Journal of Agriculture and Applied Biology
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Impact of agricultural inputs on the abundance of heavy metals (Cu, Zn) in soil, water, and plants in the south of Algeria
No full texthe aim of our study is to assess the impact of agricultural inputs on the levels of heavy metals, specifically copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), in soil, water, and plants in the oasis of El Ghrous, Branis, and Sidi Okba in Algeria. The existence of perilous substances in the surroundings is a significant ecological issue, endangering both human well-being and agricultural output. The overuse of fertilizers and pesticides may be causing heavy metals build-up. The aim will be to highlight a better understanding of the concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), considering as detrimental contaminants, after extensive utilization of agricultural inputs. In order to examine the levels of trace metals (TMs), we performed additional tests by comparing field samples using metal analysis techniques that involved ammonium acetate and EDTA, and detection by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Our findings suggest that in soils affected by fertilizers and phytosanitary agents, the concentrations of Cu++ and Zn++ are below levels that would cause toxicity. Indeed, the levels of Cu++ are measured at 6.14 µg/g and the levels of Zn++ are measured at 4.97 µg/g. Nevertheless, the copper contents in irrigation waters from sites 01 and 02 beyond the levels that are considered dangerous. Similarly, copper levels in plants are categorized as hazardous. The findings emphasize the significance of implementing integrated pest management strategies in order to reduce the negative consequences of excessive use of agricultural inputs. Additionally, our study imposes the need to closely monitoring agricultural practices in order to mitigate environmental and public health hazards. Implementing sustainable farming practices and employing effective resource management strategies is crucial for safeguarding agricultural ecosystems and guaranteeing sustainable food production in the long run. Adopting an all-encompassing strategy is crucial for preserving the well-being of both the ecosystem and the populace
Effect of stationary factors on the yield and chemical composition of essential oils of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters from Sdama Chergui massif’s (Tiaret, North-West Algeria)
No full textThis paper aims to study the influence of exposure, altitude, and soil pH on the yield and chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters, developed in the Sdama Chergui massif in northwestern Algeria. These EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation, resulting in average yields of 0.33±0.13 %, 0.29±0.07 %, 0.24±0.07 %, and 0.2±0.03 %, recorded at the south, west, north, and east exposures, respectively. Upon analyzing the obtained EOs by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), a total of chemical molecules grouped into 22 families were identified. The predominant compounds were Bornyl acetate (9.14 %, 7.95 %, 11.20 %, and 9.78 %), Limonene (5.03 %, 7.18 %, 5.76 %, and 5.41 %), α-Pinene (4.97 %, 5.26 %, 5.09 %, and 4.79 %), Camphor (7.53 %, 3.69 %, 3.01 %, and 5.91 %), and Borneol (5.20 %, 6.26 %, 4.93 %, and 5.11 %). Additionally, the analysis of these molecules by Factorial Analysis of Mixed Data (PCAmix) revealed that exposure, altitude, and soil pH have little effect on the yield and chemical composition of the essential oils of Tetraclinis articulata. Finally, careful attention to stationary parameters is crucial for obtaining essential oils of high quality and optimal quantity
In vitro anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activities of alkaloïds extracted from nopals of inermis Algerian Opuntia ficus indica (L).
No full textThe dearth of information surrounding the utilization of Opuntia cladode alkaloids underscores a critical gap in understanding their pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential, emphasizing the need for further comprehensive investigations. The present study aims to investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial activities of alkaloïds belonging to young cladodes (nopals) of inermis Algerian Opuntia ficus indica. The assessed alkaloïds showed a moderate anti-inflammatory effect regarding the BSA protein protection with a maximum of 51.04±1.84 % compared to 84.22±2.38 % for Diclofenac sodium as a positive standard. However, their stabilization of red blood cells membrane against induced hemolysis was greater than Diclofenac (52.38±2.01 % vs 48.97±2.73 %). The two assays had a significant correlation (< 0.05) of 0,968. Nopal alkaloïds extended the coagulation time (1.24 fold) by significantly affecting the exogenous pathway PT only, whilst they were ineffective against the endogenous pathway APTT. Conversely, Algerian nopal alkaloïds had neither bacteriostatic nor bactericide influence at 2 mg ml-1 on Candida albicans yeast or the six tested pathogenic bacterial strains. In perspective, the purification of these Opuntia nopal alkaloïds and understanding their accurate mechanism of action are clearly the strategic steps to illustrate their overall curative potential
Centaurea dimorpha Viv. (Asteraceae) growing in Algeria extracts as a promising natural cosmetic active ingredient: Broad-spectrum photoprotection and antioxidant efficacy
No full textRecently, plants have been considered as a valuable natural source of cosmetic active ingredientsowing to their sustainability and weak toxicity. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the cosmetic efficacy of Centaurea dimorpha Viv (Asteraceae), an endemic species of North Africa, as a promising natural cosmetic active ingredient. In the present study, Ethyl acetate and Butanolic extracts obtained from powdered Centaurea dimorpha aerial parts were investigated for their phenolic and flavonoid contents, which were evaluatedvia Folin-ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride methods, the in vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging,phosphomolybdenum and phenanthroline assays, the UVB and broad spectrum protective efficacy was spectrophotometrically assessed by measuring SPF, UVA/UVB ratio and critical wavelength (CW) indices. The highest levels of TPC and TFCwere recorded by the ethyl-acetate extract (119.20 ± 0.32 µg GAE mg-1, 50.65 ± 0.43 µg QEmg-1, respectively). Similarly, this extract displayed a significant antioxidant effect, particularly in the phenanthroline assay (152.63 ± 0.49 µg AAEmg-1). Ethyl acetate extract also showed UVB and broad-spectrum (UVB-UVA) protective efficacy (SPF=12.30 ± 0.001, UVA/UVB ratio=0.63 ± 0.001, λc= 371). The results obtained show the possibility to use Ethyl acetate extract as a promising active ingredient for sunscreen formulations
Diversity of fruit fly species in agricultural area Chott Zahrez Chergui (Djel-fa): First record of Trupanea amoena (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Algeria
No full textFruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are cosmopolitan, species-rich, and yet poorly studied in Algeria, particularly in the agro area of Djelfa. We sampled fruit flies in orchard containing three types of trees apricot, fig and grapes at each site, using the yellow traps. Results show that the orchard differed significantly in species richness, abundance, diversity and evenness. A total of 956 individuals distributed by nine species of Diptera, including four species of fruit flies are collected. The results revealed that most abundant species are Drosophila melanogaster at the apricot fruit site (RA%=28.32%), Zaprionus indianus at fig fruit site (RA%=34.74 %) and Tephritis praecox at the grapes fruit site with (RA%= 51.61 %). The orchard selected a greater number of species and individuals, and higher diversity indices H′=2.40 bits; 2.32 bits and 2.02 bits. Statistically, the result of stepwise multiple regressions revealed a very strong correlation between the number of fruit fly species and the temperatures with (r=93.1%) and (Sig .000**). Thus, fruit flies appear to have rather arrow with the host plant requirements and their phenology was correlated with environmental differences. Our study highlighted for; the first time; the presence of Trupanea amoena in Algeria. This important and substantial preliminary work on this new species in Algeria provides a solid basis for future research and extension of the study in particular for monitoring and control of this dreaded agricultural pest
Using USLE, GIS and remote sensing for the soil loss assessment in the National Park of Theniet El Had, Algeria
No full textSoil water erosion is one of the problems that affect the environment, agriculture and social life by threatening several land surfaces. The objective of this study is to use the USLE model, GIS and remote sensing (RS) to estimate the annual rate of soil loss by water erosion in the Theniet El Had National Park (THNP) which belongs to the mountainous ecosystem of Djebel El Meddad, located in the northwest of Algeria. The use of the USLE model takes into account the five factors controlling water erosion, namely: the rain erosivity (R) determined from the annual rainfall data, the soil erodibility (K) developed from soil survey data, the slope lengths (LS) generated by using DEM, the vegetation cover (C) by the use of RS data and erosion control management practices (P) by field trips. The integration of these factors made it possible to establish the quantitative map of the annual rate of soil loss varying between 0.02 and 55.10 (t/ha.year), with an average of around 6.64 (t/ha.year). Five erosion aggressiveness classes are used; very weak, weak, moderate, strong and very strong which represent a rate respectively of 23.70, 44.65, 22.72, 4.41 and 4.52 % of the study area surface. The areas with high and very high erosion rates are located in the north having a very rugged relief and low vegetation cover. This study can be used in the mountainous ecosystems and it will make it possible to set up priority intervention zones to combat the risk of water erosion
Evaluation of indicators for improving the irrigation water use efficiency: Case of Guelma-Boucheggouf irrigated perimeter, Algeria
No full textThis study contributes to the evaluation of irrigation performance in the irrigated perimeter of Guelma-Boucheggouf, located in the Wila-ya of Guelma in northeastern Algeria. The aim was to evaluate the irrigation water-use efficiency (WUEi) as a performance indicator of the irrigated system at the perimeter with regard to the existing distribution scheme. It is calculated according to the equation adopted within the framework of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development “Plan Bleu” (MSSD) in 2008. It is the prod-uct of the overall efficiency of the supply-distribution network (E1) and the plot irrigation efficiency (E2), and is subject to the irrigation methods used. The calculations yielded irrigation water-use effi-ciency (WUEi) of 46.1%. Examining the results for the 2019 to 2022 irrigation campaigns revealed significant losses between the pumped volumes and the ones released, which indicates a low ad-duction efficiency (Ea) of 54.22% and explains the inadequacy of the release system compared with the water saving strategies adopted by the national water plan in Algeria. The results also reveal the im-portance of the existing distribution system reflected by a distribu-tion efficiency (Ed) of 82.08%, which reduced the overall efficiency of the network (E1) calculated from the two efficiencies to 56.58%, indicating an average loss of 9.8 Hm3 between the released volumes and those distributed. The plot efficiency (E2), calculated at 82%, was acceptable due to its dependence on the irrigation methods used; however further improvement is needed
Aspects of the ecosystem services threatened by desertification in Algerian steppe rangelands: concepts, status and stakes
No full textThis study focuses on the imminent threat of desertification within Djelfa\u27s steppe grazing lands, emphasizing its implications for land management and the sustainability of livestock practices. The methodology adopted employs a stringent approach that commences with a precise definition of desertification as a critical risk. It then proceeds to thoroughly assess the susceptibility of the local ecosystem to this phenomenon and delineates its consequential impact on both the human inhabitants and the surrounding environment. This comprehensive analysis effectively contextualizes human activities within the sphere of desertification\u27s influence. Methodologically, the study employs a multidimensional framework to categorize the array of environmental goods and services rendered by these grazing lands. By identifying the beneficiaries associated with each service, the research aims to elucidate the complex threat posed at various levels. Crucially, the findings highlight the severe jeopardy that desertification imposes, not only endangering essential resources vital for extensive livestock production but also triggering a decline in invaluable environmental goods pivotal for the sustainability of the ecosystem and activities supporting human welfare. Statistically substantiated through an integration of diverse methodologies such as field surveys, satellite imagery analysis, and stakeholder consultations, this study validates the correlations between desertification and the degradation of ecosystem services. It provides empirical evidence showcasing the gradual decline of grazing lands, thereby compelling an urgent call for intervention strategies. In summary, this research underscores the urgent need for holistic strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of desertification. Its findings provide critical insights into the complex dynamics between human activities, ecosystem vulnerabilities, and the looming threat of desertification. It emphasizes the necessity for immediate collective action and sustainable resource management practices to safeguard ecosystems, ensure long-term sustainability, and protect the well-being of communities in Djelfa and beyond
Assessment of environmental degradation on the Mostaganem Plateau Algeria: A critical analysis of soil and water resources
No full textThis study underscores the importance of accounting for spatial dimensions and temperatures in evaluating payments and environmental interactions. Exploiting natural spaces can foster sustainable development, especially in vulnerable areas, but urbanization poses significant challenges. The Mostaganem Plateau, spanning 78,100 hectares with diverse landscapes, is highly sensitive to environmental pressures like abrasion. Urbanization, agriculture, industry, deforestation, and heavy port activities threaten its biodiversity. Using the plateau as a diagnostic tool helps identify the main causes of its deterioration. Analyzing agricultural and industrial impacts on soil and water highlights the severity of the situation. These analyses, along with in-depth geographic studies, reveal the complex decomposition processes driven by natural and human factors. Implementing effective political policies and management practices is crucial to counter negative influences and promote sustainable development. Protecting the Mostaganem Plateau\u27s fragile ecosystem requires vigilant efforts from the scientific community and social and economic stakeholders. Addressing environmental and ecological impacts is essential for long-term development. Practical responses are needed to mitigate severe degradation and preserve the plateau\u27s environmental integrity for future generations. The study emphasizes the urgent need for monitoring and intervention to safeguard this vulnerable region, ensuring its sustainability and resilience against ongoing threats. Protecting the Mostaganem Plateau\u27s fragile ecosystem requires vigilant efforts from the scientific community and social and economic stakeholders. Addressing environmental and ecological impacts is crucial for long-term development. Practical responses are needed to mitigate severe degradation and preserve the plateau\u27s environmental integrity for future generations