Effects of Land Use Changes on the Soil Physicochemical Properties in South-Western Algeria

Abstract

This study shows the impact of the reforestation program by some tree species (Pinus halepensis, Cupressus sempervirens and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) on the soil physicochemical parameters in south-western Algeria steppe. The study was realized on soil samples from the Touadjeur site. One hundred soil samples were taken from the field, followed by physicochemical analyses in the laboratory. A comparison of the soil elements between reforested and unreforested sites considered as a control was carried out. The results show that there are differences in the physicochemical parameters of the soil between the reforestation and the non-reforestation ones constituted by a steppe vegetation. The ANOVA one way test shows a highly significant difference change in soil physical parameters, moisture, holding capacity and saturated hydraulic conductivity, but no change in apparent density, actual density and color. Also, from a chemical point of view, the differences concern the organic matter, organic carbon, pH and certain soil contents. The main differences in soil properties between the reforestation sites and the control site, reflect the consequences of forest management adopted by the forest services, most probably the choice of reforestation species.

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

“…One billion hectares are threatened worldwide, including 3.2 million in Algeria (Toumi et al, 2014). This degradation of plant cover is especially valid for arid and semi-arid areas where the climate change is becoming more and more restrictive for the growth and development of plants (Zouidi et al, 2019a),which is associated with significant evaporation favoring the accumula-tion of salts near the soil surface (Hayek, Abdelly, 2004;Daoudi, Sitayeb, 2020). Plant biotechnology techniques have proven to be effective on the one hand in understanding these adaptation mechanisms and on the other hand in creating plant material that is tolerant to different forms of environmental constraints (drought and salinity).…”

Assessment of the impact of urbanisation on agricultural and forest areas in the coastal zone of Mostaganem (western Algeria)

“…As mentioned previously, the estimated quantity and characterisation of change is dependent on spatial scale. It is related to many factors including soil type (Daoudi, Sitayeb, 2020), climate, topography, urbanisation and demographic pressure (Tomlinson et al, 2018;Rabehi et al, 2018Rabehi et al, , 2019b. Application of satellite imaging methods has resulted in digital map products that are reproducible, consistent and up-to-date.…”

Assessment and mapping of the agro-ecological risk in the Mina plain (northwestern Algeria): Soil salinity and irrigation water quality

“…These halophytic plant species were localised in poorly drained soils with a salinity level of 8-27 dS/m in the central and northern parts of the area of study. Under homogeneous self-ecological conditions, plant species with higher salinity tolerance will lead to higher salinisation than salt-intolerant species (Daoudi, Sitayeb, 2020).…”