The use of Bituminaria Bituminosa (L.) Stirton and Microbial Biotechnologies for Restoration of Degraded Pastoral Lands: The Case of the Middle Atlas of Morocco

Abstract

The degradation of rangelands has been accentuated over the years leading to a loss of biomass and to the alteration of the biodiversity of plant species. Overgrazing and climate change, including the high frequency of drought years, are among the factors responsible for the low productivity and regenerative capacity of the canopy. The department of Forestry said that the pastoral charge exceeds 3 to 4 times the optimal load [1]. And this estimated shortfall of more than 30% explains the sharp deterioration of forestry capital. This situation requires the establishment of a reconciling alternative between forage requirements and the rehabilitation of degraded lands. The main objective of this work is to propose a management model using a sustainable biological approach such as the use of droughtadapted leguminous shrubs and low soil fertility.