Sustainability Days Achieve Great Success and Conclude with a Field Visit to Field Schools at the Marchouch Experimental Station
As part of the celebration of World Soil Day, observed annually on December 5, participants in the “Sustainability Days” initiative conducted a field visit to the field schools at the Marchouch Experimental Station in Khemisset Province on Thursday. The visit aimed to explore direct seeding techniques and environmental agricultural experiments in the region. This event sought to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable soil and water management in addressing climate change and ensuring food security.
Direct Seeding: A Smart Tool for Soil Sustainability
On this occasion, Dr. Rachid Moussadek , a researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), emphasized that Morocco, like other countries worldwide, is implementing innovative solutions developed by researchers to preserve soil. Among these solutions is conservation agriculture, known as direct seeding.
Dr. Moussadek highlighted that this approach ensures productivity adaptable to climate change while addressing challenges such as soil salinity, poor fertilization, and weakened soil factors. He stressed that research has shown that adopting smart methods preserves soil fertility and enhances sustainable production.
Moroccan Mechanisms: Efficiency in Service of the Soil
In a similar statement, Mr. Mohamed Ouzzine, Head of the Agricultural Experimental Farm at ICARDA, explained that the visit to the Marchouch Experimental Station aimed to familiarize participants with various seeders used in direct seeding, particularly Moroccan-made seeders.
He noted that no-tillage seeding to preserve the soil underpins the operation of these Moroccan seeders, which have been tested for over four years. They perform efficiently across different types of crops, maintaining the natural components of the soil and optimizing water use.
Promising Field Results
Abdelaali Makawi, a researcher specializing in direct seeding, stated that the experimental fields at the Marchouch Station are divided into two sections: one for direct seeding and the other for conventional tillage. This setup allows for a comparative study of productivity. Makawi explained that direct seeding has a significant impact on productivity and yield, as it enhances the chemical, biological, and geological properties of the soil.
He added that the experiments focus on studying and evaluating the effects of direct seeding on the soil’s physical and chemical properties as well as agricultural yield. He highlighted that direct seeding increases soil water retention, enhances soil resistance to erosion, and improves the quality of organic matter in the soil.
Partnerships for Sustainability
Abderrahman Mekki, responsible for soil and water management at the Sub-Regional Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for North Africa, pointed out that under the Sustainable Soil Development Project in Morocco, an agreement was signed with INRA and ICARDA. He stressed that World Soil Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness among stakeholders about the importance of soil conservation.
Success Stories in Ecological Agriculture
Located 27 kilometers from Marchouch, participants visited a farm in the commune of Had Brachoua that adopts organic and ecological farming practices. Said Aakef, President of the “My Farm Without Chemicals” Cooperative, stated that the six-hectare farm has been a model of agricultural innovation since 2015, relying on sustainable techniques that preserve soil quality and ensure diverse production despite the region’s water stress.
“Sustainability Days”: A Platform for Collaboration and Awareness
The “Sustainability Days” event, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, concluded with wide participation from national and international stakeholders. The initiative focused on raising awareness of the importance of sustainable soil and water management, enhancing agricultural systems’ resilience to climate change, and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
Through its scientific and innovative momentum, Morocco continues to strengthen its leadership in sustainable agriculture, aiming to strike an ideal balance between productivity and environmental protection. This success is the result of the efforts of its distinguished experts, including Dr. Mseddi, Mr. Ouzzine, and Mr. Makawi, along with a group of researchers contributing to progress in this vital sector.
adil el arabi