Recultivation of degraded soils  in Morocco

Within the scope of the GIZ program for the protection of nature and to combat desertification (PRONALCD), the consortium IPRO and AMykor as well as the Moroccan partner C.M.E.R. developed new methods for reculti-vation of demoted zones and will realized an exemplary agricultural and forestry after use. 

Initial situation

Morocco’s agriculture and forestry are characterized by sensitive arid eco-systems whose stability and producti-vity are increasingly affected by de-gradation and desertification. Soils used for agricultural and forestry purposes are especially jeopardized. Competing land uses of soils that are only limitedly suitable for economic use are aggravated also in Morocco by increasing overexploitation, partially insufficient irrigation or unsuitable tillage methods. Usable soils are irre-versibly lost due to unhampered ero-sion and intensifying desertification.

Objectives

The project "Recultivation of degra-ded soils in Morocco" was aimed at establishing professional and tech-nical know-how in terms of reculti-vation options for degraded soils by using mycorrhizae as well   as pilot applications for reutilization by agriculture and forestry. 

Application of mycorrhizal products (soil auxiliary agents) has the potential of improving root-taking conditions and biomass production. Local resour-ces in Morocco for development and application of soil conditioners have not yet been sufficiently developed; respective technologies and infra-structures (e.g. to obtain carrier materials) are non-existent. 

The method of recultivation by mycorrhization* was initiated in three pilot regions with different degrees of degradation to demonstrate under local conditions that the use of soil auxiliary agents can contribute to preservation and quality enhancement

of existing soils. The pertinent, tar-geted erosion protection measures make a direct contribution to fighting desertification.  

In order to disseminate this reculti-vation method also beyond the pilot regions, a practice-oriented training program was developed and topic-specific events  were held to famil-iarise planting farms, specialist insti-tutes and training centers (univer-sities) with potential recultivation measures on devastated and degra-ded soils by appropriate cultivation and rooting methods. The key Moroccan partner was the National Agronomic Research Institute (INRA Morocco). 

The project referred directly to the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) which ref-lects the urgent need for action to safeguard ecosystems as resources of livelihood and economy.