The state and challenges of conservation nurseries in Afghanistan

Abstract

Afghanistan is a semi-arid, mountainous country with a climate similar to New Mexico. Unfortunately, much of the country has been deforested by unsustainable fuelwood harvesting, overgrazing, and even concerns over security. The senior author was invited to assess the Afghanistan forestry situation in 6 provinces as part of the Afghanistan Water, Agriculture, and Technology Transfer (AWATT) program. The objectives of the assessment were to evaluate the capabilities of the Afghanistan nursery industry sites identified for reforestation; identify potential improvements to seedling production; and propose nursery research and development programs. Most seedling production is dedicated to ornamental or fruit tree production, with only a small percentage of seedlings destined for reforestation or restoration projects. Nurseries often lack basic resources such as a reliable source of irrigation, electricity for heating and cooling, and fertilizer. Better access to publicly available information could greatly improve seedling production practices with little expense.

Parent Publication

• National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2011

Citation

Harrington, John T.; Mexal, John G.; Wagner, A. M.; Parsons, Tammy. 2012. The state and challenges of conservation nurseries in Afghanistan. In: Haase, D. L.; Pinto, J. R.; Riley, L. E., tech. coords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2011. Proc. RMRS-P-68. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 59-64.