Effect of no tillage on the physico-chemical properties of soils of the El Koudia region, Rabat (Morocco)

No-tillage (NT) significantly enhances soil organic matter accumulation and structural stability compared to conventional tillage (CT), particularly in the 0-5 cm surface horizon. This study, conducted at the El Koudia experimental station in Rabat, Morocco, found that NT soils exhibit a mean weight diameter (MWD) of 0.94 mm, indicating greater resistance to erosion degradation, while CT soils showed an MWD of 0.83 mm. Additionally, NT preserves soil moisture and promotes water retention by 5 to 10%, addressing critical challenges in Moroccan agriculture such as water erosion and organic matter depletion. The research analyzed soil samples from durum wheat (Arrehane variety) crops, focusing on physico-chemical properties under different tillage practices to assess their impact on soil health and sustainability.

Maher, H., Moussadek, R., Zouahri, A., Douaik, A., Dakak, H., El Moudane, M., & Ghanimi, A. (2020). Effect of no tillage on the physico-chemical properties of soils of the El Koudia region, Rabat (Morocco). E3S Web of Conferences, 150, 3010. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202015003010