Abstract:
Medicago arborea est un arbuste fourrager d’intérêt écologique et pastoral. L’étude en
laboratoire a évalué l’effet de la salinité (NaCl, MgSO4, CaCl2, Na2SO4) sur la germination
des graines. Les résultats montrent que la salinité affecte négativement la vitesse et le taux
de germination des graines, avec un effet toxique plus marqué par Na2SO4. Ces résultats
mettent en évidence le potentiel prometteur de cette plante pour les programmes de
réhabilitation des sols salins dans les steppes algériennes, contribue ainsi à l'amélioration
de la productivité fourragère et la durabilité environnementale.
Description:
Soil salinity is one of the most serious problems that limit agricultural
productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where it directly affects plant
physiological and biochemical processes from germination to full development and final
produce. In this work, we conducted a primary study on the effects of salinity induced by
different soluble salts (NaCl, CaCl2, MgSO4, Na2SO4) on the germination and early growth
of M. arborea, a promising fodder species for dryland restoration.
Through experimental investigation, it was confirmed that the salts tested do not
exert the same degree of influence on seed germination. Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) had the
most pronounced inhibitory and toxic effect, while magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) showed
more tolerance. These differences can be attributed to the ionic composition of each salt
and how these ions enter and accumulate in plant tissues.
The importance of this study lies not only in confirming the detrimental effects of
salinity during sensitive stages such as germination but also in guiding future approaches
to mitigate this problem through varietal selection, improved soil and water management,
and a deeper understanding of plant–salt interactions. Our findings highlight the critical
role of both salt type and concentration in shaping plant responses, suggesting that not all
salinities are equally harmful. This highlights the strong impact of osmotic stress on water
absorption and the activation of metabolic processes within the seeds.
Globally, this Fabaceae can be used to create alternative pastoral zones, particularly
for livestock feeding, due to its high nutritional value and suitability as forage. This is
especially relevant in steppe regions, which suffer from limited pastoral resources. Given
the accelerating pace of climate change and the increasing salinization of agricultural
lands, such research becomes essential for anticipating and addressing the future
challenges facing global food security. M. arborea proves to be a resilient candidate for
sustainable use in marginal salt lands and soil rehabilitation programs.
