Some Statistical Aspects for Algerian Earthquake Catalogue

The scope of this study is to analyze some aspects of the Algerian earthquake catalogue between 1980 and 2009.Seismicity analysis is based on reliable compilation of earthquake catalogs obtained from different agencies.All intensities and magnitudes were converted to Ms magnitude using appropriate relationships.Dependent events were removed using adapted time and space windows.In addition,the completeness of the catalogue as a function of magnitude was determined from the standard deviation of occurrence rate plots,using the Stepp’s methodology.The remaining 2,016 independent earthquakes with Ms 2.2 were used to obtain various parameters(b-value,z-value)to characterize the temporal and spatial seismic activity for the entire northern part of Algeria.Finally,the obtained results are discussed to explain parameters variability.

Estimation of soil erosion and sediment yield in Wadi El Hachem watershed(Algeria)using the RUSLE-SDR approach

One of the most common types of soil degradation is water erosion.It reduces soil quality at the erosion site and may cause sedimentation issues at the deposition site.This phenomenon is estimated using a variety of models.The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation(RUSLE)model is the most often used,due to its consistence and low data requirement.It is useful for estimating annual soil loss at the watershed scale.To investigate the relationship between soil erosion and sediment deposition,the combined RUSLE and Sediment Delivery Ratio(SDR)models are used.The Wadi El Hachem watershed is a coastal and mountainous Mediterranean basin with rugged topography and high degree of climatic aggressiveness.Both of these characteristics can have an immediate effect on soil erosion and sediment yield.This research includes estimating the Average Annual Soil Loss(A)and Sediment Yield(SY)in the Wadi El Hachem watershed,mapping different RUSLE factors as well as A and SY,and studying the influence of rainfall erosivity(R)on A and SY in dry and rainy years.The A results vary from 0 to 410 t·ha^(-1)·yr^(-1)with an annual average of 52 t·ha^(-1)·yr^(-1).The Renfro's SDR model was selected as the best model for estimating SY,with standard error,standard deviation,coefficient of variation,and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency(NSE)values of 0.38%,0.02,0.07%,and 1.00,respectively.The average SY throughout the whole watershed is around 27 t·ha^(-1)·yr^(-1).The SY map for the entire Wadi El Hachem watershed revealed that sediment production zones are mainly concentrated in the Northeast of the basin,at the basin’s outlet,and in the tributaries of the dam.The simulation results of soil loss and sediment yield in dry and rainy years revealed that R is one of the main factors affecting soil erosion and sediment deposition in the Wadi El Hachem watershed.The mean difference in R factor between dry year and rainy year is 671 MJ·mm·ha^(-1)·h^(-1)·yr^(-1).As a result of this fluctuation,the soil loss and sediment yield have increased by 15 and 8 t·ha^(-1)·yr^(-1),respectively.The results of this research can be used to provide scientific and technical support for conservation and management strategies of the Wadi El Hachem watershed.

Thriving green havens in baking deserts:Plant diversity and species composition of urban plantations in the Sahara Desert

Hot arid zones represent vital reservoirs of unique species and ecosystems,holding significant importance for biodiversity.This study aimed to explore the plant diversity associated with tree plantations in urban ecosystems under hyper-arid climatic conditions in the Sahara Desert of Algeria.In May 2022,30 quadrats measuring 1 m^(2) each were established at the base of Phoenix dactylifera,Leucaena leucocephala,and Tamarix aphylla,corresponding to the dominant tree species in each of three plantations.In each quadrat,the plant quantitative inventory was conducted to measure plant diversity and similarity among the studied plantations.Based on this,we assessed the plant functional traits and rarity/abundance status of the flora.The findings revealed a diverse flora associated with the studied plantations,comprising 29 plant species grouped into 27 genera and 12 families.Notably,Poaceae(accounting for 30.8% of the flora),Asteraceae(25.0%),and Zygophyllaceae(21.6%)were well-represented.With an overall density of approximately 555 individuals/m^(2),Zygophyllum album(120 individuals/m^(2))and Polypogon monspeliensis(87 individuals/m^(2))emerged as the most abundant species.Functional trait analysis underscored the pivotal role of therophytes(constituting over 50.0% of the flora)and anemochorous species(33.0%-62.5%).Phytogeographic analysis emphasized the prevalence of the Saharo-Arabic element(constituting over 31.0% of the flora)and the Mediterranean Saharo-Arabic element(9.5%-21.5%).The Cosmopolitan element thrived under disturbance factors,recording percentages from 13.0% to 20.0% of the plant community.The rarity/abundance status of the flora emphasized the significance of rare,common,and very common species in the studied plantations.These findings could provide fundamental data for the effective control and management of biodiversity in hot hyper-arid urban ecosystems.

Contribution of Study Bioecology of the Fauna Chamaerops humilis in the Region of Tlemcen （Algeria）

The region of Tlemcen is situated in the north-west of Algeria. The aridity of the climate had lead to the development of the matorral, a state of degradation of the Mediterranean, and the composed xerophytes plants such as doum and diss, had been found. Chamaerops humilis, xerophyte plant, with special morphologic and botanic character presents a resistance of these climatic. The authors have proposed study of fauna closly linked to this plant. A faunistic inventory was realized in the Mansourah area （region of Tlemcen）. Four stations have been described. Collecting sample was performed during June 2003-Mar. 2004, replying on sixteen （16） prelevements. The number of species were estimated of about 136, in which 111 are Arthropoda, the Entomofauna represented by 97 species and the other inventory are Arachnida by 8 species and Myriapoda by 6 species. 18 species are related to Gastropoda. The vertebrates are few. The importance of different groups＇ recolted on the Chamaerops humilis in the four stations is done particular to the insects. Analysis factorial correspondence （A.F.C） show different grouping of animal species.

非洲公路项目施工过程关键技术分析--以阿尔及利亚贝佳亚连接线为例

随着中国对非洲援助的不断深入,国内的设计和施工队伍也不断走向非洲。由于所属地区的不同,非洲本地的实际情况、现场环境以及所采取的规范均有所不同,若不对本土情况进行了解,很容易造成工程项目的质量型问题出现。本文以阿尔及利亚贝佳亚连接线为例,该项目是连接贝佳亚港口-东西高速公路哈尼夫互通的关键性项目,项目所在处情况复杂,采用规范与国内均不同,为保证施工过程的稳定进行,对其在该公路项目施工过程的路基、桥涵的关键性技术进行分析。拟为相关类似工程提供参考。

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Algerian patients with hepatitis C virus infection

AIM:To investigate the prevalence of,and risk factors for,diabetes mellitus(DM) in Algerian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and in a control group.METHODS:A cross-sectional study was undertaken.A total of 416 consecutive patients with viral chronic hepatitis attending the Internal Medicine Department of the University Hospital Center Touhami Benflis in Batna [290 HCV-infected and 126 hepatitis B virus(HBV)-infected patients] were prospectively recruited.RESULTS:The prevalence of DM was higher in HCV-infected patients in comparison with HBV-infected patients(39.1% vs 5%,P < 0.0001).Among patients without cirrhosis,diabetes was more prevalent in HCV-infected patients than in HBV-infected patients(33.5% vs 4.3%,P < 0.0001).Among patients with cirrhosis,diabetes was more prevalent in HCV-infected patients,but the difference was not significant(67.4% vs 20%,P = 0.058).The logistic regression analysis showed that HCV infection [odds ratio(OR) 4.73,95% CI:1.7-13.2],metabolic syndrome(OR 12.35,95% CI:6.18-24.67),family history of diabetes(OR 3.2,95% CI:1.67-6.13) and increased hepatic enzymes(OR 2.22,95% CI:1.1-4.5) were independently related to DM in these patients.CONCLUSION:The high prevalence of diabetes in HCV-infected patients,and its occurrence at early stages of hepatic disease,suggest that screening for glucose abnormalities should be indicated in these patients.

Soil characteristics and plant distribution in saline wetlands of Oued Righ, northeastern Algeria

Saline wetlands are rare ecosystems in Saharan areas, which are important for conservation of many endemic and rare plant species. In this study, we investigated five saline wetland sites of the Oued Righ region, located in the northeastern Algeria, to determine the environmental factors controlling the composition and distribution of plant communities. We established a total of 20 transects to measure the vegetation parameters （density and cover） and soil characteristics （electrical conductivity, moisture, pH, CaSO4, CaCO3, organic matter, Na＋, K＋, Mg2＋, Ca2＋, SO42 , CI-, NO3- and HCO3-）. A total of 17 plant species belonging to seven families were identified. The natural vegetation was composed of halophytic and hydro-halophytic plant communities, presented specially by the species of Amaranthaceae family. Soils in the studied wetlands were moist, gypsiferous, alkaline, salty to very salty with dominance of chloride and calcium. Results of the Canonical Correspondence Analysis （CCA） showed that community structure and species distribution patterns of vegetation were mainly dependent on soil characteristics, mainly being soil salinity （CaSO4, K＋, Ca2＋ and CI-） and moisture. The distribution of plant species was found to follow a specific zonal pattern. Halocnemum strobilaceum was observed to grow in highly salt-affected soils, thus being the more salt-tolerant species. Phragmites communis plants were widely distributed in the study area with a high density at the edges of accumulated water body. Juncus maritimus, Tamarix gallica and Saficornia fructicosa grew in soils that are partially or completely flooded in winter. Suaeda fructicosa, Traganum nudatum, Arthrocnemum glaucum, Aeluropus littoralis, Cressa cretica and Cynodon dactylon were distributed in salty and moist soils away from the open water body. Plants of Zygophyllum album, Limonastrirum guyonianum, Cornulaca monacantha, Cistanche tinctoria, Mollugo nudicaulis and Sonchus maritimus were found in soils with less salty and moisture. They constituted the outermost belt of vegetation in the studied wetlands. This study will provide a reference on introducing the salt-tolerant plant species as a fodder resource in saline habitats and regenerating the degraded saline wetlands.

NOD2/CARD15 gene mutations in North Algerian patients with inflammatory bowel disease

AIM: To analyse allelic frequency of NOD2 gene variantsand to assess their correlation with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) in Algeria.METHODS: We studied 132 unrelated patients diagnosed with IBD, 86 with Crohn's disease(CD) and 46 with ulcerative colitis(UC). Data was prospectively collected between January 2011 and December 2013. The demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded for all the patients. A group of 114 healthy unrelated individuals were selected as controls. All groups studied originated from different regions of North Algeria and confirmed the Algerian origin of their parents and grandparents. Informed and written consent was obtained from each of the participants. All individuals were genotyped for the three CDassociated NOD2 variants(p.Arg702 Trp, p.Gly908 Arg and p.Leu1007 fsins C mutations) using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Allele and genotype frequencies in patients and control subjects were compared by χ2 test and Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Odds ratios(OR) and 95% confidence intervals(95%CI) were also estimated. Association analyses were performed to study the influence of these variants on IBD and on clinical phenotypes.RESULTS: The p.Arg702 Trp mutation showed the highest frequency in CD patients(8%) compared to UC patients(2%)(P = 0.09, OR = 3.67, 95%CI: 0.48-4.87) and controls(5%)(P = 0.4, OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 0.65-3.31). In CD patients allelic frequencies of p.Gly908 Arg and p.Leu1007 fsins C variants compared to HC were 3% vs 2%(P = 0.5, OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 0.44-6.34); 2% vs 1%(P = 0.4 OR = 2.69 95%CI: 0.48-14.87 respectively). In UC patients, allelic frequencies of p.Gly908 Arg and p.Leu1007 fsins C variants compared to HC were 1% vs 2%(P = 1, OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 0.17-4.74) and 2% vs 1%(P = 0.32, OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.05-2.87). The total frequency of the mutated NOD2 chromosomes was higher in CD(13%), than in HC(8%) and UC(5%). In addition, NOD2 variants were linked to a particular clinical sub-phenotype in CD in this Algerian cohort. As expected, the three NOD2 variants showed a significant association with CD but did not reach statistical significance, despite the fact that the allele frequency of NOD2 variants was in the range found in most of the European populations. This might be due to the non-exposure of the NOD2 carriers to environmental factors, required for the expression of the disease.CONCLUSION: Further analyses are necessary to study genetic and environmental factors in IBD in the Algerian population, using larger patient groups.

Algeria某油田低电阻率油气层的机理分析及测井解释

针对Algeria某油田油气层具有地层水矿化度高[（1．5～5）×10^5mg／L]电阻率低等特点，对储层非均质性，粘土矿物的附加导电作用及高矿化度地层水对油气层电阻率的影响进行了初步机理分析。根据实验数据得到不同岩性和不同地层水矿化度的m、n和b值的变化规律。实践证明用可变m、n和b值法计算储层的含水饱和度值比用固定的m、n和b值有明显改善。

Geochemical assessment, mixing behavior and environmental impact of thermal waters in the Guelma geothermal system,Algeria

A study of thirteen geothermal springs located in the geothermal field of Guelma,northeastern Algeria,was conducted.Samples were collected during the period between January 2014 and February 2016.Geochemical processes responsible for the chemical composition of thermal and mineralized water were evaluated.The hydrochemical analysis shows that the thermal waters are characterized by the presence of two different chemical facies,the first type SO4-Ca in the east,west and south of Guelma,the second type HCO3-Ca in the south.This analysis also attributed to sodium,chlorides,and sulfates to an evaporitic terrigenous origin by the molar ratio Sr2+/Ca2+.The thermal spring waters from Guelma geothermal system have a meteoric origin,and all samples are immature with strong mixing between hot and shallow waters with 19-38.5%rate of mixing.The silica geothermometer shows that these thermal waters have a temperature varying from 84 to 122℃and that the water came from a depth of 2100-3000 m through a fault system that limits the pullapart basin of Guelma.Potential environmental effluent from thermal spas could pollute in both the irrigation and drinking waters,and which imposes danger on the health of the inhabitants of the region.

Floristic composition of the halophilic and salt-resistant plant population in Hammam-Boughrara (Oran-Algeria)

This phyto-ecological study is on halophilic and salt-resistant vegetation of Oran region. The semiarid and sometimes arid climate has been defined and confirmed from a bioclimatic point of view. The pedological approach used shows a soil with sandy to silty-sandy texture, favoring regression of the vegetation and a halophilic vegetation set up. In this study, we analyze the floristic composition of the northern region of Hammam Boughrara using multiple floristic surveys conducted at three stations along the Tafna wadi. Dominated by Mediterranean and Saharo-Sindian elements, the relatively poor flora (88 species in total) is biologically characterized by a clear dominance of therophytes (>33%) and chamaephytes (>19%) to the detriment of phanerophytes.

Using a GIS to Assessment the Load-Carrying Capacity of Soil Case of Berhoum Area, Hodna Basin, (Eastern Algeria)

The concept of load-carrying capacity of the soil can be evaluated by two main components: permissible stress and permissible depth;and therefore, running it begins its assessment that allows an outline of exploitation. Nevertheless, the assessment of the load-carrying capacity made the object of several works of research and many models, based on the multi-criteria analysis, have been established. This work examines the contribution of GIS approach to assessment load-carrying capacity of the soil. This one has been finished in two practicums: 1) Assessment of the capacity of soil by a multi-criteria approach, using the Weighted Sum Model (WSM);2) It brought to use the GIS approach to evaluate and spatialize degree of soil bearing stresses resulting from the buildings, as well as load distribution. The method has been applied to the Berhoum area of Hodna Basin, in eastern Algeria, where each is characterized by its various natural properties and density of equipment. Final results are better in the classification of the degree of load-carrying capacity possible in each site. This results in allowing exploiters to program their optimal designs for the rational management of the area.

Qualitative and Comparative Study of Different Methods of Interpolation for the Mapping of Groundwater Salinity: Case Study of Thermal Waters Used for Irrigation in Northeastern Algeria

Faced with the scarcity of surface water accentuated by climate change, particularly in many arid and semi-arid countries, the quality of groundwater used for irrigation is a concern to agronomists and hydrogeologists. When these waters are of deep origin, they may have high mineralization and chemical compositions unsuitable for irrigation;in particular, they may alter soils and crops. It is therefore important to optimize the spatial estimation of the salinity of these waters and contribute to better knowledge of their quality, through an adapted and robust statistical and geostatistical approach. In the case of north-eastern Algeria, the objective of this study is to characterize the quality of deep waters and to test two interpolation methods (Inverse distance weight and ordinary Kriging) of their electrical conductivity (EC) as an indicator of their salinity and of the risk of damaging irrigated soils. 51 groundwater samples were taken in this region where there are many thermal springs, the water of which is used for irrigation and often is highly mineralized (EC between 0.6 and 26.6 dS/m). The geology is composed of karstic rocks crossed by large faults that allow deep water to rise. Based on major elements contents, analysis of the hydrochemical facies of these waters shows that the main facies are hyperchlorinated sodium (38%) and sulfated calcium (32%). The RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate) and SAR (Irrigation water salt) indexes were used to assess the water quality. The results indicate that the majority of the sampled groundwater present a risk for soils irrigated with these waters (almost 1/3 presents a strong risk). The risk for the soils seems to be explained by the positive value of the residual alkalinity, and the high risks of sodization and alkalinization. The geostatistical analysis reveals strong heterogeneity in electrical conductivity (salinity). The maps based on this analysis allow the identification of risk areas. The comparison of Inverse distance weight and ordinary Kriging methods indicates similar results being obtained through both methods. However, ordinary kriging appears to be more accurate, less biased, and seemingly better represents the organization of the groundwater resources, as NE-SW alignments are visible. With the proposed approach, it is possible to calculate the surface areas of the different salinity thresholds and then optimize the use of deep groundwater for irrigation.

A hydrochemical study of the Hammam Righa geothermal waters in north-central Algeria

This study focuses on the hydrochemical characteristics of 47 water samples collected from thermal and cold springs that emerge from the Hammam Righa geothermal field, located in north-central Algeria. The aquifer that feeds these springs is mainly situated in the deeply fractured Jurassic limestone and dolomite of the Zaccar Mount. Measured discharge temperatures of the cold waters range from 16.0 to 26.5 ℃ and the hot waters from 32.1 to 68.2 ℃. All waters exhibited a near-neutral pH of 6.0-7.6. The thermal waters had a high total dis- solved solids （TDS） content of up to 2527 mg/l, while the TDS for cold waters was 659.0-852.0 mg/l. Chemical analyses suggest that two main types of water exist： hot waters in the upflow area of the Ca-Na-SO4 type （Ham- mam Righa） and cold waters in the recharge zone of the Ca-Na-HCO3 type （Zaccar Mount）. Reservoir tempera- tures were estimated using silica geothermometers and fluid/mineral equilibria at 78, 92, and 95℃ for HR4, HR2, and HRI, respectively. Stable isotopic analyses of the δ18O and δD composition of the waters suggest that the thermal waters of Hammam Righa are of meteoric origin. We conclude that meteoric recharge infiltrates through the fractured dolomitic limestones of the Zaccar Mount and is conductively heated at a depth of 2.1-2.2 km. The hotwaters then interact at depth with Triassic evaporites located in the hydrothermal conduit （fault）, giving rise to the Ca-Na-SO4 water type. As they ascend to the surface, the thermal waters mix with shallower Mg-rich ground- water, resulting in waters that plot in the immature water field in the Na-K-Mg diagram. The mixing trend between cold groundwaters from the recharge zone area （Zaccar Mount） and hot waters in the upflow area （Hammam Righa） is apparent via a chloride-enthalpy diagram that shows a mixing ratio of 22.6 〈 R 〈 29.2 %. We summa- rize these results with a geothermal conceptual model of the Hammam Righa geothermal field.

Chemical Mobility and Mineralogical Variability in Edough Massif Micaschists(Annaba,Northeast Algeria)

The Edough massif is the easternmost crystalline massif of the Maghrebides which represent the southeastern part of the West Mediterranean orogen.It occurs below the greenschist-facies Tellian units that represent the thrusted Mesozoic to Eocene passive paleomargin of northern Africa deposited on thinned continental crust.The upper unit of the Edough massif is characterized by metasedimentary rocks affected

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in north eastern Algeria: A retrospective study

AIM: To determine the frequency of various hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes present in patients from north eastern Algeria. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 435 HCV infected patients from northeast Algeria, detected in the Sadelaoud laboratory and diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2012. The patients were diagnosed with HCV infection in their local hospitals and referred to be assessed for HCV genotype before the antiviral treatment. Demographic information (sex, age and address), genotype, subtype and viral load were retrieved from the patient medical records. The serum samples were tested by the type-specific genotyping assay.RESULTS: The majority of the patients (82.5%) were from the central part of the examined region (P = 0.002). The mean age of the patients studied was 53.6 ± 11.5 years. HCV genotype 1 was the most frequent (88.7%), followed by genotypes 2 (8.5%), 4 (1.1%), 3 (0.9%) and 5 (0.2%). Genotype 6 was not detected in these patients. Mixed infection across the HCV subtypes was detected in twenty patients (4.6%). The genotype distribution was related to age and region. Genotype 1 was significantly less frequent in the ≥ 60 age group than in the younger age group (OR = 0.2; 95%CI: 0.1-0.5, P < 0.001). Furthermore, genotype 1 was more frequent in the central part of the examined region than elsewhere (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The HCV genotype (type 1b was dominant) distribution in Algeria is different from those in other northern countries of Africa.

Trace Metals in Sediments, Macroalgae and Benthic Species from the Western Part of Algerian Coast

The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were measured in sediments and specimens of four marine organisms： green algae （Enteromorpha linza）, red algae （Corallina officinalis）, mollusc limpet （Patella ferruginea） and sea urchin （Paracentrotus lividus）. The samples were collected at four coastal stations located in two areas in the North-Western Algerian coast： Ghazaouet and Beni-saf. These areas are influenced by anthropogenic activities （harbour and industrial and urban wastes）. Metal concentrations measured in sediments and biota indicated that the area of Ghazaouet was the most polluted. We found high variability of metal bioaccumulation among the four species analysed. The highest concentrations were recorded in the algae whereas metal concentrations in sea urchin and limpet were more correlated with sediments metal concentrations.

Biochemical Approach to Assess Groundwater Pollution by Petroleum Hydrocarbons (Case Skikda Algeria)

Due to the accelerated population growth and development in all sectors especially industry, more water has been pumped and more effluents have been rejected to the natural system. In the coastal Skikda Valley;Petrochemical industry is practiced along the year and almost groundwater are threatened. This work is referred to the characterization of the environmental hydrobiochemistry in the coastal petrochemical industrial area. The study has investigated the groundwater pollution by hydrocarbons using biochemical approach and assessing the nature and extent of contamination of groundwater in relation to petroleum industrial activities surrounding tank, channel and pipe. At site of this industrial zone, groundwater circulates on slight deep in the mio-pliocene alluviums (sand and gravel) which is characterized by an important permeability. Groundwater quality analysis proved that groundwater quality is largely polluted with respect to BOD5, COD, TPH and TSS. So, a narrow relationship between BOD and TPH and important qualitative degradation of the groundwater is shown, especially in the parts situated in the down gradient area and in direct proximity of tank, channel and pipe. The extent of groundwater contamination is influencing by the depth of the water table, permeability of the soil and therefore infiltration rate. In order to prevent further pollution of groundwater, oil must be stored and transported via impervious tank, pipe and channel. So, effluents must be treated prior to discharge.

Structure, Tree Growth and Dynamics of <I>Cedrus atlantica</I>Manetti Forests in Theniet El Had National Park (N-W Algeria)

In North Africa, Cedrus atlantica forests are in decline, following decades of anthropogenic pressure and repeated drought events. Mixed C. atlantica-Quercus ilex stands located in the Theniet El Had National Park (northwestern Algeria) were considered in the present study. Based on a stratified sampling, six temporary plots were established to describe structure (species composition, density, total height, diameter and basal area) and radial growth in relation to type of stand (pure and mixed), using a dendroecological approach. The diameter distribution of C. atlantica indicated the presence of few young individuals and a poor regeneration status in all the stands. The density and basal area of C. atlantica were significantly higher in pure stands, which necessitate silvicultural operations. In contrast, Q. ilex showed a progressive dynamic, at moderate altitude. Radial growth showed a significant decline from 1980 to the 2000s. The absence of an appropriate management plan and the increase in anthropogenic effects, without ruling out a role for the current climate conditions marked by drought, seem to be the causes of C. atlantica decline.

Physico-Chemical Complex of Matorral Soils of the North Western Region of Algeria

The objective of this study is to determine the influence of soil physico-chemical factors on the spatial distribution of matorrals in the plain from Remchi to Béni-Saf located in the western region of Algeria. This study informs us of the relationships that soil can have on the diversity of matorrals. On the bioclimatic level, the region is characterized by semi-aridity accentuating the phenomena of thérophysation. Soil analyzes carried out using known methods (Stokes Particle Size Method, Electrometric Method for pH, 1/5 Extract Method for Electrical Conductivity, Bernard Calcium Method for CaCO3, Anne Method for Organic Carbon). The results show a textural diversity;sandy-muddy “Remchi”, sandy “Rachgoun 1 and Rechgoun 2”, not far from Béni-Saf. The low clay content (Remchi: Profile 1: Horizon 1: Clays 10%, Profile 2: Horizon 1: Clays 16%, Profile 3: Horizon 1: Clays 5%, Rechgoun: Profile 1: Horizon 1: Clays 3%, Profile 3: Horizon 1: 2% Clays and Horizon 2: 3% Clays) leads to poor structural stability leading to degradation of the soil surface through erosion. The latter is revealed by the presence of small erosion claws visible on these rough slopes or almost.