Interactive Effect of Biochar and Bio-Compost on Starting Growth and Physiologic Parameters of Argan

Abstract

The argan tree, which is found in southern Morocco, is characterized by environmental, economic and nutritional benefits, but the growth of this tree is very slow. This makes it necessary to find methods to accelerate its growth. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar (BC) and bio-compost (CP) each applied at the rate of 0, 3 and 6% (M/M) on starting growth of argan in fine silty soil for sixteen months. Main stem length, diameter, durability ratio, total length of all stems and number of sprouted shoots were measured every two months with two photosynthetic measurements spaced five months apart for each argan seedling. Despite the strong signs of epigenetic sensitivity and genetic variability across the argan behavior of each treatment depending on the duration and environmental conditions of the crop and the large standard deviations marked in all the tests that were conducted on the argan, some treatments showed interesting results, even in terms of the interaction between climatic conditions, type of treatment and type of test. The argan plants which were grown in the substrate at 6% BC 3% CP showed significant results for all the growth parameters studied and throughout the test. This mixture marked an average water holding capacity (WHC) of around 0.66 g H2O/g dw; the argan seedlings showed the best perimeter average, which exceeded 2.7 cm in the last measurement, with a ratio (height/diameter) strictly less than 7, which removes any possible problem of argan filiform. However, argan plants from all treatments were not stable in the growth characteristics studied; each treatment has advantages and disadvantages regarding argan. Transplantation and monitoring in the field of argan seedlings that have had interesting results are strongly recommended to see if the good starting growth influences their development in the field or if it is a temporary effect.

Effect of Shading, Substrate, and Container Size on Argania spinosa Growth and Cost–Benefit Analysis

“…Similar results were found by Xiang et al [111], who found that biochar has a significant impact on root systems with a high resistance to drought. A study conducted on argan seedlings shows that biochar application has a great influence on shoot height and diameter [112]. On the other hand, S3 was enriched with total nitrogen and had a balanced distribution of mineral elements.…”

Alfalfa in arid and semi-arid regions Taroudant as an example, good and bad cultural practices on the environment: A statistical study

“…Estimating means with a 95% confidence interval Table 3 showed the following results: The means of using chemical fertilizers is between 165.6 Kg/ha/year and 205.7 Kg/ha/year and Truncated mean at 5% 182.1 Kg/ha/year, and the means of the amount of Irrigation water is between 44066.8 m3/year/ha is 62399.9 m3/year/ha and Truncated mean at 5% is 49356.9 m3/year/ha. The water consumption by various plants is influenced by climate, water supply, soil and topography [21], [22]. This consumption is very important and very expensive hydraulically and economically for alfalfa given its continuous production and the long evapotranspiration times [23].…”