Palm Groves Research Articles

Environmental agricultural practices in the Ziban palm groves: Should we choose between yield and sustainability?

Since antiquity, with transhumant breeding, the cultivation of the date palm has been the main agricultural vector around which social and economic activities are articulated in oasis regions. The conduct of this culture is guided by a specific and complex technical itinerary. The objective of the present study aims to identify and characterize the main sustainable agricultural practices within the palm groves of the Ziban in south-eastern Algeria and the sensitivity of date palm farmers to environmental practices as well as their degree of adaptation. Our study is based on face-to-face surveys conducted among 50 producers among 10 date palm areas in the region. It brings to light that despite the production developments, date palm farming in this region remains dominated by extensive and traditional agriculture, either due to a lack of means, knowledge, or environmental commitment. As a result, several sustainable practices remain widely shared in the majority of palm groves. Similarly, it appears that several larger and newly established producers are committed to these new practices which have various objectives in particular, to protect the environment, and to sustain the culture and the quality of the products.

Investigating organophosphorus pesticides in dates from Khesht City (Iran): Impact of washing and assessment of the health risks

Dates are rich in nutrients, making them popular all over the world as healthy fruits. Due to the use of pesticides by gardeners to control pests in date palm farms, date fruits may contain pesticides, which could potentially endanger the health of consumers. In this study, date fruit samples at three different growth stages (green fruit, unripe date, date) were collected from the groves of Khesht city. The residues of 15 organophosphorus pesticides in water-washed and unwashed samples were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results showed that the residue levels of all organophosphorus pesticides measured were below the maximum residue limits recommended by FAO and CODEX. Based on the data, washing date fruits with water can effectively reduce the residual amount of organophosphorus pesticides, thereby helping to reduce the intake of pesticides. Moreover, the results of the risk assessment showed that consumption of unripe and ripe dates from Khesht has no carcinogenic (<10–6) or non-carcinogenic (HI<1) effects on adults. However, Future studies should analyze the soil and irrigation water of palm groves for organophosphorus pesticide contamination. Increasing gardeners' awareness of pesticide risks to human health is crucial for responsible pesticide use in horticulture.

Degradation Assessment of the M’zab Valley Oases in Algeria

This study investigates the degradation of the Wadi M’zab oasis in Ghardaia, Algeria, an ecologically sensitive area. Using remote sensing data and geographic information systems (GIS), the degradation was assessed through four key indicators: vegetation cover change, soil erosion, salinity, and agricultural productivity. Moreover, to identify the human factors contributing to the degradation, a field survey was conducted. The results indicated significant degradation of the Wadi M’zab oasis, marked by a substantial increase in erosion areas by 220%, a 52% increase in areas affected by salinity, extensive urban expansion at the expense of palm groves, and a decline in agricultural productivity. The causes of degradation are attributed to natural factors such as climate change and soil and water quality, as well as human factors like urban expansion, land-use changes, and human practices, as confirmed by the field survey results. This study serves as an important tool to help mitigate the degradation of the Wadi M’zab oasis. It recommends encouraging investment in the agricultural sector, preserving the oasis’s ecosystem, and adopting innovative practices for water management and using crops that tolerate harsh conditions. It also calls for coordinated efforts between government agencies, farmers, and the local community to ensure the implementation of effective and sustainable strategies for the future of the M’zab oasis.

Differences in soil biological activity and soil organic matter status only in the topsoil of Ferralsols under five land uses (Allada, Benin)

Land use change on the Ferralsols of the Allada Plateau in southern Benin has led to a slight decline in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks over the last two decades. However, as in many African landscapes, detailed characterisation and quantified data on the SOC stocks and soil biological activity under major land uses are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterise the biological activity and organic matter status of Ferralsols (0–30 cm) under the five major land uses on the Allada Plateau, i.e., forests, tree plantations, young and adult palm groves, and croplands (pineapple, maize). Soil biological activity was assessed using the standardised litter decomposition method (Tea bag index) and soil respiration (during a 28-day soil incubation). Soil organic matter status was characterised by quantifying SOC pools: soil microbial biomass carbon (MB-C), potassium permanganate oxidisable carbon (POX-C), and SOC associated to soil particle-size fractions (e.g. particulate organic matter, POM, and SOC associated to the clay soil fraction). The results indicated that SOC pools and biological activity were lower in tree plantations than in forests. The standardised litter decomposition was also slower in tree plantations than in forest. In croplands and palm groves, SOC pools and soil microbial biomass and respiration were lower than in forests and tree plantations. This high level of biological activity in forests, and at a lesser level in tree plantations, was effective in accumulating carbon in C pools associated to the clay fraction. Agricultural land uses, such as croplands and palm groves decreased all the soil C pools even those associated to the clay fraction, except for POX-C. However, these land-use effects on SOC pools decreased strongly with depth. At 10–30 cm, the differences in SOC pools or soil respiration between the five land uses were no more noticeable. Our results indicated that the amount of organic inputs was an essential factor to sustain high soil biological activity and SOC stabilisation in the clay size fraction, but only in the topsoil. Maintaining forests in the landscape is a priority in order to preserve SOC stocks and soil biological activity, which neither monospecific tree plantations nor cultivation can do at the same level.

Fotouni Forward: A Tropical Forest Community Restoration and Conservation Initiative

The Fotouni Forward Project operates within Fotouni, a kingdom situated in the Haut-Nkam Division, in the West Region of Cameroon. The number of Raffia palm groves in the kingdom has experienced a significant decline over the past 15 years. The various factors contributing to the reduction of the groves include agricultural practices (80%), insufficient regeneration efforts (30%), suboptimal farming techniques (26.67%), occurrences of bushfires (11.67%), and the prevalence of diseases (13.33%). The long-term goal of the FotouniForward Project is to regenerate the kingdom’s declining resources (including but not limited to Raffia palm groves), promote the kingdom’s biodiversity and empower communities to do this work themselves. Specifically, the project envisions a Fotouni kingdom where (a) the unique cultural and ecological heritage is preserved and protected for future generations, while promoting sustainable development and community well-being; and where (b) the natural environment is protected and restored, and wildlife and people coexist in harmony.

Insights into date seed oil composition: Geographical variability and potential applications

AbstractDate fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) processing generates substantial quantities of date seeds, constituting a potential source of valuable oil yet currently considered waste. This study aimed at characterizing date seed oil (DSO) as a prospective approach for date seed valorization while investigating the influence of geographical origin on its composition. Samples from three Moroccan palm groves (Allougoum, Alnif, and Errachidia) and four non‐Moroccan samples were analyzed. Liquid and gas chromatography were applied to determine the chemical composition. The prevalent fatty acids were oleic acid (Ol), ranging from 40.8% to 50.2%, followed by lauric acid (La, 14.0%–24.2%), myristic acid (My, 9.0%–12.6%), palmitic acid (Pa, 9.0%–11.6%), linoleic acid (7.1%–10.7%), and stearic acid (St, 2.4%–4.8%). Major triacylglycerols identified included LaOlLa, LaOlMy, LaOlPa, LaOlOl, MyOlPa, MyOlOl, and PaOlOl. Notably, DSO contains significant tocochromanol (424–760 mg kg−1) and phytosterol content (3422–4827 mg kg−1), with specific phytosterols identified for the first time. Multivariate analysis employing principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, supplemented by heatmaps, underscored the influence of geographical origin on DSO composition. Moroccan samples exhibited distinctive profiles rich in St, Ol, Pa, PaOlSt, MyOlPa, PaOlPa, γ‐tocotrienol, and δ‐tocotrienol, leading to a differentiation from non‐Moroccan oils. Challenges in classifying DSO within selected Moroccan palm groves were discussed, emphasizing the necessity to consider major and minor compounds, along with date varieties, in geographical effect studies.Practical Applications: By delving into the chemical properties and potential applications of DSO, this research strives to contribute to sustainable and economically viable approaches for utilizing agricultural waste products.

Resilience of communal water management in La Gomera (Canary Islands): discussing with Hardin and Ostrom

ABSTRACT We analyse the main keys of the traditional agroecosystem of the palm grove (Phoenix canariensis) in irrigated terraces in Valle de Arriba in the municipality of Valle Gran Rey (La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain). Here, irrigation water is not only associated with the land but is also being managed as a communal resource by the inhabitants. The change in the economic model from agriculture to tourism is putting the survival of this traditional agrarian system at risk (agricultural exit, population ageing and economic touristification). The need for preservation is then suggested, but the question that leads us to a re-edition of the so-called “Tragedy of the Commons” arises again: What actors should carry out this preservation? Private agents or the State, as suggested by Hardin, or the rural community, as maintained by Ostrom? We conclude that for the case studied of La Gomera, the rural community has kept managing the communal water resource but at the expense of the secular class struggles won by the farming community against the privatisation of water by private agents and/or the State.

Severity of Termites (Microcerotermes diversus Silvestri) Infestation on Date Palms

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate intensity of infestation and annual distribution of termite community in palm orchards in southern governorates of Iraq (Basra and Maysan) to develop appropriate integrated management programs to control termite (Microcerotermis diversus Selvestry) in palm groves. Methods: A field survey was conducted for a whole year(October 2022- September 2023) to evaluate termite community, also relationship between intensity of termite infestation with some palm varieties was studied, and a correlation was made with some important contents for termite vitality in tissues of the frond bases such as Proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, and lignin were estimated to determine which varieties are more tolerant to termite infestation and the most sensitive. Results: Survey showed that palm varieties Khadrawi and Shakkar most susceptible to invasion, with rates of 52.19 and 48.4 termites/frond base, respectively. As for the Barhi and Al-Maktoum cultivars, they had lowest percentage of termite infestation, with 0 and 10.0 termites/frond base, respectively. Conclusions: Termite (Microcerotermis diversus Selvestry) prefers to invade some palm varieties that have a suitable content of carbohydrates and proteins (Khadrawi and Shakkar), especially in the moderate and cold months of the year. Termite community decrease in hot months of the year; therefore we recommend carrying out integrated termite management operations at the beginning of October and November in palm groves in arid and semi-arid areas similar to the areas of southern Iraq.

Sustainable oases agriculture: A journey through Morocco’s date palm production system

In the heart of Moroccan oases, date palm trees stand as the lifeblood of local communities, serving as both a livelihood cornerstone and a dietary treasure trove. Morocco has long been a leading date fruit producer. Yet, amidst the palm groves, several environmental, technical, and socio-economic challenges have threatened the sustainability of this ancient crop. This study assesses the constraints and limitations of the date palm production system in Tafilalet oases that have kept this crop from reaching its full potential. A total of 56 producers were interviewed using an open- closed survey, illuminating interviews with key informants, dynamic focus group discussions, and direct observations in palm groves. The findings reveal that primary restrictions and barriers impeding the progress of this sector are: producers’ moderate education level and the limited adoption of technological innovation, few opportunities given to young producers, palm groves’ fragmentation, poor management of date fruits, low imports of the necessary inputs (fertilisers, irrigation, etc.), and the poor organisation of the marketing circuit (storage and packaging). Advocate renewed commitment to preserve and modernise palm groves, blending heritage with modern practices for thriving, sustainable date palm production. It is entirely conceivable to produce organic dates in the region since producers use a few quantities of chemical products, notably fertilisers and phytosanitary products.

A story of hope and frustration: a wastewater-based agricultural frontier in the Algerian Sahara

ABSTRACT This study explores how wastewater reshapes the dynamics of agricultural settlement in the Algerian Sahara. It also discusses farmers’ hopes and frustrations around these dynamics. The study was carried out around the Berriane wastewater treatment facility. It is based on interviews with officials and farmers, a review of technical studies and direct field observations. We show how wastewater reuse regenerates traditional practices, such as the use of human waste as fertilizer and raw sewage to irrigate palm groves. We also discuss the problems that arise when the treatment plant is not managed properly, and the political ambivalence of State authorities regarding wastewater reuse.

Amphibian and reptile diversity in natural landscapes and human-modified habitats of the Sahara Desert of Algeria: A better understanding of biodiversity to improve conservation

The spatial and seasonal variations in amphibian and reptile diversity were studied in different biotopes (lowlands, desert pavements “Reg,” Sabkhas “salt lakes,” date palm groves, wadis, and urban sites) at the Algerian Sahara Desert. No prior research has explored the connection between the distribution of reptiles and amphibians in Algeria’s Sahara and the environmental diversity of biotopes and landscapes. This study aimed to address this significant knowledge gap by investigating the relationships between Saharan habitats and landscapes and their impact on herpetofaunal presence, abundance, and diversity. The diversity of amphibians and reptiles was assessed based on quantitative data of species captures using nonparametric diversity indices, species richness accumulation curves, and similarity analysis. At the Region of Oued Righ (Northern Sahara Desert), we identified 3 amphibians, 19 lizards, and 10 ophidian species. These 32 species (approximately 30% of the Algerian herpetofauna) were classified into 2 orders (Anura and Squamata), 15 families, and 23 different genera. The study area included 8 protected species in Algeria and 9 endemic species to the Mediterranean region, including 1 amphibian and 7 species of reptiles. Acanthodactylus dumerilii was the most abundant species (20.5% of the total), whereas Chalcides ocellatus occurred in 32.9% of specimens. The highest values of species richness were recorded in palm groves with 22 species and Shannon’s diversity index (H’) was 3.5, whereas the lowest values were obtained in Sabkhas (5 species) and urban sites (7 species). The number of individuals experienced significant variations between study biotopes and seasons. Overall, species richness estimators (Chao2 and Jackknife1) revealed that the current survey achieved 90% of inventory completeness. Estimates and interpolations of species richness showed higher values in urban sites, palm groves, desert pavements, and wadis compared to Sabkhas and lowlands where completeness ranged between 90% and 100%. The analysis of similarity indicated low similarity values (&amp;lt;50%) between biotopes studied. The highest similarities were noted between the mesic biotopes (Sabkhas, wadis, and palm groves), the xeric and undisturbed biotopes (desert pavements and lowlands), whereas urban sites showed a distinct herpetofaunal community that was completely different of that recorded in Sabkhas, wadis, and lowlands.

Assessment of vegetation cover changes and the contributing factors in the Al-Ahsa Oasis using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

The abandonment of date palm grove of the former Al-Ahsa Oasis in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia has resulted in the conversion of delicate agricultural area into urban area. The current state of the oasis is influenced by both expansion and degradation factors. Therefore, it is important to study the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover for the sustainable management of oasis resources. This study used Landsat satellite images in 1987, 2002, and 2021 to monitor the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, applied multi-temporal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data spanning from 1987 to 2021 to assess environmental and spatiotemporal variations that have occurred in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, and investigated the factors influencing these variation. This study reveals that there is a significant improvement in the ecological environment of the oasis during 1987–2021, with increase of NDVI values being higher than 0.10. In 2021, the highest NDVI value is generally above 0.70, while the lowest value remains largely unchanged. However, there is a remarkable increase in NDVI values between 0.20 and 0.30. The area of low NDVI values (0.00–0.20) has remained almost stable, but the region with high NDVI values (above 0.70) expands during 1987–2021. Furthermore, this study finds that in 1987–2002, the increase of vegetation cover is most notable in the northern region of the study area, whereas from 2002 to 2021, the increase of vegetation cover is mainly concentrated in the northern and southern regions of the study area. From 1987 to 2021, NDVI values exhibit the most pronounced variation, with a significant increase in the “green” zone (characterized by NDVI values exceeding 0.40), indicating a substantial enhancement in the ecological environment of the oasis. The NDVI classification is validated through 50 ground validation points in the study area, demonstrating a mean accuracy of 92.00% in the detection of vegetation cover. In general, both the user’s and producer’s accuracies of NDVI classification are extremely high in 1987, 2002, and 2021. Finally, this study suggests that environmental authorities should strengthen their overall forestry project arrangements to combat sand encroachment and enhance the ecological environment of the Al-Ahsa Oasis.

Correlation between electrical conductivity in saturated paste extracts and different diluted extracts (1/2.5, 1/5) of coarse-textured soils

Soil salinity poses a significant challenge to agricultural productivity, necessitating precise measurement methods. Rather than relying on complex determinations like saturated paste extracts (ECe), a practical alternative involves assessing soil salinity through the Electrical Conductivity (EC) of soil-water extracts. This simplified yet reliable method is crucial for understanding the impact of soil salinity on agricultural yields. To improve accuracy in representing soluble salts relevant to plant growth, the conversion of EC from soil water extracts to ECe becomes pivotal.In an experimental study, a clear relationship was sought between the Electrical Conductivity (EC) of saturated paste extracts (ECe) and the ratios found in soil-water extracts (1/2.5 and 1/5). Fifty samples of coarse-textured soil were collected from the Djamâa palm grove in Sidi Yahia village, located in the Oued Righ region within the Djamaa Zone. The analysis of the collected data revealed compelling findings, indicating a robust and statistically significant correlation between values obtained from ECe and those derived from EC1/2.5 and EC1/5 (correlation coefficient of R = 0.93 and 0.91, at a significance level of P = 0.05). These results highlight the promising potential of accurately estimating ECe in coarse-textured soils by employing EC1/2.5 and EC1/5, paving the way for streamlining assessment methodologies for soil salinity. This study not only elucidates the correlation between conductivity measures but also proposes a practical means to estimate soil salinity more efficiently. The findings contribute to informed decision-making in agricultural practices within the Northern Sahara's Djamâa palm grove and similar regions, offering valuable insights for sustainable soil management.

Ouled Saïd, a Gourara Palm Grove: Local Development and the Reproduction of a Traditional Society

In the Gourara, palm groves survive as well as they can thanks to their peasant community resistance, to their persistence and their culture, besides solid public help.The guidelines of this text centered on the Ouled Saïd oasis, are firstly to analyze the agricultural land division and secondly to understand the geographical changes of the diverse local countryside, and thirdly to try to put the stakes into the context of a small rural traditional society which reproduces itself by using modern State institutions with an aim to manage its municipal territory ensuring local development leaning strongly on public aid and a search to improve the social conditions for the resident population. In effect a series of planning actions were undertaken as early as the beginning of the 21st century, among which must be emphasized the patrimonial material rehabilitation (foggaras, ksour, environmental protection etc.). Furthermore a social structure recombination enabled some social groups to be implicated in local politics, in order to manage municipality business. This local development certainly improved the Ouled Saïd inhabitants’ way of life, but it also raised the dual question of the oases local agriculture future and the hastened preference for a consumer mode.

Effect of urbanization and socio-economic constraints on ancient palm grove in Algeria

Effect of urbanization and socio-economic constraints on ancient palm grove in Algeria

Sap beetles (Nitidulidae) of date palms of the Deglet Nour variety in the Ziban region (Algeria): distribution patterns and effectiveness of date bunch bagging

Abstract This study aims to update the list of Nitidulidae species observed on date palms in Algeria (Ziban region), their spatial dynamics according to the development stages (larva, pupa, adult), and the effectiveness of the bagging operation. In 2020, we sampled and examined 1800 dates of the Deglet Nour variety from three palm groves managed with different protection modes: yellow bagging, white bagging, and no bagging. The results obtained mention the presence of nine species of Nitidulidae with five species reported for the first time on dates in Algeria. The highest relative abundance (RA) of Nitidulidae beetles was noted in the southern (28%) direction. However, the variation of infestation rate (IR) according to the direction was not very accentuated. The GLM analysis showed that, except for the adult stage, the direction presented a highly significant effect on the RA variation of the total Nitudilidae, the larva and pupa stages (p &lt; 0.0001), but there was no significant effect of direction on the IR in all studied cases. The highest RA of total Nitidulidae was found on the white plastic-protected dates (RA = 42%), the IR of the total Nitidulidae was higher on dates protected by yellow plastic (IR = 38%). The unprotected dates recorded the lowest RA and IR for all studied cases and the effect of bagging type on the RA variation of Nitidulidae, in all studied cases, was statistically highly significant (p &lt; 0.0001). This effect on the IR was very highly significant only for total Nitudilidae, larvae, and adults (p &lt; 0.0001). So, the southern direction presents the best conditions for sheltering the largest numbers of Nitidulidae. The latter also has a marked preference for bunches covered by plastic bags rather than for those left uncovered. This implies the ineffectiveness of the operation of protecting dates with plastic bags, especially the yellow-coloured ones.

Approaches to Enhance Sugar Content in Foods: Is the Date Palm Fruit a Natural Alternative to Sweeteners?

The current levels of added sugars in processed foods impact dental health and contribute to a range of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This review presents sugars and sweeteners used in food processing, the current possibility to replace added sugars, and highlights the benefits of using dates as a new natural, nutritious and healthy alternative to synthetic and non-nutritive sweeteners. In the context of environmental sustainability, palm groves afford a propitious habitat for a diverse array of animal species and assume a pivotal social role by contributing to the provisioning of sustenance and livelihoods for local communities. The available literature shows the date as an alternative to added sugars due to its composition in macro and micronutrients, especially in bioactive components (fiber, polyphenols and minerals). Therefore, dates are presented as a health promoter and a preventative for certain diseases with the consequent added value. The use of damaged or unmarketable dates, due to its limited shelf life, can reduce losses and improve the sustainability of date palm cultivation. This review shows the potential use dates, date by-products and second quality dates as sugar substitutes in the production of sweet and healthier foods, in line with broader sustainability objectives and circular economy principles.

Former Colonial Souk of Tablaba, Taghjijt, Guelmim-Oued Noun

This article describes the rehabilitation of the former colonial market of Tablaba, in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region of southern Morocco. In an old palm grove shared by the Tekna and Ayt Herbil tribes, a colonial souk was built in 1940 with local materials and on an impressive scale. In its rehabilitation carried out by Salima Naji following decades of decay, traditional techniques took pride of place. Equally important was a new pilot training program implemented across the province, recovering vernacular methods while also reviving building trades. Thus what is described is not the reconstruction of the original complex, which had partially disappeared when the work began, nor a restoration of any of its constituent parts in the strict sense, but a rehabilitation linking a memorial space that has been kept intact with new built structures.

The internal structure of spring mounds of Nefzaoua oasis in Tunisia: Formation of an original geomorphic structure

AbstractSpring mounds are specific geomorphological landforms in arid or semi‐arid environments associated with playas and artesian springs. Spring mounds are found worldwide, especially in the great Artesian Basin of Australia and in North American and Egyptian deserts. They result from an exceptional succession of climatic, geomorphological and hydrogeological conditions, with processes that follow each other in a specific order. In Tunisia, in the arid zone, ca. 126 spring mounds have been identified in Nefzaoua province alone, especially in the oasis east of Chott el Jerid. They have a conical shape that ranges from 200 to more than 2000 m in diameter and 3–30 m tall, and their centre is hollowed out by an artesian spring of fresh water. Palm groves (Phoenix dactylifera) spread out at the foot of each mound. The springs have dried up because of the proliferation of borehole wells. Because of the low electric conductivity (EC) of the sediments (&lt;1 mS cm−1) at their base, spring mounds have been excavated and used as a soil amendment to expand new palm plantations. This excavation allows for analysis of their internal structure, which has never been observed well. In the present study, fine analysis of sediment layers in four sections of two representative mounds showed that vegetation had trapped sediment at their base. Fine strata of variable texture alternating with variable calcium carbonate, gypsum or organic carbon contents suggest a clear limnic origin. Many redoximorphic features, sometimes associated with the presence of old roots, suggest variation in the water level in the centre of the mound. The mounds are capped by a thick layer of indurated gypsum, which helps them resist hydric and aeolian erosion. The origin of the sediment components is discussed.

Study on the ancestral rules of bioclimatic urban fabric in southern Algeria

Our present research aims to assess the impact of some parameters of traditional urban fabric (ksar) in southern Algeria on thermal comfort. We took as an example the ksar of Timimoun, located in the Algerian Sahara which is characterized by an arid climate. In this research, we conducted a series of measurements of the main climatic parameters (air and surface temperature, wind speed and direction) for summer comfort, with different spatial and temporal resolutions. A number of these parameters (morphological aspects) such as H/W ratio and street orientation have shown limited effects on reducing air temperatures, while others such as covered streets, palm groves, shading, etc. appear to be more important and equivalent to effective tools for climate control within the traditional urban fabric (ksar).