Contribution to the assessment of green biomass of Atriplex halimus plantation in arid western Algeria (region of Naama)

Abstract

Contribution to the assessment of green biomass of Atriplex halimus plantation in arid western Algeria (region of Naama). - Since more than thirty years the genus Atriplex is widely used in the development of low-potential land in the southern part of Algeria in order to meet the unique needs of livestock feed. The production of planting Atriplex (production of palatable biomass and wood for heating and cooking) was evaluated over a period of three years and has enabled us to assess the impact of both ecological and social impacts of this species in arid zone. The total green biomass produced annually is estimated at 2911 kg distributed in 1792 kg/year for leaves and 1119 kg / year for the stems. This biomass is equivalent to the offer of 100 ha of forest formations, which is appreciable. The high production of green biomass in leaves and wood is an opportunity for rural people, provided that the plantations are kept in exclosure for three years.