13.REVIEW - AN OVERVIEW OF EXOTIC FORESTRY IN INDIA By AARIF ALI GATTOO

Abstract

Forests are the Earth's largest, most productive ecosystems, playing one of the biggest roles in the
development of human societies. With forest cover shrinking, the current demand for forest products may
exceed the limits of sustainable consumption. To meet the growing demand, exotic tree species are often
planted. The exotics are generally fast growing, more productive per unit area as compared to indigenous
species. In order to introduce the exotic species, factors like edaphic, climatic, forest types etc. should be
taken into consideration. There are a number of potential fast growing exotic tree genera like Populus,
Eucalyptus, Prosopis, Sesbania, Casuarina, Acacia, etc., which have the potential to take intensive
pressure of the natural forests. There is a huge scope for exotic trees in agroforestry, energy plantations,
industrial plantation, wasteland plantation and strip plantation. Various researchers have reported success
stories of exotic plants in increasing the net returns from agriculture fields, reclaiming saline and alkali
soils, afforestation in opencast coal mines etc. Apart from these advantages, there are various negative
impacts of exotic trees viz. Allelopathy, liable to attack by pests and disease, use of excess water, effect
on soil and invasive nature.
KEY WORD: Exotics, Fast growing trees, Allelopathy.