The Use of Biological Nitrogen Fixation to Develop Livestock and Cereal Production in Morocco

Summary

The ley farming system was introduced in Morocco in 1985 when legume seed was distributed to a number of farmers who agreed to cooperate in the project. Results are encouraging and more than 20000 ha will be seeded in 1986.Studies on the nitrogen nutrition of grass-legume mixtures showed that the grass took up more soil nitrogen than the legume which was also less competitive. The effect of water stress was more severe in the legume than in the grass. In drought stress studies, Medicago truncatula was only affected by severe drought, resisting drought at lower levels to ensure regeneration. The number of nodules was reduced by drought stress but increased after watering.

A number of rhizobial isolates from different regions of Morocco will be screened for drought resistance and competitive ability.