Planted forests
Description of plantation resources
Introduction
Forestry has an important role to play in the development of rural economies and social life, such as protection of agricultural crops from wind, and conservation of soil and water. Wood production is not the main purpose in this country.
Plantations have been established for the last half-century. The purpose is mainly to stabilise sand dunes. The arid climate and the shortage of water for irrigation make it difficult to produce the same quality of wood, as imported timber (Ibrahim, 1981).
Development of forest plantations
Since 1952, the Forestry Department has undertaken an afforestation and tree planting campaign to restore the country to its ancient greenery. Sand dune fixation and afforestation are given top priority, so it can be said that development of plantations is accompanied by sand dune stabilisation. Plantations are established for both productive and protective purposes.
In addition to the government plantations, some private plantations have been established with the encouragement of the government (DFRM, 1972).
Since the revolution, large programmes and projects have been launched and carried out. Their purposes are mainly protective and environmental, such as sand dune fixation (Ibrahim, 1981).
Species composition
Many species (mainly broadleaved) are used depending on the site condition. No data is available by species.
Trend
No information available.
Issues
Many species are planted under unsuitable conditions, particularly in the arid zone. This results in low survival rates and slow growth. It is difficult to prepare sites for the establishment of plantations due to sandy soils and the danger of soil erosion.
There is a lack of trained people (Ibrahim, 1981).
References
DFRM. 1972. Written communication to FAO (Ref No. FO 4/3 FOIE, 22/10/72) Tripoli, Department of Forests and Range Management.
FAO. 1995. Forest resources assessment 1990, non-tropical developing countries. Rome.
FAO. 1981. Perspective and Evaluation Study on Agricultural Development Forestry Sector. Final report. By Ibrahim M. Rome.