Water Management Through Modeling in a Semi-Arid Climate (Algeria)

In this study, a modeling approach was applied to manage irrigation water in a sustainable manner and to assess the impact of irrigation and drainage water on the acceleration of soil degradation in the Lower Chéliff region. Several scenarios were developed. These scenarios can be used to conduct an effective assessment of irrigation water quality and soil degradation. The quality of irrigation water plays a very important role in this management. To understand this role and address salinity, farmers have introduced the cultivation of salt-tolerant artichokes. The goal of our research was to determine the most appropriate irrigation scenario for water conservation and salinity control in this important crop in the Lower Cheliff Plain, based on three parameters: soil moisture, electrical conductivity (EC), and residual alkalinity. Consequently, an artichoke plot representative of horticultural practices in the Lower Cheliff region was selected. The plot was irrigated via drip irrigation with water having a salinity of 1.8 dS m¿¹ and was monitored between September 2021 and June 2022 and between April and July.