On the Sidelines of SIAM Meknes: A Workshop on Soil Health and the Challenge of Agricultural Resilience Amid Climate Change
In a refined scientific atmosphere, and on the sidelines of the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Meknes, “OCP Nutricrops,” in partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the scientific centers ARVALIS and Intercéréales, organized an international workshop on a highly important topic: “Soil Health and the Resilience of Agricultural Systems in the Face of Climate Change.”
The session was opened by Mr. Redouane Arrach, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, who outlined the Kingdom’s strategic vision for achieving food sovereignty and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources. He emphasized that soil health has become a fundamental pillar of any agricultural model capable of withstanding the effects of climate change.
The workshop was marked by a powerful scientific lecture delivered by the renowned Professor Daniel Nahon, who provided an in-depth diagnosis of the global state of soils. He stressed that maintaining organic matter is the key to agricultural fertility and combating desertification phenomena.
During a session dedicated to the exchange of scientific insights and field experiences, Dr. Rachid Moussadek, researcher at the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) and ICARDA, delivered a pivotal presentation in which he shared results from field trials on conservation agriculture in Morocco. Dr Moussadek highlighted the tangible impact of these practices in improving soil structure, increasing water retention capacity, and promoting natural soil regeneration. He emphasized the importance of considering local soil characteristics when designing sustainable agricultural pathways and called for a strong bridge between scientific research, agricultural extension services, and public policies to widely and effectively transfer innovations to the fields.
In this context, he underscored the vital role of conservation agriculture in adapting to drought and stabilizing agricultural production without depleting fragile ecosystems.
Dr. Moussadek reported very positive results, with crop yields increasing by between 30% and 100% even under drought conditions, alongside a notable improvement in water use efficiency and an increase of up to 25% in soil organic matter content. These results strengthen confidence in Morocco’s ability to overcome climate challenges through the path of science and knowledge.
French experiences were also highlighted during the event, with Stéphane Gésaquel and Benoît Pieterman sharing their country’s expertise in sustainable fertilization, while Noufel Roudies showcased the contributions of the “Al Moutmir” program in promoting precise soil diagnostics and innovative digital solutions for the benefit of farmers.
For his part, Anis Bouraqadi, Director of the Crops Division at OCP Nutricrops, highlighted the scientific progress achieved in rational fertilization and the role of agricultural innovation in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing productivity in ways that respect soil health.
The workshop concluded with the signing of a new cooperation agreement between the organizing parties — a concrete step towards implementing the meeting’s recommendations and launching joint applied research projects aimed at building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system in the face of climate challenges.
Once again, this workshop confirmed that soil, with all the life it harbors, remains the primary and ultimate stake for achieving food security and protecting the planet.
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