The Impact of Recent Rainfall on Soil: Dr. Rachid Moussadek Answers
After six years of severe drought that exhausted the agricultural system and directly affected groundwater reserves and land productivity, March arrived bearing significant rainfall that rejuvenated fields and reservoirs, restoring farmers’ hopes for a promising agricultural season. These blessed rains have revitalized the soil but simultaneously raise concerns about the sustainability of natural resources, particularly water and soil, amid the prevailing climate changes in the region.
Despite the positive impact of these precipitations, challenges such as the loss of fertile soil due to erosion and sediment accumulation in dams persist, threatening the long-term effectiveness of these rains. In this context, conservation agriculture emerges as an essential and effective solution to ensure the sustainability of these vital resources.
Dr. Rachid Moussadek : Rainfall alone is insufficient for soil sustainability
To shed light on the impact of recent rains on the soil, “Al-Mouhit Al-Filahi” magazine conducted an interview with Dr. Rachid Moussadek, a prominent researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural Research and ICARDA.
In his discussion, Dr. Moussadek confirmed that these precipitations have clearly contributed to revitalizing the soil and enhancing its nutrients, explaining:
“After years of drought, these rains come to boost soil fertility and invigorate its biological activity. However, they are not without challenges, especially in clay soils that suffer from water retention, hindering deep infiltration and affecting plant nourishment.”
He also pointed out the phenomenon of erosion, which is exacerbated by heavy rains following drought periods, leading to the loss of massive amounts of fertile soil and the accumulation of sediments in dams, thereby reducing their storage capacity year after year.
Conservation agriculture: An indispensable solution
Regarding ways to mitigate this phenomenon, Dr. Moussadek emphasized the importance of adopting conservation agriculture practices, stating:
“The solution lies in implementing conservation agriculture techniques, which involve reducing tillage, covering the soil with crop residues at a rate of no less than 20% to 30%, and applying well-planned crop rotations. These simple practices reduce soil erosion by up to 50% and help retain water within the soil.”
He indicated that Morocco loses between 30 to 50 tons of fertile soil per hectare annually, which are alarming figures, calling for intensified training and awareness among farmers. Adopting these techniques ensures better yields and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Green Generation… Towards one million hectares of conservation agriculture
Within the framework of the Green Generation strategy, the Kingdom of Morocco is working to expand conservation agriculture to cover one million hectares, aiming to enhance soil fertility, ensure the sustainability of water resources, and achieve sustainable productivity.
Dr. Moussadek confirmed that achieving this goal requires aligning plans with the specificities of each region, along with strengthening agricultural extension programs to ensure these practices become part of the Moroccan farmer’s culture.
A clear message: Do not waste a drop of water or a grain of soil
In conclusion, Dr. Moussadek delivered a clear message to farmers and decision-makers:
“The recent rains are a great blessing after years of drought, but they alone will not achieve sustainability. The imperative is to waste neither a drop of water nor a grain of soil. Conservation agriculture is not a luxury option but a national necessity to ensure a sustainable and productive agricultural future.”
Let’s change our approach to soil and water…
The rains witnessed by our country during March are a precious opportunity that should not be squandered. Salvaging the agricultural season and reducing the water deficit hinge on a radical change in how we exploit soil and water, putting an end to the waste resulting from erosion and poor resource management. Today, with Morocco moving towards generalizing conservation agriculture techniques, it has become essential to involve farmers in this transformation and enhance their awareness that preserving every drop of water and grain of soil is the safety valve for their future and that of future generations.
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