and growth than the intermediate-seeded Cryptocarya chinensis or the small-seeded Psychotria rubra. Seedlings of Castanopsis chinensis grew better in plant communities with high understory light penetration and high soil exchangeable potassium. Growth of P. rubra seedlings decreased significantly with soil hydrolyzed nitrogen. In conclusion, direct seeding can be useful for the establishment of indigenous tree species into plantations and shrubland. Optimizing early seedling establishment and growth will require the selection of suitable native species for improving seedling establishment in different plantations. Additionally, understory vegetation and litter and fertilizer should be properly managed to enhance the establishment of certain indigenous tree species.     

Traditional agroforestry systems and biodiversity conservation in Benin (West Africa)

In the past, the conservation of biodiversity has been mostly understood in terms of the management of protected areas and natural forests, ignoring the possible role of farm areas and the ways through which rural communities have promoted biodiversity in their subsistence agricultural production systems. The present study focused on the floristic diversity within traditional agroforestry parkland systems around the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin and showed the diversity of tree species in the area as well as socio-economic factors which affect the practice of this farming system. We used questionnaires and interviewed a total of 118 households to collect data. Respondents were interviewed on their farms and during the interview; we inventoried the number of tree on the farm and determined the farm size. Twenty-one tree species belonging to 14 botanical families were recorded during the surveys and the average stand density of the woody component of farmlands was 7.97 ± 5.43 stems/ha. A number of both native and exotic tree species occurred in the parkland agroforestry systems with dominance of indigenous tree species. Species richness varied with the size of household where households with small land holding conserve more tree species in their field than households with large land holdings. 64% of households surveyed were making deliberate efforts to plant tree species on their farmlands. The most important reasons which determined household ambitions to conserve woody species on farmland were tree products contribution to food and medicine. Results also showed that respondents who noticed that trees were decreasing in the wild conserve more tree species on their farmlands. This research highlights the role of traditional agroforestry practices to support tree species richness and provides evidence of the farms’ role as biodiversity reservoirs.     

Traditional agroforestry systems as tools for conservation of genetic resources of Milicia excelsa Welw. C.C. Berg in Benin

The potential contribution of agroforestry systems to the management and genetic resources conservation in iroko (Milicia excelsa), an important and valuable timber tree species in sub-Saharan Africa, is addressed in this paper. The structure and dynamics of traditional agroforestry systems and the ecological structure of Milicia excelsa populations in farmlands were studied through a survey carried out in 100 farmlands covering the natural range of iroko in Benin. Forty-five species belonging to 24 plant families were recorded in traditional agroforestry systems. Average tree density varied from 1 to 7 stems ha⁻¹ with diversity index ranging from 2.6 to 2.9. Milicia excelsa occurred sparsely in agroforestry systems in all regions, with density ranging from 1 to 4 stems ha⁻¹; stand basal area varying from 33.10⁻⁴ to 129.10⁻⁴ m² ha⁻¹, and negligible seedling regeneration. However, male and female trees were apparently evenly distributed on farmlands in all regions (F/M > 0). Iroko trees produced viable seeds with moderate germination rate and early growth (germination rate 22% and height 7.29 cm after 3 months). Suggestions are made regarding optimal densities for iroko conservation in farmlands, according to farmers’ socioeconomic conditions in different regions, in order to improve traditional agroforestry systems and their use as biological corridors in conservation of Milicia excelsa genetic resources.     

Soil organic carbon under a linear simultaneous agroforestry system in Uganda

The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the amount and distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) under a linear simultaneous agroforestry system with different tree species treatments. Field work was conducted at Kifu National Forestry Resources Research Institute in Mukono District, Central Uganda, in a linear agroforestry system established in 1995 with four different tree species and a crop only control treatment. Soil samples were collected in 2006 at three depths; 0–25, 25–50, and 50–100 cm, before planting and after harvesting a maize crop. The results indicate that an agroforestry system has significant potential to increase SOC as compared to the crop only control. There was no significant difference in the amount of SOC under exotic and indigenous tree species. Among the exotic species, Grevillea robusta had higher SOC than Casuarina equisetifolia across the entire depth sampled. There is significant difference in SOC among the indigenous species, where Maesopsis eminii has more SOC than Markhamia lutea. Distance from the tree row did not significantly influence SOC concentration under any of the tree species. In selecting a tree species to integrate with crops that will sequester reasonable quantities of carbon as well as boost the performance of the crops, a farmer can either plant an exotic species or an indigenous. In this study, the soil under Grevillea robusta and Maesopsis eminii have the highest potential to store organic carbon compared to soil under other tree species.     

Colonisation of native and exotic conifers by indigenous bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) in France

Planting exotic conifers offers indigenous forest insects an opportunity to extend their host range and eventually to become significant pests. Knowing the ecological and evolutionary modalities driving the colonisation of exotic tree species by indigenous insects is thus of primary importance. We compared the bark beetle communities (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) associated with both native and introduced conifers in France. The aim of our study was to estimate the influence of both host- and insect-related factors on the beetles’ likelihood to shift onto new hosts. We considered the influence of host origin (i.e. native vs. exotic), host tree species identity, tree bark thickness and tree taxonomic proximity, as well as insects’ host specificity. A field inventory using trap trees was carried out in two regions in France (Limousin and Jura) during two consecutive years (2006 and 2007) on three European native conifer species [Norway spruce (Picea abies); Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and European Silver-fir (Abies alba)] and five North American [Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis); Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus); Grand fir (Abies grandis); Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)]. A total of 18 indigenous and 2 exotic bark beetle species were collected. All exotic conifer species were colonised by indigenous bark beetle species and no significant difference was observed of the cumulated species richness of the latter between native and exotic tree species (13 vs. 14, P < 0.05). The ability of indigenous bark beetles to shift onto exotic conifers appeared to strongly depend on host species (significantly structuring bark beetle assemblages), the presence of phylogenetically related native conifer species and that of similar resources, in combination with insect host specificity. Host tree species status (native or exotic) also seemed to be involved, but its effect did not seem as essential as that of the previous factors. These findings are discussed in terms of adaptation, plasticity and practical aspects of forest management.     

Exotic tree species displace indigenous ones on farms at intermediate altitudes around Mount Kenya

Agroforestry systems are potentially suitable for conservation of tree genetic resources. Farmers around Mt. Kenya usually integrate trees into their farm. Large parts of these trees seem to be of exotic origin, whereas indigenous species have priority for conservation. This study aimed at determining on-farm richness, composition and frequency of indigenous and exotic woody species around Mount Kenya to assess the suitability of farms for the conservation of indigenous tree species. 265 on-farm plots of 0.5 ha size each were selected in 18 different agro-ecological zones by using a stratified sampling scheme. All woody species within the plot were recorded with their local and scientific names. Total species richness was 424 (including 306 indigenous ones), mean richness per plot 16.5 species (including 8.8 indigenous ones). Eight out of the 10 most frequent species were exotic ones with Grevillea robusta from Australia ranking first (found on almost 76% of the surveyed farms). The proportion of indigenous species increased with increasing aridity and temperature. Dominance of exotic species was found at farms of humid mid- and highlands. Ordination analysis revealed that mostly exotic species contributed to separation of farms in the highlands and upper midlands, whereas indigenous species in the lower midlands and lowlands. As the frequencies of most indigenous trees were low, only parts of the surveyed farms can contribute to conservation of tree genetic resources, particularly the less intensively managed farms of the more arid lands. Farmers’ access to knowledge on valuable indigenous tree species and to quality seedlings of these trees need to be improved to increase indigenous species’ frequencies on farms and possibly to replace some of the exotic species in the future.     

Potential of natural and improved fallow using indigenous trees to facilitate cacao replanting in Ghana

Poor establishment, due to loss of soil fertility, weeds and lack of appropriate shade, is a major constraint to replanting cacao on previously used land. Spathodea campanulata, Newbouldia laevis and Ricinodendron heudelotii planted as monospecific improved fallow and Terminalia ivorensis, T. superba and Antiaris toxicaria planted as a multispecies improved fallow and a natural tree fallow were assessed for their potential to facilitate cacao replanting in a randomized complete block design experiment. Simpson and Shannon diversity indices and species richness in the natural tree fallow were 0.6, 1.6 and 20, respectively, at 4 years after trial inception. The Multispecies and the R. heudelotii improved fallows had better height growth, crown development and light transmission characteristics, which are desirable for cacao shade. However, these were not comparable to S. campanulata or the natural tree fallow in terms of improving microsite topsoil pH, % organic carbon and % total nitrogen and site capture. Since optimum fallow period is shortened by growing fast-growing trees, the height growth rate >2.0 m per annum in all the treatments except N. laevis indicates the suitability of these species for improved fallow. The trees species showed different and complementary characteristics and from a standpoint of biodiversity conservation and the future floristic composition of the landscape the natural tree fallow with its diversity of tree species may be recommended as a rehabilitation technique to facilitate the replanting of cacao with a diverse overhead shade.     

Shifting from simple to complex agroforestry systems: an example for buffer zone management from Kerinci (Sumatra,Indonesia)

Kerinci is a densely populated valley surrounded by a national park in western central Sumatra, Indonesia. Indigenous agroforestry systems include important cash crops like coffee (Coffea canephora var.robusta) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmani), and range from alternate cycles of cash crop monocultures or simple associations, to multispecies and multi-storey gardens; these may include as many as 100 common useful species, comprising many fruit trees and indigenous timber species.After analysing the trends of forest conversion and its causes in the area of Kerinci Seblat National Park, a case study of one particular village is presented in order to describe the evolution of cyclic agroforestry systems (ladang) into complex agroforestry systems (pelak). The composition, structure and management of the various systems have been studied through interviews, botanical surveys and the method of profile diagrams.It is suggested that locally developed complex agroforestry systems evolve partly in response to changes in land availability and labour constraints. Finally the interest of such systems when designing projected buffer zones and their development in relation to new market incentives are discussed.     

Potential for greenery from degraded temperate forests to increase income of indigenous women in Chile

There has been much emphasis placed on the economic contribution that non-timber forest products (NTFP) can make to rural livelihoods of people living in or near forests. In this study we focus on the benefits of greenery obtained from two tree species, romerillo (Lomatia ferruginea (Cav.) R. Br.) and avellano (Gevuina avellana Mol.), collected by indigenous women in southern Chile. Trees producing commercial-quality leaves grew in secondary forests dominated by species usually abundant in ecological formations that follow forest degradation. Natural availability of greenery was relatively low (658 and 38 commercial leaves per hectare for romerillo and avellano, respectively) which added to restrictive market conditions resulted in modest financial returns and a contribution to household income of less than 1%. Our results confirm that trade on NTFP does not always lead to significant income generation. Yet, the information provided, represents a basis to explore management alternatives, such as agroforestry schemes, which can potentially expand greenery yield and economic returns.     

Indigenous fruit trees of Madagascar: potential components of agroforestry systems to improve human nutrition and restore biological diversity

Biodiversity in Eastern Madagascar is threatened by slash and burn agriculture, which is resulting in species extinction, land and soil degradation and rural impoverishment. An ethnobotanical study was undertaken to determine the domestication potential of indigenous fruit tree species as components of agroforestry systems. Four major selection criteria were used: nutritional and income needs of the population, diversification of the agroecosystem, and protection of plant and animal diversity. At three sites, Andasibe, Masoala and Ranomafana, in the humid primary forest region of Eastern Madagascar, a total of 150 wild fruit species from 82 genera and 42 families, of which 85% were indigenous and 92% of woody habit, were identified. In contrast to most of the deforested areas in Madagascar, the rural population in these areas possess an intimate knowledge of indigenous plant resources. Most of the indigenous fruits are collected from the forest but for a few species, domestication is initiated by managing naturally established species or by planting individual trees in agricultural fields. Wild fruits supplement the daily diet, substitute for exotic fruits, gain importance during periods of food shortage and are most appreciated by children. Commercialization of wild fruits is mainly undertaken by the poorer section of the population. Gender related differences in knowledge and preferences on species were identified and related to the respective household responsibilities. A list of the 26 priority species was established based on the preferences of children, women and men at the three sites. Local, fruit-eating lemur species are also highly dependent on indigenous fruit trees and are crucial for successful regeneration of forest vegetation. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Indigenous agroforestry of Pohnpei

Plant species and cultivars of the indigenous agroforestry system of Pohnpei were surveyed in transects through 54 randomly-selected farms. The agroforestry system was characterized by extensive cultivation of yams (Dioscorea), aroids (Alocasia), and Piper methysticum under a permanent overstory of breadfruit, coconut, and forest remnant trees and a middle canopy of Hibiscus tiliaceus, Musa spp., and Morinda citrifolia. In the 10 ha of survey plots, 161 species were found, of which 102 were trees, shrubs, and crops and 59 were uncultivated herbaceous plants. Numbers of tree, shrub, and crop species per farm ranged from 16 to 37 with an average of 26. Twenty-eight breadfruit and 38 yam cultivars were found in the survey plots, showing that cultivar diversity is an important component of the biological diversity maintained and utilized in Pohnpeian agroforests.     

Farmers' contributions to the conservation of tree diversity in the Groundnut Basin,Senegal

Tree diversity in West Africa is threatened by intensified land uses and salinization,and farmers' role in conservation of tree species is unclear.We hypothesized that farmers contribute to conservation of tree diversity through protection of trees in their agroforestry landscapes and compared the diversity and structure of the tree vegetation across landscape classes.Inventories were carried out in three villages in the Groundnut Basin in Senegal,assessing tree diversity,density and crown cover.Tree diversity as assessed by species accumulation curves was high in forests,but cultivated landscapes had comparable or almost comparable diversity,especially in the cases where the forest was planted or was affected by charcoal production.However,the occurrence of exotic species was higher in cultivated parts of the landscape,and although many species were in common,ordination plots indicated that forests and cultivated landscapes to some degree had different species composition.Salinity had a strong influence on vegetation,not only in the tans(salt marshes) but also across the other landscape classes.In conclusion,agroforestry landscapes in the three villages harbor considerable tree diversity,but insufficient to fully conserve the tree species.We argue that informing and including farmers in tree management in the region will contribute to overall conservation of tree genetic resources.     

Incorporating indigenous knowledge of fodder trees into small-scale silvopastoral systems in Jamaica

A study was conducted to identify and explore indigenous knowledge relating to fodder trees and silvopastoral management systems of small-scale farmers in seasonally dry areas of Jamaica. The objectives of the study were to: 1) explore farmers indigenous knowledge relating to fodder trees and silvopastoral management systems in a subtropical dry climate; 2) examine pastoral land-use systems and technologies in current use; and 3) seek to integrate this information into silvopastoral tree fodder systems. Data were gathered via observation and semistructured interviewing. A snowball sampling strategy was used to purposively select all small-scale farmers who had cattle in the Green Park valley for interview.Of forty farmers interviewed, 37 males (92.5%) and 3 females (7.5%) were primary caretakers of cattle. Twenty-seven of 40 farmers (68%) raised cattle to generate income. During extended droughts farmers are forced to look for alternatives to desiccated, overgrazed pasture grasses, including: 1) local travel to harvest sugar cane tops and to cut Guinea grass (Panicum maximum); 2) purchase of bag feed; and 3) harvest and use of tree fodder. Preferred fodder trees were identified as Bacedar (Guazama ulmifolia), Guango (Albizia saman), Breadnut (Brosimum alicastrum) and Quickstick (Gliricidia sepium).Recommended silvopastoral management systems include fodder hedgerows, three strata forage systems, and living fences. In addition, production of indigenous fodder tree species, introducing improved tree fodder species, and planting improved pasture grasses concurrent with cash trees is suggested.     

Comparisons of Mayan forest management, restoration, and conservation

Numerous communities associated with at least five distinct ethnic Mayan groups in southern Mexico and Central America continue to rely upon forested areas as integral components of their agricultural systems. They carefully manage these areas so that forests provide food, raw materials, and animals. Management practices include removing and planting of woody and herbaceous species, apiculture, and seed harvest. Mayan agroforestry systems in geographically and ecologically distinct areas of Mesoamerica were evaluated to better understand traditional agroforestry system components and how indigenous Mayan agroforestry could be a part of regional forest conservation and restoration. Systems were within Mexican land grant areas (ejidos) or on contested land. Although these systems rely upon different woody species and management techniques, common among them are: (1) the use of multi-stage and successional pathways with forest as a part of the larger system, (2) species that are believed by traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to accelerate forest regeneration - more than 30 tree species are recognized and managed as potential facilitators of forest regeneration and (3) direct human consumption of forest products at all stages of regeneration.     

Agroforestry systems with Ilex paraguariensis (American holly or yerba mate) and native timber trees on small farms in Misiones, Argentina

In Misiones, in the northeast of Argentina, agroforestry systems of timber trees and perennial cash crops are becoming increasingly common. We evaluated the productivity of Ilex paraguariensis St Hill (South American holly or yerba mate, Aquifoliaceae) in association with indigenous trees: Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vellozo) Morong. (timbó, Leguminosae, a N₂-fixing tree), and two timber species, Balfourodendron riedelianum (Engler) Engler (guatambú, Rutaceae) and Tabebuia heptaphylla (Vellozo) Toledo (lapacho negro, Bignoniaceae). Five years after planting, the tree species were 2.7 to 5.0 m high and 3 to 7 cm in diameter at breast height, and the yerba mate produced its first harvest. Additionally, the production of associated crops of subsistence covered the annual needs of the farmer. These systems are promising for sustainable use of deforested lands in the region.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Evaluation of 15 indigenous and introduced species for reforestation and agroforestry in northeastern Mexico

The coast of the Gulf of Mexico is characterized by dry regions with high variation in climatic conditions. This area is rich in drought-tolerant or subhumid species. The species that are potentially useful for reforestation, regreening, agroforestry activities and the production of timber, fodder, fuelwood and human food have been overexploited, resulting in the gradual decrease and degradation of their populations. This study was undertaken in order to suggest ways of improving the regeneration of these species. Fifteen native and exotic multipurpose tree species of low dry shrubland planted in monoculture in four randomized blocks. Measurements of various growth parameters, volume of trees, fodder potential and agroforestry uses over 15 years were evaluated. Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., E. microtheca F. Muell., Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. (exotic species), Acacia farnesiana (L.) Wild and Parkinsonia aculeata L. (native species) tend to have better characteristics in terms of growing annual rate, economic value and management schemes, while Prosopis glandulosa Torr. and Helietta parvifolia (Gray) Benth. (native species) did not establish well due to biotics problems which arose under plantation conditions. Acacia rigidula Benth., A. wrightii Benth. and two Pithecellobium spp. (native species) had intermediate yields of great interest since their multipurpose potential is the best of all 15 species. The forage potential of the exotic species (483–1684 kg DM//ha/year) were notably superior to native species (76–721 kg DM/ha/year). The firewood production volume varied between averages of 0.3–1.2 (native species) and 0.4–2.5 m³/ha/year (exotic species). This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Assessment of small mammal diversity in coffee agroforestry in the Western Ghats,India

Coffee agroforestry is a conservation strategy that has shown promise to support the diversity of bird, bat, and insect communities, but few studies have focused on non-volant mammals in coffee farms. We assessed mammal diversity within coffee agroforestry systems in Kodagu, India and investigated the impacts of the non-native shade tree species, Grevillea robusta, on mammal diversity. Twenty farms, with varying amounts of G. robusta planted within the coffee farm, were sampled throughout three rainfall zones during the 4-month study period. We captured six species of small mammals, with indirect methods yielding an additional five species, totaling 11 mammal species. Contrary to current ecological thought, we found that increased amounts of G. robusta did not have a negative impact on either abundance or richness of mammals. Small mammal abundances were higher at farms with greater amounts of herbaceous ground cover and larger, mature shade trees, while small mammal species richness was found to increase with an increase in tree species richness as well as greater amounts of herbaceous ground cover. Additionally, small mammal abundance was higher at coffee farms closer to forested areas. Based on these findings, we suggest the maintenance or cultivation of shade tree richness, mature shade trees, and herbaceous ground cover within coffee farms and preservation of forested areas within the landscape to enhance coffee agroforestry habitat for non-volant mammals. We hope that these habitat requirements will be incorporated into conservation strategies for the promotion of biodiversity within coffee agroforestry systems.     

Evaluation of fuelwood quality of indigenous and exotic tree species of India's semiarid region

The fuelwood potential of indigenous (Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica, Casuarina equisetifolia, Dalbergia sissoo, Prosopis cineraria andZizyphus mauritiana) and exotics (Acacia auriculiformis, A. tortilis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis andE. tereticornis) trees were studied. Calorific value variations for components, such as, stump, main stem, treetop, branches, foliage and bark, were determined. Tree components differed highly significantly (P<0.01) among groups (indigenous and exotics) and within species. The calorific means ranged from 18.7 to 20.8 MJ/kg for indigenous tree species and 17.3 to 19.3 MJ/kg for exotics. Besides calorific values, other fuelwood characteristics, such as, density, ash, biomass/ash ratio, moisture and nitrogen content were also studied. It was observed that indigenous tree species are better suited as fuelwood species as they contain high density wood, low ash content and low N percentage. The fuelwood value index (FVI) was found to be high of indigenous tree species and was maximum forCasuarina equisetifolia (2815). The most promising tree species were in the order ofC. equisetifolia, A. nilotica andZ. mauritiana.