Benefits of Circular Agriculture for Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility in Oases

Abstract

Circular agriculture is an effective approach for the management of soil organic inputs that improves soil fertility and cropping system sustainability. We developed a cropping system typology and assessed effects of crop rotation, organic fertilization, and crop residue management on soil fertility properties. Farmers in Drâa-Tafilalet oases in Morocco were surveyed, and soil was sampled and analyzed. In the most common cropping systems (Type I), date palms were associated with cereals, forages, and perennial crops. Type II cropping systems referred to a monocropped date palm of only one cultivar. In Type III, date palm was associated with other crops on part of the utilized agricultural area and monocropped on the other part. In all cropping systems, mean soil organic matter (SOM) content was less than 1.5% and the SOM:clay ratio was less than 12%, which increased the soil degradation risk. Livestock was combined with crops in Type I and III cropping systems and produced 19.4 and 24.2 t of manure per farm per year, respectively. Type I and II cropping systems produced annually 0.98 and 2.1 t.ha−1 of dry palms, respectively. Recycling these organic waste products remains a promising option that could produce organic inputs and offset the current lack of manure.

Oasis agriculture revitalization and carbon sequestration for climate-resilient communities

“…Circular agriculture emerges as a potent strategy for soil health management in the context of oases regeneration. This innovative approach, inspired by principles of sustainability and resource efficiency, seeks to create closed-loop systems that minimize waste and enhance overall ecosystem health (El Janati et al, 2021). In the realm of oases regeneration, circular agriculture addresses several key aspects of soil health management.…”

“…Crop rotation disrupts the life cycles of pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical interventions and promoting a healthier, more resilient soil ecosystem. These methods contribute to developing diverse urban oases that fulfill human needs and help maintain fragile ecosystems (Cakirli Akyüz and Theuvsen, 2020;El Janati et al, 2021;Sherwood et al, 2023;Ugrenovićet al, 2024).…”

Approaches to Enhance Sugar Content in Foods: Is the Date Palm Fruit a Natural Alternative to Sweeteners?

“…Palm groves combat desertification, create a microclimate, preserving agrobiodiversity and support various animal species, benefiting local communities [ 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 ]. Intensive date palm cultivation brings environmental challenges, e.g., leading to soil salinization [ 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 ] or reduced livestock presence [ 102 ].…”

Disponibilité en eau et orientation des agriculteurs : facteurs d’adoption de pratiques écologiquement intensives dans les oasis de Kébili en Tunisie

“…L'étage inférieur était constitué de cultures maraîchères, de cultures fourragères ou de cultures industrielles telles que le tabac et le henné. L'ensemble des trois étages permettait un microclimat propice à la production agricole (El Janati et al, 2021). Ce système était caractérisé à la fois par une forte biodiversité et par une capacité de tirer parti des complémentarités entre sous-éléments de ce système.…”