Improving forage/fodder production on salt-affected farms in Laayoune, Morocco

Foum El Oued irrigated perimeter is an economically very important zone in Laayoune region. However, with the overexploitation of aquifer and inefficient management of agricultural inputs groundwater salinity increased which limits the production of traditional cultivated crops (corn, alfalfa, vegetables…etc.). Thus, the need for a sustainable cropping system introducing alternative crops tolerant to salinity is a must to maintain the agricultural activity in the region. It has been observed that soil and water salinity is negatively impacting the crop production in the study area. It is therefore important to understand the existing crop management practices (crop varieties, irrigation systems, salinity management) in Foum El Oued – Laayoune project, to develop management strategies to improve productivity, and to introduce other and alternative salt-tolerant forages developed by ICBA, at INRA experimental station and farmers’ fields.