Prosopis juliflora and Vachellia nilotica: Boon for Salt-affected Land and Livelihood Security-A Review

Abstract

Tree species Prosopis juliflora and Vachellia nilotica are nitrogen fixers besides important source of biomass production on degraded salt-affected lands. These are remarkably well adapted to the saline areas through natural selection and traditional breeding. These trees are playing a vital role as a source of fuel, small timber, wood and fodder (dry season) for sustaining the livelihoods of the arid and semi-arid area. Thus, genetic improvement of these trees can be potential alternative for restoring soil health for salt- affected soils for further yield improvement by using conventional and modern approaches.