Performance of nine species ofProsopiswas evaluated in species site interaction trials in order to identify promising species for afforestation of alkaline soil site (pH > 9). Eight of these species(P affinis, P. chilensis, P. flexuosus, P. glandulosa, P. lampa, P. pallida, P. siliquastrumandP. tamarugo)were exotic while one(P. juliflora)was a local species. Differences in leaf trait and thorn characters among species were well marked. Out of the nine species, only five had thorn-less plants. Their frequency varied from 5 to 51% with maximum inP. siliquastrum. P. tamarugocould not survive in the field and most of its plants died during the first year itself.P. affinisandP. pallida, both from Peru, showed outstanding performance and tolerance to soil sod-icity.P. affiniswas found to be significantly superior (P < 0.05, 0.01) among all the species investigated whileP. pallidaranked next to it.P. juliflorawas moderate in its performance while rest of the species performed relatively poor in terms of growth. Mineral composition of foliage, both macro-nutrient (N > K > Ca > Na > P) and micro-nutrient (Fe > Cu > Mn and Zn), showed a specific pattern. The outstanding species had an economy uptake of nitrogen while the species with poor performance in terms of stem volume showed luxury uptake. Soil properties underProsopisplantation resulted in marked decrease in soil pH and sodium content, and improved organic carbon, N, K and P concentration of the soil.P. affinisandP. pallidaare recommended for sodic soil afforestation for their tolerance and adaptability.