Agroforestry Potentials of Three Grewia Species Under Arid Environment

Growing trees is a means of controlling erosion and rehabilitating degraded lands in semi-arid zones. This study is carried to compare three grewia species for their agroforestry potentials. This was done through assessment of their growth charateristics, effect on soil properties, nutritive value of the leaves and fruits as animal fodder and root distribution. The results indicated significant differences in some of the nutritive value elements of the leaves and fruits among the species and mineral contents of the leaves and fruits also showed variation. Growth characteristics were significantly different among the species. The result revealed that the 19 months old grewias exhibited no considerable effect on soil properties due to their young age. It is concluded that the specis have the potential to improve properties, produce valuable fodder. Grewia species are known in Sudan as food producing trees both for human and animal, therefore it can contribute to food security of rural people and development of livestock production, in addition to other environmental benifits