Evaluating Restoration Techniques for Degraded Steppe Rangelands

Abstract

We investigated rangeland restoration techniques to combat desertification in Algerian steppes, evaluating interventions through comprehensive floristic and soil analysis (540 floristic samples and 180 soil samples). Various treatment methods, particularly grazing exclosure and soil management, led to significant ecosystem improvements. Decompaction combined with manure application demonstrated the most promising results, yielding a 44% increase in species richness, while decompaction with reseeding produced a 52% improvement in plant diversity. The interventions led to enhanced diversity indices, increased plant cover, greater litter accumulation, and elevated soil organic matter content. Notably, bare ground area decreased through the proliferation of key species like Stipa tenacessima, Launae resedifolia, and Bassia muricata. These findings offer critical insights into combating desertification and promoting ecological resilience, and underscore the potential of targeted soil management practices to restore ecosystem functionality in degraded steppe environments.