Southern Tunisia Research Articles

New Medical Herbalism Formulations as a Targeted Therapeutic Strategies Used in Southern Tunisia to Promote Neo-Epithelium, Angiogenesis, and Collagen Biosynthesis and to Impede Scar Formation Post-Third-Degree Burned Skin.

The aim of the study is to assess the suitability of the herbal formulation for topical application as a skin burn dressing on the in vivo wound-closure of third-degree wound injuries. Rat wound models were used to prove the in vivo skin burn-healing process. Body weight gain, food and water intake, and behavior were investigated daily during treatment period. Cutaneous biopsies of the burned wound surfaces were monitored at days 4, 13, and 28. Formulation markedly (P < .05) increased wound repair rate and collagen production compared to untreated burnt skin. Macroscopic and histological analysis of the wound of formula (F)-treated group showed significant skin contraction rate and rapid wound healing without scar through regeneration of epidermis that were approved in formula mixed with honey (F-hY)- and Drs-treated wound compared with thymol, and the untreated wound tissues that were not covered by denuded epithelial. Furthermore, the wound healing efficacy of F-hY, F, and Drs cream was proved by decreased the amount of malondialdehyde compared to untreated rats. In conclusion, F and F-hY was found to promote cutaneous wound repair. In all case, the formula alone or mixed with honeybees was even better than thymol in the repair of cutaneous wound.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in southern Tunisia

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in southern Tunisia

Effect of multi sourced compost on a rainfed olive tree grove in an arid land: Management practices to adapt to global climate change

In southern Tunisia, in an arid environment subjected to climate change, the olive-production sector is important for the local Economy. With low local biomass production a multi sourced compost composed of olive waste byproducts and seaweed was tested on an Arenic Calcisol. The application at the subsurface of 180 kg (0.5 m3) of compost per tree in a rainfed olive tree (Olea europaea L.) grove with declining productivity showed a significant increase in total C, N, K, P, and respiration rate in amended horizons. Surprisingly the soil volumic water content (Vw%) at the subsurface (0–20 cm) below amended (7.5% ± 2.3) was not significantly different below non amended trees (6.9% ± 3.3). It increased slightly under non-amended trees, from 6.6% (±4.3) at a depth of 5 cm–8.1% (±1.5) at 65 cm depth, while below the amended olive trees the Vw% increased from 6.7% (±3.4) in the composted horizon at 5 cm depth to 13.5% (±1.1) at 70 cm depth. The main positive effect of composting on soils was decreasing the water loss due to capillary rise, since the compost developed clear hydrophobic properties. Two years after applying the compost, olive tree branches were 15% longer and olives were 40% heavier on amended trees.

Impact of Land Cover on Wind Erosion in Arid Regions: A Case Study in Southern Tunisia

Wind erosion is a worldwide phenomenon for which several recent studies have shown that the intensity is expected to evolve because of climate and land use changes. Identifying the areas where wind erosion is the most active and its associated drivers may help to define efficient solutions to protect the environment from this hazard. The south of Tunisia is a region highly prone to wind erosion and presents a variety of landscapes and land uses in a relatively small area. Thus, from November 2012 to June 2016, six sites were instrumented to monitor wind erosion in the most extended land uses existing in southern Tunisia. The main results are that wind erosion: (i) is nil in the oasis, (ii) is weak (&lt;120 kg m−1 yr−1) in the olive grove even if the surface is be ploughed up to eight times a year, (iii) is moderate (~1000 kg m−1 yr−1) in the barley field, for which the sowing date is a driving parameter of wind erosion seasonality, (iv) can occur in the Chott El Jerid except when it is flooded, (v) is the most intense in rangelands on sand (~2500 kg m−1 yr−1) and on flatbeds (&gt;3000 kg m−1 yr−1).

Characterization and Trait Association Analysis of 27 Pearl Millet Landraces in Southern Tunisia

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br., 2n = 2x = 14, Poaceae), is a cross-pollinated, warm-season crop grown worldwide. To select genotypes for breeding pearl millet cultivars that adapt to drought condition in southern Tunisia, we evaluated the grain yield (GY) and yield-related traits using a set of 27 landraces at two locations in southern Tunisia for two grown seasons (2019 and 2020). The genetic variability, phenotypic and genotypic association, and path coefficient (PC), based on grain yield (GY) and different yield-related agronomic traits, were evaluated. Analysis of variance and BLUPs value revealed a wide range of variability and the possibility of genetic selection for traits that are advantageous. Broad sense heritability (H) for all the traits ranged from 24.10% for grain yield (GY) to 57.11% for spike length (SL), indicating low to moderate inheritability. Genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) ranged from high (29.56%) for principal panicle weight (PPW) to moderate for all the traits except from plant high (PH) (7.31%). For all the traits, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), indicating the magnitude of environmental conditions. GY was significantly correlated with all the traits at the genotypic and phenotypic level. According to the path coefficient, the traits PPW and SL displayed the highest direct effects on GY. Heatmap analysis demonstrated a clear segregation between the early and late genotypes based on their geographic origin. Based on the cluster analysis and FAI-BLUPS analysis, genotypes G11, G13, G12, G17 and G18 were selected as the best-performing genotypes with the shortest cycle.

Effectiveness of a training program on health-care professionals’ knowledge and practices regarding thermo-sensitive reusable medical devices disinfection: A quasi-experimental study

IntroductionAppropriate knowledge of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the various aspects of disinfection and reuse of medical devices is a basic requirement to ensure proper disinfection and to minimize the risk of healthcare associated infections. In this regard this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a training intervention on knowledge and practices regarding thermosensitive reusable medical devices (TRMD) disinfection among HCPs. MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental study including a pre-test, an intervention (workshops, demonstrations, posters), and a post-test evaluation of the HCPs' knowledge and practices regarding the disinfection of TRMD. It was conducted between February and July 2022 at Hedi Chaker University hospital, Sfax, Southern Tunisia. ResultsOverall, 31 participants were females (54.4%). The global Knowledge Score (KS) had significantly risen from pre-to post-training test (61.0 ± 9 vs 74.0 ± 12.5; p < 0.001). According to the disinfection type, the KS of non-critical and critical TRMD disinfection had significantly increased between pre and post-intervention (60 (IQR = [40.0–80.0]) vs 80 (IQR = [40.0–80.0]), p < 0.001) and (66.6 (IQR = [50.0–66.6]) vs 83.3 (IQR = [66.6–100.0]); p < 0.001) respectively. The mean change in global KS of TRMD disinfection was statistically higher among females (17.5 ± 11.2 vs 8.5 ± 3.2; p = 0.006) and medical staff (18.9 ± 11.9 vs 7.1 ± 3.9; p = 0.019). Conformity scores did not significantly change after the training program (58.1 ± 22.7 vs 63.7 ± 19.6; p = 0.678). ConclusionThis study highlighted the effectiveness of the training intervention on HCP knowledge. However, practices were not improved. Conducting ongoing audits with on-the-job training is extremely needed.

Airborne Particulates Pollution Level Characterization and Ecological Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Metals in Suburban Sfax, Southern Tunisia

Airborne Particulates Pollution Level Characterization and Ecological Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Metals in Suburban Sfax, Southern Tunisia

Root pigmentation determines phytochemical, mineral, antioxidant and organoleptic attributes of Tunisian southern coastal carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) landraces

Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a widely grown crop in temperate regions of the world, consumed by humans as an important source of nutrition. This study focused on five local varieties of carrots from irrigated regions of southern Tunisia (Sidi Sallem, Sagui, Arram, ElGrine and Boughrara) with different root pigmentation. The carrots were evaluated for their morphological, physicochemical, biochemical, and organoleptic characteristics. Morphological characterization showed significant differences (p<0.01) in length, weight, and diameter of the root part and aerial part among the five landraces. The pH, titratable acidity, and Brix values were also different for each landrace, ranging from 6.18 (Sagui) to 6.27 (Arram), 0.016 (Boughrara) to 0.045 mg.g − 1 citric acid (Arram), and 5.60 (Arram) to 7.80% (Sidi Sallem), respectively. The study also identified 10 phenolic acids through LC-ESI/MS analysis, with quinic acid, protocachuic acid, and chlorogenic acid being the most abundant compounds. The HPLC method was used to analyze the sugar and β-carotene contents of the landraces. Results showed that the Sidi Sallem landrace had the highest fructose (625 mg.kg−1 DM), glucose (1000 mg.kg−1 DM), and β-carotene (2551.808 mg. kg−1 DM) contents. Sagui had the highest levels of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) (236 μg. L − 1) and vitamin K2 (6.5 μg. L − 1). Sensory analysis of the juices and pureed salads prepared from the five carrot landraces confirmed the findings of the morphological and nutritional evaluations. This research suggests that a participatory breeding program should be considered to preserve genetic resources and improve them in terms of nutritional quality criteria. The work highlights the nutritional value of carrot as a source of natural antioxidant compounds, which may be beneficial in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Characterization of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 8 in Naturally Infected Barbary Deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus) and Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Tunisia.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a Culicoides-borne disease of domestic and wild ruminants caused by EHD virus (EHDV). This virus circulates in multiple serotypes. In late September 2021, a novel strain belonging to EHDV-8 was reported in cattle farms in Central-Western Tunisia, and in the fall of 2022, the same virus was also detected in Italy and Spain. In the present study, we described EHDV-8 occurrence in deer and, a preliminary identification of the potential Culicoides species responsible for virus transmission in selected areas of Tunisia. EHDV-8 was identified in deer carcasses found in 2021 and 2022 in the national reserve of El Feidja, Jendouba, Northwestern Tunisia, and isolated on cell culture. Instead, insect vectors were collected in October 2021 only in the areas surrounding the city of Tozeur (Southern Tunisia) where EHDV-8 cases in cattle were confirmed. Morphological identification showed that 95% of them belonged to the Culicoides kingi and Culicoides oxystoma species and both species tested positive for EHDV-8 RNA. C. imicola was not detected in this collection and EHDV-8 RNA was not evidenced in vector pools collected in 2020, prior to official EHDV-8 emergence. EHDV whole genome sequences were also obtained directly from infected biological samples of deer and positive vectors. EHDV-8 sequences obtained from deer and vectors share a nucleotide identity ranging from 99.42 to 100% and amino acid identity from 99.18 to 100% across all genome segments with the EHDV-8/17 TUN2021 reference sequence.

The Impact of International Remittances on Poverty: Evidence From The Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries

Workers Remittances represent an important source of financing for recipient countries to the extent that it exceeds sometimes foreign direct investment (FDI) flows (Sirkeci, Ratha, Cohen, 2012). International remittances flowing into developing economies has gained an increasing importance regarding the volume of these flows, their importance for the financial sector as well as their overall impact at the economic and social levels. Based upon a review of theoretical and empirical literature, this paper uses an econometric model based on the basic growth poverty model suggested by (Ravallion, 1997) and (Ravallion &amp; Chen, 1997) accompanied by the frameworks postulated by (Adams &amp; Page, 2005) to assess the impact of remittances in terms of reducing the level of poverty. It is based on panel data of eight Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries (SEMEC) (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and West bank and Gaza) over the period 2000-2018. In most of these countries, remittances represent the largest foreign exchange earnings and represent an average of 8% of GDP. The results suggest that remittances have a positive impact on growth and therefore contribute through income to poverty reduction. This impact becomes significant as the level of remittances relative to GDP increases.

Impact of water availability on agro-biodiversity of oases in the Kebili region of southern Tunisia

Impact of water availability on agro-biodiversity of oases in the Kebili region of southern Tunisia

Use of geophysical methods to evaluate soil sediments behind gabion check dams in the dry regions of southern Tunisia.

This study aims to detect sediment at six gabions check-dams distributed in the upstream and downstream areas of the Koutine catchment located in an arid area in the southeast of Tunisia and characterized by an annual mean precipitation of less than 200 mm. The detection of sediment is based on the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method associated with topographic measurements. About ten lines were arranged, with 72 electrodes. The results of resistivity data obtained during field measurements were inverted into subsurface structures using least squares inversion techniques. The preliminary results indicate that the sediment can be identified using an ERT contour method. The obtained results are calibrated based on samples collected for laboratory analysis. The accuracy of the high-density ERT method was justified. The density increases with the sediment deposit depth. Topographic methods were used to estimate the surface and the relief of deposed sediments in the area monitored by the gabions check-dams. This study provides an approach based on the high-density electrical resistivity tomography method and a topographic investigation to estimate sediment yield behind gabion check-dams that control catchments. The sedimentary deposit of eroded soils reduces the effectiveness of the recharge structures. Consequently, the improvement of permeability at the level of the retention basins (by cleaning the settlement basin and creating recharge wells) is of great importance. The study results are beneficial for decision-makers to evaluate the existing soil conservation and water management plans, which can be further adjusted using appropriate soil erosion mitigation options based on scientific evidence.

Triassic-Early Jurassic evaporites of the Saharan Platform, Algeria: Astronomical and geodynamic constraints on stratigraphy and sedimentation

The sequence stratigraphy of the Late Triassic - Early Jurassic evaporites of the Berkine Basin is described. Disconformities occur between all the major evaporitic units but lack of biostratigraphy (or other) chronostratigraphic control precludes their precise dating. The S4 and S3 Halites are predominantly non-marine halites deposited in low-lying salinas with a barrier to the north. The top of the S4 depositional sequence is marked by the D2, usually regarded as the Tr-J boundary in the Berkine Basin. Both the S3 and S4 salt deposits thin rapidly to the south-east and are thicker in the basin centre coincident with a subcrop of Carnian? aged volcanics. A combination of thermal cooling, rifting and reactivation of N–S lineaments parallel to the Hassi Messaoud-El Biod Arch controlled the (∼1500 m thick) depocenter.Time series analysis shows that astronomical forcing played a key role in the deposition of the S3 and S4 bedded halites. The prevailing climate was monsoonal with major replenishment of the basin indicated by long eccentricity cycles (405 kyr). Sedimentation rates were estimated using eCOCO analysis with average rates of 15 cm/kyr. Well to well comparisons shows that in marginal areas thinner sedimentary sequences relate to slower accumulation rates and periods of non-deposition or deflation. The pattern is similar in the S4 and S3 halite, but the reduced mud content and amalgamation of halite beds suggests a more arid climate in S3 times.The S1+S2 unit marks the first widespread deposition of sulphate in the basin. The lowermost anhydrite beds of the S1 + S2 rest unconformably on the underlying S3 and overstep the basin margins in the south-east; the sequence is capped by the B Horizon a basin-wide carbonate shelf deposit about 25 m thick indicating increased marine influence. Above there is a rapid return to thinly bedded mudstone-halite dominated sedimentation (Lias Salifère) which is overlain by the Lias Anhydritique an alternating sequence of halite and anhydrite deposits. Astronomical parameters of the whole sequence indicate an average sedimentation rate of ∼10 cm/kyr in this marine-influenced section, slower than the halite units. Although the time series analysis cannot provide precision dating of the evaporitic sequences the results indicate that there are important breaks in the depositional record. The combined S4 and S3 halites account for 4.75 Ma and the rest of the Liassic 9.4 Ma. It seems clear that much of the depositional record is missing.These Saharan Platform basins bear much in common with other western Mediterranean evaporite basins. Many show the same overall pattern of sedimentation with increased sulphate deposition above the Tr-J boundary. In late Triassic time they formed a contiguous low-lying zone flanked by cratonic highlands. This zone spanned the Gondwana-Laurussia boundary immediately prior to its break-up and Greater Adria formed a barrier between these basins and the developing Neotethys to the east. The major changes seen in the Saharan Platform are mirrored by the break-up of Adria and the separation of Gondwana and Laurasia and the ultimate connection of the western Mediterranean and the central Atlantic.Although the cyclostratigraphy can tell us much about the absolute duration of sedimentation, the lack of significant anchor points forbids the construction of a detailed chronostratigraphic framework. In particular, the precise location of the Tr-J boundary remains unclear. Although it is usually placed at the base of the D2 Horizon, biostratigraphical evidence from Southern Tunisia places the S3 in the Norian. The sharp contrast between the S4 and S3 halites with the later evaporite sequence suggests that positioning the boundary between the S3 halite and the S1 + S2 unconformity should be given consideration.

Late Pleistocene clastic tufa from Gafsa, southern Tunisia: Implications for paleo-landscape interpretation

The landscape reconstruction in the Jebel El Mida area during the Late Pleistocene was based on the continental carbonate record, particularly on the clastic tufa deposits. Four main lithofacies types of clastic tufa were recorgnized in the Jebel El Mida area, these are: (1) grain-supported macrodetrital phytoclast tufa, (2) grain-supported macrodetrital oncolith tufa, (3) grain-supported macrodetrital lithoclast tufa, and (4) matrix-supported microdetrital tufa. The interpretation of depositional environment reveals spring-fed streams and pools with highly CO2-enriched water helped in carbonate precipitation and incrustation on the vegetation cover. Dating of tufa deposits has been based on archeological content and radiometric (U/Th) age dating. A major lag exists between the age of the archeological content and the radiometric age for tufa (170 ky) indicating transport and re-sedimentation of older reworked tufa within the stone tool-rich sandsone and conglomeratic substrates. The major fault of Gafsa that cross-cuts the studied area is the main conduit for upwelling carbonated waters for tufa precipitation and also the re-organization of the landscape after the recurrent tectonic activity during the Late Pleistocene. The deposition of Jebel El Mida tufa indicates particular depostional settings characterized by (1) abundant rainfall on the recharge areas with high water table, (2) acidic water infiltrations through plant cover and soils, and (3) dissolution of aquiferous Cretaceous carbonates resulting in water mineralization of the groundwater during a time span that predates Late Pleistocene.

Phytoremediation potential of native plants: Biomonitoring approach in contaminated soils

Phytoremediation has been used to remediate contaminated site. This study aims to investigate the potential of the selected native plants to accumulate and tolerate chemical pollutants. Two sites were selected in Southern Tunisia lands (Gabès), i) Gannouch located near the chemical industrial complex and ii) Zerkineis around 35 kilometres far from the industrial activities. Soil and plants were sampled and analysed for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and fluorine (F) concentrations. The native plants were Bassia indica and Chenopodium album, with no obvious morphological toxic symptoms. Results indicated that the upper soil layers were alkaline and salt affected with low organic matter content. The highest levels of fluoride and heavy metal were found in Ghannouch. The contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and F in the roots, stem and leaves of the native plants exceed the normal ranges and the phytotoxic level. Bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and biological accumulation factor (BAF) were determined for each element. Based on these factors the selected plants were classified as excluders, indicators, and accumulators for each element. The native plants, studied herein, seems to have significant potential for phytoremediation, thus they may be used as biomonitors in contaminated soils. Bassia indica identified as Cd, Cu and Pb accumulator, could be an excellent candidate for phytoextraction and phyto stabilization because of its F excluder performance.

COVID-19-Related Fear and Mental Distress Among Tunisian Primary, Middle and High School Teachers: Prevalence and Predictive Factors.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of fear of COVID-19 and serious mental distress among teachers in public schools of Southern Tunisia. This was a cross sectional study among a representative sample of 525 teachers. The level of Fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). A high level was defined as an FCV-19S ≥ 22. Kessler 6 (K6) was performed to predict serious mental distress. Serious mental distress was defined as a K6 score ≥ 13. The prevalence rates of high level of fear of COVID-19 and serious mental distress were 32.8% and 63.8%, respectively. Independent factors associated with a high level of fear of COVID-19 were female gender (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.6 [1.1-2.5]), chronic disease (AOR=1.6 [1.1-2.4]), home-living children (AOR=3.3 [1.4-7.8]), and poor material working conditions (AOR=1.5 [1.2-2.1]). The high level of fear of COVID-19 (AOR=3.1 [1.8-5.1]) was independently associated with serious mental distress. Living in a rural area (AOR=0.4 [0.3-0.8]), previous COVID-19 infection (AOR=0.5 [0.4-0.8]) and going to school on foot (AOR=0.3 [0.2-0.51]) were independently associated with a lower prevalence of serious mental distress.

Evaluation of low-chill peach (Prunus persica L.) cultivars suitable for arid climate of southern Tunisia

Evaluation of low-chill peach (<i>Prunus persica</i> L.) cultivars suitable for arid climate of southern Tunisia

Biomass production and forage quality of three halophytes genus Sarcocornia and Salicornia characterizing the saline marginal lands of southern Tunisia

Halophytes are widespread in the Tunisian marginal saline soils but not widely exploited. This study aims to evaluate the forage quality and chemical composition of three halophytes, native in southern Tunisia : Salicornia emerici Duval-Jouve, Sarcocornia alpini (Lag.) Castrov. et Sarcocornia fruticosa (L.). Dry biomass (MS), organic matter (MO), mineral (MM) and crude protein (PB) contents, in vitro digestibility, ions and anti-nutritional compounds (flavonoids, tannins and saponins) were determined and compared to those of Medicago sativa (L.), considered as reference feeding plant. The obtained results indicate that dry biomass of these halophytes ranges from 10.50% to 18.63% for S. emerici and S. fruticosa, respectively. Compared to S. emerici, both halophytes recorded the highest percentages of organic matter and crude protein and higher concentrations of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Fe2+. These three halophytes, harvested during the summer period, showed important digestibility percentages (&gt; 70 % MS), exceeding those of alfalfa, and low levels of ADF, ADL and anti-nutritive compounds (condensed tannins, flavonoids and saponins). These findings suggest that the valorization of these native halophytes as fodder is promising, in particular S. alpini and S. fruticosa. This can provide many economic and environmental advantages in drylands.

Sexual violence against women in southern Tunisia: Epidemiology and risk factors

IntroductionSexual violence (SV) against women represents a public health problem. Despite, the promulgation of the new Act of 2017-58, SV remains frequent in Tunisia. In this paper, we propose to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of women victims of SV and to identify risk factors related to serious SV. Material and methodsThis is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study including all women victims of SV, examined at the Forensic Department of Sfax Hospital, between 1st March 2018 and February 29th, 2020. We defined serious SV as any sexual violence associated with genital or anal lesions. ResultsWe collected 269 cases of women victims of SV. This sexual violence was associated with extra-genital physical violence in 18.86 % of the cases. The average age of the victims was 21.23 years (+/−10.67 years). The consultation delay was relatively long. Only 11.52 % of victims consulted within 24 h. It was mainly an extra-family abuse. Vaginal examination revealed recent defloration in 9.29 % of the cases. The proctological examination was normal in most cases (61.63 %).Seven victims were pregnant.In the analytical study, we studied the risk factors of serious SV against women. A total of 150 cases were considered serious (55.8 %). Serious SV was statistically related to the age (over 18),the profession (housewives),the origin (urban),and the relationship with the aggressor (friend, neighbor, or family member).The risk of serious SV was greater when the victim didn’t have any traumatic extra-genital injury. ConclusionSexual violence is a serious problem worldwide and in Tunisia. The Tunisian legislation repressing SV has been strengthened by the promulgation of the 2017-58 Act. However, much effort remains to be deployed to fight against this form of violence.

Effect of different soil amendments on irrigation and crop yields in the oases of southern Tunisia

In the oasis agro-system, salinization and hydromorphy are the principal degradation factors that negatively affect the soils. These two processes are the result of the rise of the water table caused by the overdose of irrigations. To counteract soil degradation and restore field productivity, the oasis farmers turn to use sandy and manure amendments. Therefore, three treatments (Control (C), sandy amendment (T1) and combined amendments composed by sand and manure (T2)) has been applied in Nefzaoua oasis to evaluate the effect of different amendments on oasis soil fertility, irrigation parameters, and barley yield. Results showed that T2 enhanced yield parameter (3,07 t/ha) compared to control treatment (1.85 t / ha) thanks to the improvement in the total nitrogen concentration (1.38 g kg -1), soil organic carbon (28.74 g kg- 1) and therefore C / N ratio (20.78) for T2 treatment at the level of the 0-20 cm layer. The results revealed that sand + manure combination (T2) enhanced the irrigation dose that can be effectively applied for the barley plants (19.61 mm) compared to the control treatment (15.49 mm) and T1 treatment (12.26 mm). In addition, the combined treatment T2 declined significantly the oasis soil bulk density leading to rise the porosity of the top layers (0-20 cm). Our results obtained confirmed the effectiveness of the combined amendment composed of sand and manure in improving the fertility and productivity of the amended oasis soil. Keywords: Soil amendments, irrigation, agro-system, soil degradation