REFORESTATION OF ARID AND SEMIARID ZONES IN CHILE

The paper describes past experience and the present state of reforestation in the arid and semi-arid zones of Chile. Some edaphoclimatic reference information is given for the areas. A summary is given of species introduction trials carried out to date with their initial results and indications of the experimental designs employed. Information is included concerning silvicultural experience with Atriplex nummularia Lindl. in the areas where it is extensively planted. Some important results obtained with the species Simmondsia chinensis (Link.) Schneider are presented. This species is currently being planted on a commercial scale in Chile. Information is also included on experience with Prosopis tamarugo Phil, a species growing in the Pampa del Tamarugal, one of the most inhospitable deserts in the world. Information is presented on nursery techniques and planting of this species, with results on yield and technical coefficients used. Finally, a summary is given of the policy that Chile is applying in the development of land in the arid and semi-arid zones.