The Effects of Cutting Height on Growth of Old Saxaul (Haloxylon aphyllum) Afforestation in Yazd Province

The determination of proper cutting height on old saxaul (Haloxylon aphyllum) trees is essential for sustainable development of afforestation in desert areas. In fact, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of different cutting levels on life period and growth of sexual trees. The study was carried out in obviously wilted planted saxaul forest, which is located in Ashkezar desert region of Yazd Province. Experiments were performed in a split-plot scheme with main-plots that had 250 and 125 trees per hectare whre sub-plots included three types of cutting heights of 10, 35 and 70 centimeter above ground surface, as well as the control sample (without cutting). Cutting was done on autumn 1994. The 6-year results (1994-2000) showed that the two mentioned densities had no significant effects on diameter and height growth (p?0.05). However, cutting levels had significant effects (p?0.01). The most foliage cover and other usable properties were attained with 35 centimeter cutting height above ground surface.