Tamarix - Salt Cedar

Tamarix ramosissima is a semi-deciduous, loosely branched shrub or small to medium-sized tree.

CONTROL WITH CUTTING
A single cutting of tamarix is ineffective, because tamarisks resprout vigorously.  However,
cutting combined with herbicide treatment can be very effective at controlling tamarix, as noted
above.  Cutting tamarisk can reduce consumption of ground water, through reduction of
transpiring leaves.  Van Hylckama (1974) found that cutting tamarix back from 3 m to 0.5 m
reduced water consumption by 50%




courtesy of: 
http://www.imapinvasives.org/GIST/ESA/esapages/documnts/tamaram.pdf

courtesy of:
Global invasive species database

good news about tamarix:

China - Southern Taklimakan Desert - Tamarix Trees

by Amanda Suutari

Villages in the Taklimakan are threatened by mobile dunes caused by overgrazing, salinized soil from irrigated farming (the area is flat and had poor drainage) and overexploitation of fuelwood. Natives of the targeted region - -four counties in Hotan Prefecture - -were chiefly farmers and herders.

Scientists at a nearby institute, noticing the worsening conditions and encroachment of sand dunes, speculated that propagation of the tamarix, a small tree or bush known as the "salt cedar" could reverse the deterioration of salinized areas by acting as a "biopump," keeping the groundwater well below the surface (as opposed to on or near the surface, where water would evaporate quickly and, combined with poor drainage, is the reason for salinization of soil).

Trees were planted in rows so that crops could be grown between them. Volunteer guards (who would be given a stipend from the profits gained from increased incomes) protected the nurseries. A rotational system was introduced for harvesting fuel. Results:

1. Increases in wood and fodder for livestock from the tamarix bush.
2. Increase in agricultural productivity, especially grain and cotton, and crops are now grown on rehabilitated land (60,000 hectares).
3. Increased household incomes from agricultural improvement and from industries based on tamarix such as baskets, trolleys and earth carriers.
4. Sand dunes are better controlled.
5. The technology is being replicated elsewhere in China.

Services/benefits: Increased household income, food/fodder, fuel, erosion control

For more information visit the HORIZON Solutions Site.


History of Tamarix