Nematodes associated with saffron II: Bioindication for soil health assessment and impact of agricultural practices

Saffron cultivation is vital in the Taliouine-Taznakht regions, but the influence of agricultural practices on soil nematode communities, critical for soil health and plant productivity, is not well understood. This study characterizes nematode communities in saffron fields of the Taliouine-Taznakht...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Applied soil ecology : a section of Agriculture, ecosystems & environment Vol. 193; p. 105111
Main Authors:	Benjlil, Hinde, Filali Alaoui, Ilyass, Aït Hamza, Mohamed, Braimi, Amina, Oubidari, Tayeb, Idhmida, Amin, Ihitassen, Abderrahim, Tazi, Hafssa, El Kherrak, Hamid, Paulitz, Timothy, Fossati-Gaschignard, Odile, Ferji, Zahra, Cherifi, Khalil, Mayad, El Hassan
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier B.V 01-01-2024 Elsevier
Subjects:	Agricultural practices Agricultural sciences Crocus sativus Food web Life Sciences Nematodes Sciences and technics of agriculture Soil health Soil study Nematodes Food web Agricultural practices Crocus sativus Soil health
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Summary:	Saffron cultivation is vital in the Taliouine-Taznakht regions, but the influence of agricultural practices on soil nematode communities, critical for soil health and plant productivity, is not well understood. This study characterizes nematode communities in saffron fields of the Taliouine-Taznakht regions, assessing the impact of various agricultural practices on these communities, with a focus on their diversity, functional roles, and potential as bio-indicators of soil health. A total of 163 soil samples were collected from saffron fields in Taliouine-Taznakht. Nematode communities were identified, quantified, and their functional diversity analyzed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to visualize relationships between nematode communities and sampling sites. Co-inertia analysis assessed the impact of agricultural practices on nematode diversity. The nematode communities were diverse and varied across regions. PCA identified unique nematode community compositions in different saffron fields. Omnivorous nematodes were strongly linked with Taouyalte (TA), and herbivorous ones were prevalent at Agadir Melloul (AM) and Sidi Hssaine (SH). Modern crop types, high-frequency irrigation, and alfalfa-barley rotation were positively correlated with predator nematode abundance, potentially controlling plant parasitic nematodes and encouraging nutrient cycling. Conversely, monocropping, traditional irrigation, and long plantation age correlated with reduced structure and maturity indices, suggesting a less stable ecosystem. This study unveils the intricate relationships between nematode communities in Taliouine-Taznakht saffron fields and agricultural practices. Findings indicate that specific practices, such as crop rotation and modern irrigation techniques, can foster beneficial nematode groups that improve soil health and potentially regulate harmful plant parasitic nematodes. This knowledge is crucial for crafting sustainable and effective saffron cultivation strategies. •High diversity of nematodes communities is detected in the Moroccan saffron field.•Saffron soils health are degraded in Taliouine-Taznakht regions.•Plant parasitic index (PPI) is strongly influenced by the high frequency of Traditional irrigation.•Agricultural practices are significantly impacted (MI) and (SI) indices and saffron nematodes trophic groups.
ISSN:	0929-1393 1873-0272
DOI:	10.1016/j.apsoil.2023.105111