Analysis of Soil Hydraulic Conductivity in Palm Plantations in the Saline Soils of the Oued Rhir

The aim of the study was to determine K-factors of homogeneous zones in palm-groves in order to make possible the interpolation of these values to other similar areas, and by this way to help the calculation of draining parameters. Another goal was to interpret the agronomical aspects of the results. Investigations for the determination of conductivity factors (K-factors) were carried out in the palm-groves of the Oued Rhir Valley. The measurements - conducted three times - were made by the auger-hole method. After boring the hole, a perforated cylinder was placed into it to prevent falling in. K-factor values were calculated after van Beers. The mean of the three calculations was given as the end result for the K-factors. Our results show that K-factor values are influenced by the porosity, type, bulk density and texture of soils, their salt content and the form of gypsum. The K-factor was extremely high in case of sandy soils and soils containing crystallized gypsum. Water conductivity was moderate in case gley and pseudogley were located in deeper layers. The lowest values occurred when gypsum was found in cemented coherent particles. Salinization in deeper layers influenced hydraulic conductivity only in case it was associated with finer texture and airless layers. Besides date production, the traditional growing of nitrogen-fixing perennial legumes (alfalfa, Egyptian clover, melilot, etc.) in palm-groves is essential. Systemic flooding irrigation decreases the salt content of soils, increases date and legumes yields. Legumes - by their root-system - improve the nitrogen balance, structure and water drainage of soils. The green parts of the cultivated legumes serve as fodder for animals (goats, sheep, cows), which turn it to manure. This manure increases the nutrient supply of the soils for palm-trees and vegetables. The positive results of stubble and root manuring (green manuring) of legumes is also confirmed by experiments on sandy soils. The elaboration of a good plant rotation is possible. At last, date and vegetables produced in this way could be sold better on the world market as bioproducts.