Year 2024, Volume 9, Issue 3

Year : 2024
Volume : 9
Issue : 3
   
Authors : Ahmed JELLOUL, Lotfi KHIARI, Saad DRISSI
Title : DEVELOPMENT OF A PARTICLE SIZE IMBALANCE INDEX TO DETERMINE THE SUITABILITY OF FEZ AND MEKNES SOILS FOR CEREAL CROPS
Abstract : To optimize cereal cultivation in the agro-systems of Fez-Meknes, Morocco, this study emphasizes the importance of soil texture and organic matter for cereal productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid climates. The objective is to develop a comprehensive index based on five parameters of particle size properties (percentage of clay, fine silt, coarse silt, sand, and organic matter) to predict the yield potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Utilizing 298 independent experimental sites in the agricultural region of Fez-Meknes, wheat yields were analyzed in relation to soil texture. The analysis involved a complete compositional simplex (S5), a log-centered transformation, and the calculation of five cumulative variance functions of the components, resulting in five cubic models. By identifying inflection points in these models linking cumulative functions to wheat yields, a critical yield of 24 quintals per hectare was determined, distinguishing between more and less productive wheat populations. The developed global particle size imbalance index, named r2granulo, exhibited a theoretical value of 3.1 and a value validated by the Cate-Nelson partitioning method of 5.2. These results indicate that the r2granulo index can serve as a reliable indicator for evaluating soil suitability for cereal production in arid and semi-arid regions. An index value below 5.2 suggests favorable soil conditions for cereal cultivation. This index offers a practical tool for farmers and agronomists to optimize cereal yields by effectively assessing and managing soil properties.
For citation : Jelloul, A., Khiari, L., Drissi, S. (2024). Development of a particle size imbalance index to determine the suitability of Fez and Meknes soils for cereal crops. AGROFOR International Journal, Volume 9. Issue No. 3. pp. 39-47. DOI: 10.7251/AGREN2403039J
Keywords : Soil texture, compositional analysis, cereal soil, Simplex of composition, Morocco.
   
download paper

 

r