Pedological Parameter Analysis In The Ghardaia Region

Abstract

Description of the subject: Ghardaia, located in an arid zone, is characterized by several environmental constraints, including severe drought and increasing soil degradation, respectively due to low rainfall and intense wind erosion.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the influence of physico-chemical characteristics such as texture, salinity, alkalinity, pH, electrical conductivity, etc., of soils on the flora and vegetation of the Ghardaia region.

Methodology and Results: 36 soil profiles were described, with two profiles per station. Physico-chemical analyses particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity, etc. were carried out on soil samples from the different profiles. The floristic composition and the structure of the plant communities around the environment of each of the 36 soil profiles were determined.

Principal component analysis of the matrix consisting of the 36 described soil profiles, the seven analyzed physico-chemical parameters, and the vegetation recorded in the different stations revealed three groups of soils based on physico-chemical parameters and three groups of plant species along the transect.

Conclusion and application of the results: This study shows that soil salinity, alkalinity, and high sand content are the main constraints to plant production in this Saharan environment.