Erosion control and reclamation
Plants of the Ziziphus genus can withstand extreme stress caused by drought, salinity, and in some cases waterlogging. Cultivated jujubes are thus ideal for planting in sites unfit for other crops, such as marginal or degraded areas, provided that the right genotypes are selected for alkali or sodic soils (Hebbara et al., 2002; Dagar et al., 2001). Indian jujube can be used for coastal dune sand fixation (Orwa et al., 2009; Azam-Ali et al., 2006). Indian jujube grafted on Ziziphus nummularia can be grown on saline soils (Ecocrop, 2013). In the Sahelian climate, Indian jujube provides permanent cover to the soil, with the abundant and deep root system helping to maintain soil structure (Arndt et al., 2001; Depommier, 1988).
Shade, shelter and barrier
Indian jujube is useful for shade, as windbreaks and as living fences (Orwa et al., 2009).
Weed potential
In Australia, Indian jujube may become a weed as it is spread by cattle. Avoiding moving cattle after grazing it to weed-free areas is a way of controlling the spread of Indian jujube (Grice, 1998).