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With an average annual rainfall below 150 mm, the steppe with Hammada scoparia emerges, constituting the transition between the arid steppes and the Saharan vegetation. The distribution of the vegetation is very irregular, which depends on the nature and structure of the soils. A soil study, based on observations and the sampling of 42 profiles, was carried out within a range of species located in the southern part of Naâma. The principal component analysis enables the identification of relationships between the different soil profiles and the species studied. The results obtained show that the woody steppe with H. scoparia occupies habitats characterized by a sandy-loamy to sandy and stony texture on the surface of carbonate crusts, often in the form of slabs with a variable carbonate content of 1.22 to 12.7% in certain types of soil; this element tends to be carried to a depth of 40 to 60 cm. In other types of soil, on the contrary, it remains distributed throughout the entire profile. Colonized soils are generally shallow and poor in organic matter, varying from 2 to 3.65%, with an alkaline pH ranging between 6.7 and 8.8. The measured electrical conductivity varies between 0.1 and 0.7 mS/cm. This variation largely depends on the texture of the soil, the bioclimate and the steppe vegetation. The results obtained enable the valorization of this species, which has a socio-economic and ecological role, as it practically adapts to the different types of soil of the steppe space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haloxylon scoparium (syn. Hammada scoparia, in Arabic: remth) is a steppe species characteristic of the Saharan Atlas and belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. An ethnobotanical survey on H. scoparia was carried out in the local population of the Naâma region. Using 200 questionnaire forms, this ethnobotanical study made it possible to identify the different uses of the species against various health problems. The results show that H. scoparia is well known by the population for its therapeutic virtues, with a level of knowledge of 96% and a fidelity index of 42%. As many as 192 respondents reported its use against 18 conditions, including diseases of the digestive system, injuries, skin inflammation, diabetes, and scorpion stings, which occupy the first place with a rate of 43%. Leaves have an intraspecific use value of 55.6%, and decoction of the leaves followed by the powder alone or in combination is the most used preparation method. This steppe species deserves to be valued on a large scale for its socio-economic and ecological aspects but also for its therapeutic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albardine (Lygeum spartum L.) is one of the major native grass species of the semi-arid and arid regions of the Mediterranean basin. In Algeria, it is much more widespread on the high plateaus of southern Oranais. This species occupies an important place in the steppe region because it has many ecological, economic, and fodder interests. The present work aims to study the tolerance of L. spartum seeds to water and salt stress, two abiotic factors that affect the physiology of the plant during the germinal stage. The methodology adopted consists of using increasing concentrations under a controlled temperature (15°C) for 21 days of germination. The germination responses of the seeds to different degrees of salt stress induced by NaCl (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 g/l) and water stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG;−2, -4, -6, -8, −10 bar), showed that the salt and water stresses retarded the germination rate of L. spartum L. seeds and also decreased their percentage during the time of the experiment. However, seeds soaked in distilled water (control) recorded a maximum germination rate of 80%. The results of this study show that L. spartum seeds are moderately salt and drought tolerant with a depressive effect on germination rate at a salt concentration of 10g/l and an osmotic pressure of −10 bar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep breeding and feeding in the steppe areas of Algeria is often linked to the use of pastures, but in light of climatic changes, drought, and deterioration of pastures, sheep breeders resorted to adopting pastoral agriculture to meet the needs of their livestock as a result of the deterioration of pastures, in addition to determining the patterns of livestock breeding in the Ain Ben Khelile region, Nâama Province (western Algeria). From a natural area characterised by a stepic environment in the region of Ain Ben Khelile wilaya of Nâama West of Algeria, A 02 year's field survey and investigation (2021-2022), 50 farmers who agreed to cooperate in the research were randomly selected to engage in agriculture and animal husbandry. These farms are also located in a lower arid bioclimatic zone with cool winters. The methodological approach followed to carry out our study requires the use of appropriate observation or survey methods and the use of analysis means adapted to the situations encountered. In this context, the means used to carry out this work are based on documentary research, surveys and observations. Based on field investigations, three main categories of livestock breeders were distinguished the farmers surveyed have at least an education level thanks to the reforms carried out by the Algerian state in the field of rural development and that this profession did not remain the prerogative of illiterate people. The majority of educators surveyed are elderly as 52% of educators surveyed are between 36 and 50 years of age and 42% of educators surveyed have a primary education. It seems that the breeding of the Ouled Djellal and Rembi sheep breed is of great interest to livestock breeders because of its rusticity and ease of fattening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Algerian steppe (Rogassa) overgrazing led to the reduction of the surface of the pasture land and its biodiversity. The objective of this work was to highlight the importance of the protected land in maintaining biodiversity and preserving the degraded areas. A mixed sampling for the two different sites was adopted, where fifty floristic surveys were conducted using the Braun-Blanquet method. The analysis of the real biological spectrum of the unprotected land was marked by the strong dominance of the therophytes. However, in the protected land the chamaephytes dominated all of the biological types. The analysis of the biogeographic spectra revealed the reappearance of the endemic species (+3%). The Shannon Index was very important in this matter (2.43). The Student's t-test of the biodiversity's index showed a highly significant difference between the two sites. The ascending hierarchical classification revealed that the protected land is subdivided into four groups dominated respectively by: Macrochloa tenacissima, Lygeum spartum, Artemisia erba-alba and Hordeum murinum. The results of the Jaccard dissimilarity index indicated a strong difference of the order of 80% between the two areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steppe plant species play an important role in ruminant feeding systems. It becomes necessary to put precise methods to evaluate the fodder quality of these pastures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pastoral productivity (PP) expressed in UF/ha and the pastoral value (PV) expressed in the form of a note or score then to fix the load per hectare to avoid the regressive synergy of the steppe ecosystem, providing proteins to satisfy the basic needs of the Algerian human economy. The research was carried out on Touchent pastures, located in Khenchela Wilaya in North-Est of Algeria. Which was undertaken during two seasons (Autumn, Spring) over 4 campaigns. The study area was dominated by Stipa tenacissima, Artemisia herba alba, Thymus algeriensis and Genista quadriflora. The linear surveys in 5 selected stations of 100 m2, Pastoral productivity (PP) and the pastoral value (VP) were been calculated. The obtained results, showed that the nutrient composition of species during both seasons were very close. Generally, there was a slight difference between species during the same season, there was a difference in chemical composition between perennial species and annual species during Spring (Annual plants have the heist values). We note from this study that the pastoral value depends on the duration of the protection, the degree of degradation and the rainfall. The measures of pastoral productivity (PP) and pastoral values (PV) present a highly significant correlation between them. Indeed, the determination of the load per hectare contributes to the preservation, rational exploitation and sustainability of natural steppe rangelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of plant diversity of the arid steppe regions is an important aspect of assessing their ecological and economical value and their need for conservation and rehabilitation in light of climate change today. The present study aims to determine the floristic diversity of three sites in the steppe region of Tiaret (Algeria) in terms of species and families present, phytogeographical aspects, and plant life forms using field observations carried out from 2010 to 2018. Overall, 245 plant species belonging to 175 genera and 53 families were recorded in the study region. The richest site in terms of biodiversity was Chot Ech-Chergui with 150 plant species belonging to 38 families, followed by the Massif of Nadhor with 130 species (37 families), then the Plateau of Ain Deheb with 121 plant species (31 families). The most frequent families recorded in these sites were: Asteraceae (17.96%), Poaceae (11.02%), and Fabaceae (7.35%). Shannon's diversity index analysis showed high diversity at the species level but low diversity in terms of plant families. The Pielou equitability index indicated significant evenness. In terms of Raunkier life-forms, therophytes (annuals and ephemerals) were predominant (37.69–49.59%) followed by chamaephytes (18.46–24.79%) and hemicryptophytes (14.67–17.69%). Mediterranean and Multi-regional species were the most frequent chorotypes contributing 50.20% and 33.23% of the total flora, respectively. Several North African endemic species were noted, namely Saccocalyx satureioides Coss. & Durieu, Carum foetidum (Coss. & Durieu) Maire, Tamarix boveana Bunge, Taraxacum getulum Pomel, Onopordum arenarium (Desf.) Pomel, Helianthemum apertum Pomel, Helianthemum hirtum (L.) Mill., Frankenia thymifolia Desf., Thymus algeriensis Boiss. & Reut., Thymelaea microphylla Meisn. and Pistacia atlantica Desf. Management programs are imperative to preserve the reported biodiversity and these fragile environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding constitutes the main socio-economic activity in the steppic regions in Algeria but also a major handicap in terms of sustainable spatial planning. The present study aims to analyze the land occupation dynamics during the period 2000 - 2015 in the region of Sidi Abderrahmane (Tiaret, Algeria) in a perspective of sustainable spatial planning. The obtained results demonstrate a significant regression of steppe and chotts areas against an increase in agricultural spaces even in low fertile soils already deteriorated by drought and desertification. The decisive areas (steppe and wet), which play an economic and ecological role guaranteeing sustainability are threatened and have been reduced by 36,800 ha, which represent 22% of the total area. These findings highlight an advanced and almost irremediable degradation of land which was overexploited by breeding with a pastoral charge exceeding 2.5 sheep/hectare. The extension of agricultural areas on rangelands is another reflection followed by the advance of the dunes. This alarming state of steppe degradation requires the urgent implementation of stern program to manage, rehabilitate and restore these buffer regions against the advance of the desert through the reconciliation between local populations and their natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Algeria, as in many agricultural regions of Mediterranean countries, the cultivation of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) has a very important place in sustainable development, the economy, and the fight against. And the Algerian government has implemented an olive tree planting program with an area of 900,000 ha by 2024. In this context, the objective of this work is to determine the variability of the morphological and biochemical parameters of 10 ten varieties of olive tree of Algerian origin "Hamra, Sigoise, Aimel, Longue de Meliana, Mission, Guergour, Manzanitte Agnoun, Chemllal and Sofiana "having been the subject of an extension to the level of the semi-arid zone, carried out intensively, under localized irrigation, with controlled fertilizer inputs. The experiment started with on-site morphological measurements of tree height, trunk height and canopy circumference followed by laboratory analyzes by determining leaf area, relative water content and content in chlorophyll pigments. Graphical representations, comparisons of means, minimums and maximums, one-way analysis of variance on the one hand and PCA and AHC on the other hand were established between the studied parameters, in order to assess their variability. The results obtained showed that even if the olive tree is grown under the same growing conditions; varieties behave in different ways. These differences must be taken into account when choosing varieties in the plantation of mono-varietal or multi-varietal olive orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical analysis was performed on the data obtained from a study carried out on 97 species classified into 8 orders of 44 families belonging to the Insecta class, collected from the Ouled Djellal steppe ecosystem. By using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Ascendant Hierarchical Classification (AHC) of the XLSTAT software (2016 v. 3.1), we obtained a highest cumulative inertia (25.44%) explained by axis F1, represented by winter months (December, January, February) and summer months (June and July) and correlated with 31 species from a total of 97. In addition, more than eight (8) groups were obtained from the simultaneous representation of months and insect species. Using the AHC, four groups were validated, with a high indication for the second that groups 48 species, among which were Dicranocephalus Albipes (Fabricius, 1781), Polistes gallicus (Linnaeus, 1767), Papilio saharae (Oberthür, 1879), Broscus cephalotes (Linnaeus 1758) and Sphaerophoria scripta (Linnaeus, 1758), belonging to different orders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyses the sustainability of irrigated land exploitation in a commune located in the steppe of Rechaïga, in Algeria, where, after a phase of strong expansion, the dynamics of irrigated agriculture seem to have slowed down for several years. The expansion phase, which lasted two decades, involved both local farmers and itinerant farmers coming from other regions of the country. The article examines the evolution of land tenure and production dynamics, in relation to the overexploitation of groundwater. Particular attention is paid to the functioning of the land rental market and its inclusiveness. Two key results emerge from the analysis. The drawdown of the water tables highlights the unsustainability of intensive irrigated market gardening in the steppe, or at least in parts of the steppe with same water conditions as the study area. The expansion phase of market gardening has been inclusive and benefited both to local and itinerant farmers, while the decline phase seems difficult for those who do not have the resources to adapt, particularly local farmers; the itinerants respond to the deterioration of local production conditions by looking for new production sites. Many of these farmers give up agriculture because they lack accessible alternative technical options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoecology of the steppic formation at Drinn (Stipagrostis pungens) in the Naâma region (western Algeria). -- The steppic plateaus of N-Africa are remarkably affected by silting up and desertification. Sanding favors the installation of psammophytic formations dominated by Stipagrostis pungens, Thymelaea microphylla and Retama raetam on sandy accumulations and wind deposits. The study focuses on the eco-floristic aspects of the psammophytic grassland steppe of Stipagrostis pengens in the Naâma region (W-Algeria). Its objective is to illustrate the current state and to describe the floristic settlement characteristic of a type of steppe grouping very widespread in the summit Oran plateaus. The Drinn-dominated grasslands (Stipagrostis pungens) can form a homogeneous steppe very adapted to drought, by physiological reactions, as well as by ecological strategies, facilitating their spreading. The Drinn is loosely distributed in large, dense, branched tufts, more than one meter high on sandy accumulations in an arid climate. Several parameters are studied to approach the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the floristic settlement. This is followed by a statistical approach, to better interpret the different results obtained. 51 plant species belonging to 14 botanical families and 37 genera of vascular plants have been identified. The results obtained show that the phytoecological inventories are an useful tool to assess and develop natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Center of cutaneous leishmaniasis, the Setif steppes is currently experiencing a significant upsurge in this endemic and parasitic disease. To treat themselves the majority of the rural population has resorted mainly to toxic plants known for their magical and healing properties. The present study focused on the plant species potentially used in the treatment of these diseases. The floristic inventory identified six vascular species, including Peganum harmala L., Carlina gummifera (L.) Less., Deverra scoparia Coss. and two cryptogam species of scaly lichens (Lecanora esculenta Evernsmann and Rhizoplaca melanophtalma (DC.) Leuckert). These taxes constitute the most natural and effective antileishmanian remedy in the rural community. For the therapeutic route, our follow-up surveys are based on participatory observation, the knowledge held by the healers, the attitude of the users, the practices and the treatment time. These have enabled us to refine our knowledge and perception of the application of traditional herbal treatment, which is of great importance at the regional level where the nomadic and sedentary populations still have knowledge of leishmanicide species. It turns out that more in-depth scientific research will have to develop this empirical knowledge for a better management and preservation of this floristic heritage by fighting against this epidemiology which prevails in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows the impact of the reforestation program by some tree species (Pinus halepensis, Cupressus sempervirens and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) on the soil physicochemical parameters in south-western Algeria steppe. The study was realized on soil samples from the Touadjeur site. One hundred soil samples were taken from the field, followed by physicochemical analyses in the laboratory. A comparison of the soil elements between reforested and unreforested sites considered as a control was carried out. The results show that there are differences in the physicochemical parameters of the soil between the reforestation and the non-reforestation ones constituted by a steppe vegetation. The ANOVA one way test shows a highly significant difference change in soil physical parameters, moisture, holding capacity and saturated hydraulic conductivity, but no change in apparent density, actual density and color. Also, from a chemical point of view, the differences concern the organic matter, organic carbon, pH and certain soil contents. The main differences in soil properties between the reforestation sites and the control site, reflect the consequences of forest management adopted by the forest services, most probably the choice of reforestation species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first ethnobotanical investigation of Tuareg communities from the region of Illizi in the Algerian Sahara. The study aims to highlight the unique floristic diversity used in their traditional medicine. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with 120 Tuareg nomads, mostly old and illiterate men, using free listing and structured interviews. Field data were organised in Use Reports (URs) and analysed using the Informant Consensus Factor. We identified 118 medicinal plants belonging to 43 botanical families dominated by Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. The Tuareg use leaves in infusion as the most common preparation method. The species most often mentioned in the surveys are Salvadora persica L., Peganum harmala L. and Anvillea garcinii subsp. radiata (Coss. & Durieu) Anderb. Gastrointestinal system disorders are the ailments most commonly treated with herbal medicine. The treatment of cancer has the highest consensus among the community. This pathology is treated only by Ephedra alata subsp. alenda (Stapf) Trab. The analysis of the results in comparison with the available literature in Algeria and neighbouring countries led us to identify 21 new medicinal plants as well as 65 plants with new uses. We evaluated the originality of the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Tuareg community using a comparative approach with two populations geographically close, the Arabic-speaking nomads of the Algerian steppe and the Egyptian Bedouins with whom they share a nomadic way of life. Plants shared with Algerian nomad neighbours are those available in markets and used also for culinary and aromatic purposes, but plants shared with Bedouin communities are mostly non-cultivated desert plants. We conclude that Tuareg use medicinally many plants specific to their environment in unique ways. • We study the plant knowledge and traditional uses by the Algerian Tuareg nomads. • 97 plants are used for 22 ailments: 21 are unique to Tuareg ethnomedicine. • Most Tuareg medicines are wild Saharan plants, but ∼30% are cultivated and traded. • Algerian Arab and Tuareg nomads use the same cultivated and traded plants differently. • Egyptian Bedouins and Tuareg nomads share some Saharan plants used similarly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance This study is the first ethnobotanical survey focusing on the herbal medicines traditionally used by the nomadic community of the Algerian steppe, identifying new medicinal plants and uses from one of the most characteristic indigenous populations in Algeria. Moreover, the study contributes to the understanding of transmission of medicinal plant knowledge in the Mediterranean basin. Aim of the study This work aims to document the phytotherapeutical knowledge and practice of the nomadic community of the Algerian steppe, and compare it with neighbouring sedentary populations and Mediterranean historical texts. Through this, the study strives to evaluate processes of transmission of knowledge among this population, for whom written sources have been largely unavailable. Methods Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out during two years (2015–2017). In total, 73 informants from nomadic populations were interviewed in several steppe regions including areas in the administrative departments of Tiaret, Saida, Naama, Djelfa and M'sila. Structured interviews about medicinal plant knowledge were combined with guided tours with the informants. Prior informed consent was always obtained. The surveys allowed for the collection of sociodemographic data and traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and their uses. Informant Consensus Factor (F IC ) was calculated to evaluate agreement among informants. Results were compared to existing literature to evaluate similarities between this nomadic medicinal flora, that of neighbouring communities and historical texts and identify new plant citations and uses. Results Among Algerian nomadic communities, herbal remedies are used mostly by women and elders, who are often illiterate. We identified 97 taxa of medicinal plants belonging to 42 botanical families, importantly Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae, like in neighbouring communities. The most common plant parts and method of preparation are also shared with neighbouring populations. New uses are described for 25 known medicinal taxa, and nine species with undocumented medicinal uses in recent literature have been reported. However, some of these have been reported in Mediterranean materia medica . In total, 60% of the medicinal plant diversity used by Algerian nomads are well-known plants of the Mediterranean ethnopharmacological heritage. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of traditional medicine for Algerian nomad communities. This indigenous population has specific knowledge about plants from their steppe environment, but also shares a pool of knowledge with sedentary Algerian populations and Mediterranean people as a whole. Our research shows that a common North African and Mediterranean ethnobotanical heritage exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Larhyss Journal is the property of Biskra University, Research Laboratory in Subterranean & Surface Hydraulics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This work was being carried out in the steppe of remth (Hammada scoparia) in Oranian part of the Saharan Atlas (Tiout - south of Naama). The H. scoparia of Saharan group occupies the foothills south of the Saharan Atlas and glazes and hamadas of the northern part of the Sahara where it seems to find its optimum development. The objective of the study is the floristic and ecological characterisation of the steppe vegetation groups of H. scoparia after 4 years of enclosure grazing (Eg). For the past three decades, steppe of H. scoparia were completely overwhelmed, both in their structure and their operation by increasing the herd and the continued use of natural pastures using animal load significantly higher than the production potential of course, which is reflected by the reduction of their capacity for natural regeneration. Intervention measures that address this alarming situation are to foster the inverse process of degradation reconstruction and rehabilitation of degraded steppe rangelands by the technique of the Eg. The methodology involves a device that is composed of a series of transects that constitute a grid and allow to scan the whole website for Eg and part of the neighbouring paths. The results emphasise the interest and constructive impact of the Eg on plant diversity and the fight against the factors of degradation and desertification. This review highlights the importance of the technique of Eg for the rehabilitation and restoration of steppe rangelands in arid bioclimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An epidemiological survey led in Algeria between 2007 and 2008 with 53 "leaders" breeders of ovine races of 08 departments' steppics, revealed the existence of 04 different groups of behavior of breeding, according to the month number of transhumance with regard to courses steppics local: "West"[3/9]; "Center" [6/6]; "East " [3/9]; Tiaret [0/12]. There are three periods of deworming: March (lambing of spring or depart to the transhumance); June (sheep shearing or thatches transhumance; October (autumnal lambing or on return to transhumance) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the impact of steppe climate to the geographic distribution of ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes like the Marshallagia sp. The authors first focused their study on a farm in the North East part of Algeria, where 30 weaned lambs were examined monthly for faecal egg counts to identify gastrointestinal nematode species. They revealed that Marshallagia prevalence in several sites they observed ranged from 10% in Kazakhstan to 85% in Algeria. They added that Marshallagia and T. probolurus showed low ratios variance to mean of prevalences, but was high on other species or Nematodirus genus.

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The study of the diet of the Barn Owl in two steppic regions (M'Sila and Djelfa) located in the Algerian highlands is based on the analysis of the pellets of rejections collected in six stations. The analysis of 706 pellets resulting from the various stations made it possible to count 1380 individuals, represented by seven classes, 12 orders, 32 families, and 76 species of preys. The mammals are consumed with variable abundance rates between 59.1 % and 90.0 % whose predominance is assigned to the rodents (relative abundance: AR > 58 %). The latter constitute the most advantageous preys in biomass (61.4 ≤ B % ≤ 99.2). The most consumed prey is Meriones shawii, with variable rates between 31.9 % and 76.6 %. Generally, Tyto alba presents a diversified diet in the majority of the stations (0.69 ≤ E ≤ 0.76), except the station of Ain El-Hadjel (E = 0.35), with a low diversity and dominance of M. shawii (AR = 76.6 %)., (Copyright © 2014 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)