干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Behaviour of mixed grassland subjected to local practices in a semi-arid area of Algeria

With an aim to preserve, restore and improve perennial pastures in an elevated semi-arid area of Algeria, 1 ha of grassland was rehabilitated by sowing multispecies grassland (PERMED Project). The performances (production and floristic composition) of this forage mixture and that of the pre-existing natural grassland were monitored for 4 years. The inter-annual variability of precipitations and production was significant. After 2 years, the production for grazing and mowing after grassland rehabilitation was significantly higher compared to the former grassland, as well as the amount grazed by animals. Forage grass gradually and proportionally reduced legumes. Flood irrigation and harsh winter and spring temperatures could be responsible for this floristic degradation and the significant annual fluctuations.