Impact de l’intensification agricole sur les propriétés des sols dans la région de Ghardaïa : cas d’El Guerrera

Abstract

Preserving the sustainability of crop yields is an important concern because they play an essential role in many vital functions, including food production. Our work in the region of El Guerrera (Ghardaïa Province) aims to diagnose and characterize soil changes resulting from palm cultivation. A systematic sampling was conducted, and soil data were measured in plots cultivated for 30 years, comparing them to a non-cultivated (control) area. The soil in the control plot has a coarse texture with a granular structure, characterized by a very low organic matter content (traces). The soil is moderately to strongly calcareous, alkaline, and slightly salty. In the cultivated plot, the soil has a sandy texture with a granular structure, characterized by a very low organic matter content. The soil is moderately to strongly calcareous, alkaline, and slightly to very salty. The results showed that agricultural management, after 30 years of cultivation, has a significant impact on all soil parameters studied. These changes are attributed to the effect of years of cultivation and farmers' management.