Characterization of coniferous forest soils in the arid zone

Abstract

Arid zones are very harsh environments characterized by binding edaphic and climatic factors, their rainfall is low and irregular accentuated by high temperatures and their soils are fragile and vulnerable. In recent years, it has been noted that vegetation is regressing and that the majority of reforestation has been a failure. Our study aims to know the physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of forest soils in the pinewoods of an area of the highlands of western Algeria (Naama). For this we analyzed several soil samples spread over five sampling stations in a forest of Aleppo pine. The results show that the forest soils of our study area are characterized by a generally sandy texture and an orange color for all the selected stations. They are characterized by: a very high C/N ratio that indicates a slow evolution of organic matter and a nitrogen deficiency that is necessary for carbon decomposition. The conductivity shows that the soil contains some salinity, its permeability is strong and its humidity fairly low with an alkaline pH (> 8) due to the increase in the limestone level in the area. Basal respiration is low compared to microbial biomass due to poor physico-chemical quality of soils and the effect of water stresses that slow down microbial activities. Soils in this arid forest are generally characterized by soil homogeneity sensitive to the influence of environmental factors mainly poverty into elements necessary for its proper functioning such as nitrogen and water that accentuate soil degradation of these forest formations, which results in the risk of degradation being triggered.

Dynamics of chemical and microbial properties of Algerian forest soils: Influence of natural and anthropogenic factors (Northwest of Tlemcen)

“…Meanwhile, there is a relative homogeneity between samples of some sites with a correlation between soils in Ouled Chaaban, Al-Natour and Ras Al-Taher depending on calcium carbonate CaCO 3 and pH. The studies by Guerin (2016) and Zouidi et al (2018) notably in arid and semi-arid areas indicate that soil calcium is highly related to pH. Furthermore, we have found a correlation depending on microbial biomass, basal respiration and the metabolic quotient (qCO 2 ) in Ain El Kabira, Karkoum S.B and Ain Manchar soils.…”

“…In semi-arid regions of Western Algeria, many scientific studies have been conducted on post-degradation dynamics of forest ecosystems and the correlation between degradation factors and vegetation. However, these studies barely analyse the impact of these factors on soil dynamics, especially chemical and microbial properties, and resilience following degradation (Borsali et al, 2017;Zouidi et al, 2018, Zouidi et al, 2019a.…”

Effect of Salinity and Drought on the Germination of Lygeum spartum L. in the Region of Saïda (Western Algerian Steppe)

“…Algeria is among the countries at risk, with 3.2 million ha affected by salinity (Belkhodja, Bidai, 2004), particularly in arid and semi-arid regions which are characterized by biotopes affected by salinization (Zouidi et al, 2018;Borsali et al, 2019). Indeed, this constraint constitutes a limiting factor for seed germination and productivity (Ashraf, Harris, 2004;Abdel Latef, 2010) by causing osmotic, toxic, or nutritional effects within the plant (Hanana et al, 2011).…”

“…These factors lead to desertification, which requires a better understanding of how to combat this scourge and adapt appropriate management strategies (Haddouche et al, 2011;Nedjimi, Brahim, 2012). During the last decades, the steppe rangelands of the Algerian high plains have been marked by intense degradation affecting the vegetation cover and biodiversity and altering the soil quality (Borsali et al, 2018;Zouidi et al, 2018;Djebbouri et al, 2022). At the beginning of this degradation, the most perceptible changes are those that affect certain dominant perennial plants ensuring the physiognomy of these rangelands, such as the four steppe formations (Alfa, Armoise, Sparte and Remth).…”

How Has the Hazard to Humans of Microorganisms Found in Atmospheric Aerosol in the South of Western Siberia Changed over 10 Years?

“…The higher this resistance, the more difficult it is to overcome the negative effects of microorganisms in the body and, consequently, the higher the hazard of such a microorganism. The approach proposed in [28] was illustrated using experimental data obtained in 2006-2008. Changes occurring in nature (climate change, atmospheric processes changes, changes of habitats areas of animals, insects and vegetation, changes in water systems [29][30][31][32][33][34]) should also be manifested in changes in the abundance and biodiversity of bioaerosols in the atmosphere.…”