The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a mesophilic tree cultivated in dry areas. Determination of the thermal index ensuring the ripening dates of the Degletnour, Ghars, and Heloua varieties in the period of 1999–2020 in the Biskra region was performed. We collected temperature data on the Biskra region and then processed the data and calculated the thermal indices of the Biskra region and the indices of the Degletnour, Ghars, and Heloua varieties. The heat index corresponds to the sum of the average daily temperatures during the fruiting period minus the zero flowering temperature of 18 °C. Our results show that in the Biskra region the average daily temperatures increase by 18 °C and even more from April to October, lasting 120 days. In the Degletnour variety, the flowering period extends over a period of 180 days from May to October, in the Ghars variety the flowering period extends over a period of 150 days from May to September, and in the Heloua variety the flowering period extends over a period of 122 days from May to August. The thermal index of the Biskra region is 2022.89 °C. The thermal index of the varieties Degletnour is 1937.24 °C, for Ghars is 1797.58 °C, and for Heloua is 1502.23 °C.
This research explores the establishment of a biogas plant at Toro Impex Ltd, converting pig manure and slaughterhouse residues into biogas for energy self-sufficiency and environmental benefits. It highlights the production of both electrical and thermal energy, with electricity contributing to the local grid and heat serving nearby industries. The study finds significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and odour pollution, alongside high quality organic digestate for soil improvement. It also addresses socioeconomic impacts like job creation and local energy autonomy, offering a model for integrating waste management, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture in rural contexts.
The soils of arid rangelands contain a variety of salts that have differential effects on seed germination. In these regions, Atriplex halimus (L.) (Amaranthaceae) is one of the most commonly used medicinal and fodder plants. Little is known about its germination under saline stress operated by various soluble salts. The present work was designed to determine the effect of four soluble salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, CaCl2, and CaCO3) on the germination of A. halimus seeds. We tested the effect of salinity on final germination percentage (FGP%) and germination tolerance index (GTI%) using five concentrations (0, 200, 300, 400, and 600 mM) of each salt (NaCl, Na2SO4, CaCl2, and CaCO3). In addition, experiments were also conducted to assess the effects of salinity on germination recovery (GRP%) from high saline conditions (600 mM). Salinity level and salt composition significantly influenced germination characteristics. A. halimus seeds were non-dormant, exhibited approximately 90% germination in distilled water. Both FGP and GTI gradually decreased with increasing salinity. This study showed that the seeds of A. halimus can germinate under 400 mM in all tested salts. The salts causing germination inhibition exhibited specificity, with an increasing trend observed in the following sequence: Na2SO4 > NaCl > CaCl2 > CaCO3. When ungerminated seeds are transferred from 600 mM to distilled water, their germination ability is recovered according to the type of salt used. A. halimus is a highly salt-tolerant species that can tolerate a variety of salts and can be, therefore, a promising species for improving ecological balance in saline soils.
Surveys were carried out in the municipalities of Mecheria and Naâma (southwest Algeria) to identify the biodiversity of urban plantations and determine the ecosystem services related to these plantations. The results obtained enabled us to inventory 29 species belonging to 26 genera and 20 families, of which the Oleaceae family was the largest in terms of number of species. The only biological form identified was phanerophytes. Of the 29 taxa recorded, non-native taxa predominated (13 cultivated species, 4 introduced species, 4 naturalized/introduced species). Taxa of spontaneous origin number 7 and only one species is considered problematic. In terms of ecosystem services, we counted 5 shade species, 15 aesthetic species, and 9 food species.
Our hypothesis was that the browsing damage caused by large herbivores in the seedling stage has a negative long-term impact on the quantity and quality of forest stands, trees, and timber. The data were collected in beech (Fagus sylvatica) stands in the Bükk Mountains, Hungary. In even-aged stands, affected by different levels of game damage after regeneration, sample and control plots were designated. The sampling method was those of quadrats within which all trees have been surveyed. Data from the areas affected by browsing and the control areas were compared. The results show that the number of trees in the forest area affected by browsing was significantly lower, and the number of forked and curved trunks was higher.
