Planted forests
Description of plantation resources
Introduction
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan can be divided into the following four main bioclimatic zones: sub-humid Mediterranean bioclimate, semi-arid Mediterranean bioclimate, arid Mediterranean bioclimate and saharan arid Mediterranean bioclimate. Most of the afforestation activities are carried out around the urban settlements in addition to roadside plantations, windbreaks and plantations in wadi courses.
Development of forest plantations
Forest planting started in Jordan more than 50 years ago for the afforestation of roadsides, valleys and urban areas and as an integral part of agroforestry systems in addition to the establishment of windbreaks. As of 1995, the length of plantations was about 1 000 km along roads, 7 000 km of windbreaks and shelterbelts and 500 km along streamsides. Indigenous species are used as well as exotic species that grow well under the environmental conditions of Jordan. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the government¿s afforestation activities in addition to the activities of the private sector. During the last 40 years (to 1995) the forest plantation area was 42 000 ha in addition to about 10 000 ha of roadside plantations and 7 000 ha of windbreaks.
Species composition
Indigenous species used in afforestation are Pinus halepesis, Cupressus sempervirens, Ceratonia siliqua, Tamarix articulata and Pistacia spp. Species trials were also carried out to introduce new forest trees that can adapt to Jordanian conditions. These species include Pinus pinea, Pinus brutia, Pinus canariensis, Acacia spp., Eucalyptus spp., Casuarina spp., Cupressus spp. and Prosopis spp.
Trend
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Issues
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References
Abu Setta. A. Mahmoud. 1995. The forest resources in Jordan. Country report submitted to the Arab Organization for Agriculture Development. Amman, Jordan.