ÉLÉMENTS TECHNIQUES POUR RÉUSSIR UNE PLANTATION D’ARGANIERS. CAS DE TIFADDINE

Argan tree, which is one of the last defences against desert creep in the South-Western Morocco, is seriously threatened by recurring drought and by very strong anthropic pressures. The surface area and density of argan trees ecosystems are declining. This is particularly worrying in view of the absence of natural regeneration. Artificial regeneration by plantation is hence the only solution (along with coppice management of stump sprouts) for restoring the declining argan tree ecosystems. Plantations undertaken since the winter of 2002-2003 in the Province of Tiznit now cover more than 450 ha in one parcel; their success is of an unprecedented level and currently represent the reference method. This article highlights the know-how and various technical innovations applied by the Forest Services of Tiznit, under the supervision of the Office of the High Commission for Water and Forestry and for Desert Creep Control as applied to artificial regeneration of argan trees ecosystems (breeding and selection of the seedlings, tillage, planting techniques, maintenance). It also reports on the level of awareness of the local populations as to the importance of this restoration programme of the argan woodland. The article analyses the recorded rates of success, size at 5 and 8 years and the costs of the various operations. A summary overview of priority areas in which applied research should be undertaken so as to consolidate these exceptional gains is provided