The Effect of Beneficial Autochthonous Microorganisms (Bams) on the Chemical Quality of Agricultural Soils and Olive Production in the Wilaya of Tlemcen (Western of Algeria)

Abstract

Beneficial Autochthonous Microorganisms (BAMs) are a multi-purpose technology that has already been used in Latin America and Southeast Asia but is still unknown in Africa and particularly Algeria. The aim is to examine the effect of BAMs on agricultural soils and olive fields. The study was carried out in two degraded olive fields located in the Oued Tafna basin west of Tlemcen (The Semi-arid region in Western Algeria). The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of BAMs on the chemical characteristics of the soils, particularly in terms of organic matter (MO), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total limestone (CaCO3), moisture, organic carbon (C) and olive production and its weight. Statistical analysis (Independent Test) between all groups (treated and controls) showed a significant difference, in conductivity (EC) where we recorded “0.214±0.03μs /cm “ in treated soils vs. “0.198±0.029μs/cm “ in control soils a different statistical significance was recorded for the other parameters, however, it was observed that there is a relative increase in these parameters in the soils of the treated groups such as carbon (C): “2.85±1.06%” organic matter (MO): “4.91± 1.83%”, “pH=7.81±0.225”, “CaCO3 27.76±4.99% and a decrease in humidity “15.11±3.77%” compared to control soils. The results of statistical analyses (Mann-Whitney Test and Suite Test) of olive production showed a clear alternation (every other year) in fruit production in the control group and a positive effect of BAMs on olive production in the treated group, with a slight increase of production (19 kg in 2019 vs. 30 kg in 2020), but without any significant difference regarding the weight of the fruit between the two sessions. However, a highly significant difference “p=0.00<0.001” in fruit weight was noted between the treated groups “3.908g” and “5.70g” and the control ones “4.40g “ and “5.00g” in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The use of MAB is an interesting technique to restore the chemical properties of degraded soils, and increase olive tree production. To achieve more reproducible results (in terms of quantity and quality), sufficient doses of these BAMs and periodicals must be added to provide a good nutritional supplement and reduce farmers’ use of pesticides and mineral fertilizers.

New Data on Orchid Flora (Orchidaceae) in the Tell Region of Saida (Western of Algeria)

“…The present inventory on the flora of the orchids in Tellien region of Saïda revealed the existence of 11 species, i.e. 2.6 % of the flora richness (379 species) of the region area [14- 27,36] i.e 13 % of orchid's taxa from Algeria (75 taxa of orchids) [31]. The ecological analysis of the characteristics of the region shows that the (11) orchids that we have identified mainly thrive in open and/or disturbed places such as lawns and in riparian forests (Figure 4).…”

“…January is the coldest month (minimum of 2°C) and August is the warmest (average maximum of 35°C). This zone is characterized by a fairly short rainy and cold period, on average from November-March, and a second dry and hot period the rest of the month of the year [23][24][25][26][27]. The landform of the study area is mountainous; including the parts of ridges and rocky peaks, divided by ravines and deep abysses [18].…”