Abstract

Although eucalypts are being used for a number of purposes, they have been widely criticised for ecological reasons. Of all the allegations raised against eucalypts, the hydrological impact of these trees on catchments and watersheds is most important and relevant problem in India. During the three years research, the author compared the water use of cashew, teak and acacia with that of eucalypts. Much of India's arid land and wasteland can be made to green again by using the right species of eucalypts with a scientific attitude towards their cultivation. Proper management of plantations is certainly the key to successful afforestation