Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

Native to the continent of Australia, eucalyptus is a tall, evergreen tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Malakand district has the largest eucalyptus plantation in the province, covering an area of 22,071.29 ha. The present study aims to evaluate its impact on the groundwater table (GWT) in three selected union councils (UCs) of the study area, i.e., Agra, Totakan, and Kot. Both primary and secondary data support the study. The data regarding eucalyptus plantations were collected from the Malakand Forest Division. GPS was used to mark the wells’ locations. The current GWT was measured in the field. Rainfall data of the study area and surrounding was acquired from the Regional Meteorological Office Peshawar. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the respondents’ opinion of the impact of eucalyptus plantations. The study reveals that though the GWT dropped from 2000 to 2019 in the study area, the decline is more significant in the vicinity of the plantation. The GWT near the plantation in the Agra UC dropped from 39 to 60 ft., 25 to 45 ft. in Totakan, and from 20 to 60 ft. in Kot UC during the study period. The study reveals no significant impact of rainfall on GWT depletion. The respondents appear to be aware of the negative effects of eucalyptus plantations on the GWT, agriculture, and biodiversity. The study concludes that, while considering community interests, there is a critical need for research to investigate and quantify the site-specific effects of eucalyptus on the ecosystem. The study concludes that, while considering community interests, there is a critical need for research to investigate and quantify the site-specific effects of eucalyptus on the ecosystem. The Eucalyptus will be able to continue fending off the rising deforestation and demand for fuel until then.

Authors

• Muhammad Jamal Nasir,
• Waqar Akhtar,
• Vipin Kumar Oad link open in new tab