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Description
Agricultural production in Morocco's semi-arid regions is limited by a combination of critical challenges, including severe water scarcity and ongoing soil degradation. These factors lead to a cycle of diminishing productivity that threatens the sustainability of current farming systems and requires a strategic shift towards more resilient, high-value crops. Moringa oleifera Lam., a species known for its excellent drought tolerance and high economic potential, is a promising candidate for diversifying and securing farm incomes. However, its broader cultivation is limited by the lack of scientifically defined cultivation practices adapted to these specific environmental conditions. To address this gap, this study was designed to systematically evaluate the effects of different irrigation levels, fertilization, and genetic variability on the growth and yield of Moringa oleifera. The main objective was to establish a resource-efficient management plan to optimize productivity, thereby improving the resilience and economic viability of farming in Morocco's challenging agricultural environment.
The field experiment was carried out over two months in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco on a calcareous sandy soil. The soil was characterized by low organic matter (0.5%), low levels of available phosphorus and potassium, an alkaline pH (7.5-8.0), and poor water retention capacity, making it prone to nutrient leaching and water stress. The study evaluated six promising genotypes of Moringa oleifera using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a three-factor factorial arrangement and three replications. The factors studied were: (i) Genotype (G), with six levels; (ii) Irrigation (I), with two volumes (I1: 4 L/plant; I2: 8 L/plant) applied every 10 days with a drip system; and (iii) Fertilization (F), with two levels (F0: no fertilizer; F1: application of an NPK fertilizer at 50:50:100 Kg/ha, applied every 4 weeks). Before the experiment, all plants were pruned to a uniform height of 1 m. A comprehensive set of agronomic and biochemical data was collected, including: plant height, stem diameter, leaf biomass, chlorophyll, total polyphenols, flavonoids, protein content, and antioxidant activity.
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant main effects (p < 0.05) for all experimental factors, which had distinct impacts on the measured parameters. The Genotype factor significantly influenced most biochemical traits, including total polyphenols and flavonoids, but did not significantly affect plant height or chlorophyll content. NPK fertilization was the most influential factor for overall growth, significantly increasing flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, leaf biomass, and plant height. Supplemental irrigation specifically enhanced certain biochemical compounds, such as antioxidant activity and protein content, although its effect on plant height was not statistically significant. A strong synergistic effect from combining NPK and irrigation led to significant gains in protein, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and total polyphenols. Among the genotypes, M16 showed the most balanced performance, making it a reliable choice for general production, while M6 displayed excellent biochemical quality, positioning it as a specialized option for high-value markets. This finding highlights the importance of matching genotype selection with specific production goals.
This study demonstrates that maximizing Moringa oleifera productivity in semi-arid regions requires an integrated approach. Genotype selection and NPK fertilization are key drivers of growth and yield, while irrigation moderately improves quality traits and must be applied with care. A strategy combining superior genotypes with NPK and minimal irrigation offers a practical path to sustainable, water-efficient, and economically viable Moringa cultivation.
