Control of soil erosion in Algeria: From soil defence and restoration (DRS) to sustainable management of water, biomass and soil fertility (GCES)

Abstract

To control soil erosion, the Algerian Forestry Administration generalized, from the 1940s, on 387.833 ha of land, considered susceptible to erosion, a strategy concerning the rural hydraulic equipment called «Soil defense and restoration » (DRS in French). Despite 40 years of DRS, results have not been up to the expectations of society. That is why in 1985 a new strategy called « Land husbandry» (GCES in French) was tested in a mountain environment. The objective is to generate sustainable growth in agricultural production systems by efficient use of water, vegetation and soil without degrading of the environment. The first tests were successful. The author relies on investigation of the DRS (1942-1980) and on results of GCES (1985-1992) for to retrace the course of the erosion control in Algeria.

Keywords: Algeria, Deforestation, Erosion, DRS benches, GCES strategy, Sustainable agriculture