RANGELAND IMPROVEMENT METHODS IN ARID AREAS OF EASTERN MOROCCO

Rangelands are the most important feed sources for sheep and goats in the Eastern Morocco. This study aimed to investigate the effect of two improvement treatments on pasture production in Eastern Morocco. This study was conducted in pasture areas (M'Brek El Ibil) exclusively used by sheep herds. We used three treatments: open grazing, protection from grazing, shrub plantation (Atriplex nummularia). The vegetation parameters (consumable biomass and plant cover) were measured during three periods of the year. According to the results, the consumable biomass and the plant cover were significantly different (P < 0.05) according to the applied treatment and the period of measurement. The consumable biomass was 814 KgDM/ha, 463 KgDM/ha and 41KgDM/ha respectively in shrub plantation, protected and open grazing. The average vegetation cover was 34%, 47% and 18%, respectively. Rangeland improvement methods, Plantation of Atriplex nummularia and protection from grazing, increased the consumable biomass and plant cover of pasture areas. These methods are necessary to insure sustainability of pastoral resources.