Fertilization improves the production of natural wet meadows in the mountains of the High Eastern Atlas of Morocco : the case of the Imilchil region

Abstract

The oriental High Atlas mountains in southeast of Morocco are characterized by small natural wet grasslands called “Almous”, they are suitably well managed by the local population. They are destined to feed cattle and mullets. This trial was implemented in order to assess the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the phytomass production on the Tissila meadow (6.5 Ha) in Imilchil region. The experimental design consisted in dividing the meadow into 3 parcels. One parcel is leaved as control and the other two parcels have received two doses of nitrogen during three periods in the year (D1 =67 kg N/ha (split in three applications October, April and May) plus 46 Kg P2O5/ha (split in two applications April and May); D2 (with applications as D1=134kg N/ha more 46 Kg P2O5/ha; D3 = control). The phytomass production has doubled in Tissila region due to the effect of fertilization basically for dose (D2). The assessment of flora revealed a great specific richness (79 species) and some endemism.

Keywords

• prairie
• fertilisation
• haut atlas
• diversité floristique