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.

Phytosanitary products, particularly herbicides, are essential for weed control in agriculture. This study examined the concentration and persistence of Pinoxaden residues in different soil textures. Seventy-two soil samples from two farms in Tiaret, Algeria, were analyzed using liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure herbicide residues. The analysis used a mobile phase of acetonitrile and methanol (50/50, V/V) with a retention time of 2 minutes. Results indicated significant differences in residue persistence based on soil texture. Clay-loam soils showed higher residue persistence, averaging 6.01 × 10^-4 ± 8.7 × 10^-5 μg/g, while sandy soils had lower persistence, averaging 6.4 × 10^-5 ± 5.9 × 10^-6 μg/g. This underscores the impact of soil characteristics on herbicide behavior and the need for tailored management strategies. Despite herbicides' benefits, their environmental impacts are concerning. Persistent residues can contaminate soil and harm ecosystems. Raising awareness among stakeholders about these risks is essential. The study recommends sustainable alternatives, such as biological control methods, to reduce dependency on chemical herbicides. Biological controls offer eco-friendly solutions, promoting ecosystem balance and reducing agriculture's ecological footprint. Implementing crop rotation and other integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can enhance weed control effectiveness while decreasing reliance on chemical herbicides. These practices mitigate environmental risks and improve soil health and agricultural productivity. In conclusion, while herbicides are indispensable in modern agriculture, responsible use and management are crucial for environmental sustainability and the long-term viability of agricultural systems. By adopting sustainable practices and innovative technologies, it is possible to balance agricultural productivity with environmental protection.

The main objective of this study is to comprehensively examine and analyze the various stages and components of the sheep meat value chain in Algeria. Specifically, this research aims to investigate the production, processing, distribution, and marketing aspects of sheep meat in a highly productive region within the Wilaya of Tiaret, located in northwest Algeria.A survey was conducted between 2019 and 2021, involving 57 breeders, 22 sheep dealers, 31 butchers, 2 slaughterhouse managers, and 510 consumers. The study identified two distinct marketing circuits for sheep meat in the region: one operating year-round and the other during the religious celebration of Aid El Adha. However, it was observed that the weak organization among the various actors in the value chain led to price fluctuations throughout the year.The study also revealed that sheep dealers had a lower net commercial margin than butchers, with an average of 5,902 DA per head for the former and a range of 7,200 DA to 8,200 DA for the latter, depending on the carcass category.The findings presented in this study not only contribute to academic knowledge but also serve as a practical guide for decision-makers, enabling them to implement policies that enhance the organization, efficiency, and sustainability of the sheep meat value chain in the Tiaret region.

Infertility poses a significant challenge within the sheep population, hindering herd regeneration. Both rams and ewes are susceptible to infertility, prompting our objective of enhancing reproductive performance through the utilization of essential oils as a means to mitigate this issue. Essential oils have long been acknowledged for their medicinal properties and have been extensively employed in traditional medicine. Some essential oils have been reported to exert effects on male reproductive functions in both animals and humans.Pimpinella anisum, scientifically known as green anise, is a medicinal and aromatic annual plant renowned as one of the oldest medicinal herbs and widely used as a spice. In Algeria, essential oils extracted from Pimpinella anisum are consumed on a wide scale; however, their potential in enhancing ram fertility has remained unexplored.To improve the fertility of the Rembi breed sheep population, rams were randomly selected for this study. These rams underwent various experiments to evaluate their response to different concentrations (0, 0.5, and 1 mm/ram) of essential oil obtained from anise seeds using the hydro-distillation extraction method. Furthermore, the study encompassed an assessment of their key zootechnical characteristics over a one-year period.

This study focuses on the imminent threat of desertification within Djelfa's steppe grazing lands, emphasizing its implications for land management and the sustainability of livestock practices. The methodology adopted employs a stringent approach that commences with a precise definition of desertification as a critical risk. It then proceeds to thoroughly assess the susceptibility of the local ecosystem to this phenomenon and delineates its consequential impact on both the human inhabitants and the surrounding environment. This comprehensive analysis effectively contextualizes human activities within the sphere of desertification's influence. Methodologically, the study employs a multidimensional framework to categorize the array of environmental goods and services rendered by these grazing lands. By identifying the beneficiaries associated with each service, the research aims to elucidate the complex threat posed at various levels. Crucially, the findings highlight the severe jeopardy that desertification imposes, not only endangering essential resources vital for extensive livestock production but also triggering a decline in invaluable environmental goods pivotal for the sustainability of the ecosystem and activities supporting human welfare. Statistically substantiated through an integration of diverse methodologies such as field surveys, satellite imagery analysis, and stakeholder consultations, this study validates the correlations between desertification and the degradation of ecosystem services. It provides empirical evidence showcasing the gradual decline of grazing lands, thereby compelling an urgent call for intervention strategies. In summary, this research underscores the urgent need for holistic strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of desertification. Its findings provide critical insights into the complex dynamics between human activities, ecosystem vulnerabilities, and the looming threat of desertification. It emphasizes the necessity for immediate collective action and sustainable resource management practices to safeguard ecosystems, ensure long-term sustainability, and protect the well-being of communities in Djelfa and beyond.

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is one of Algeria's primary cereal crops. Although the areas reserved for this species are estimated at approximately 40%, the production remains low to meet national grain requirements. This shortfall is primarily due to the impact of biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly drought, which significantly limit wheat yields. For that, this study assessed the behavior of five genotypes of durum wheat (Waha, Acsad1361, Vitron, Oued Zenati and Langlois) under water stress conditions. The experiment was carried out in Tiaret (Western Algeria). The studied parameters are morpho-physiological and anatomical of the flag leaf. The obtained results showed that the water deficit greatly affected the dimensions of the plant and triggered a decrease in the water content. Structural modifications due to cellular resizing of the structural constituents of the last leaf, reflected by variations in the rate of the outer epidermal wall thickness and reductions of leaf mesophiles. These modifications remain effective in maintaining the hydration of the aerial part by limiting water loss and increasing the hydraulic resistance of the leaves. According to this study, it seems that an inter-varietal difference has been highlighted. However, a genetic cross is recommended to combine the maximum number of resistant genes into a single variety. This strategy is considered as an effective solution for mitigating the effects of abiotic stresses, especially in semi-arid regions.