Zakia Kaci’s research while affiliated with Université de Khemis Miliana and other places

Homemade manure tea (HMT) is commonly used in North Africa to enhance crop yields. Yet their physicochemical and biological characteristics remain poorly understood. This study evaluated oxygen and hydrobiological profiles of three types of HMT (bovine, ovine and poultry based, respectively noted HMTb, HMTo, HMTp) and compared them to control solutions of water and water supplemented with soluble NPK fertilizer. For these three types of HMT, oxygen and hydrobiological profiles were measured daily over a 7-day incubation period in three repeated, identical experiments, each comprising randomized treatments and five repetitions per treatment. Our results show that all HMT types rapidly transitioned to hypoxic conditions in the first 24h, shifting to anoxia between day 2 and day 7 depending on HMT type. This anoxic environment promoted denitrification and led to elevated NH4⁺ concentrations, suggesting the presence of anammox and microaerobic processes. Particulate organic matter contents and bacterial densities were highest in HMTp, while ciliate densities were highest in HMTb. These findings underscore the bioactive potential of HMT as fertilizers, with HMTp showing a favorable nitrogen profile beneficial for agricultural applications. To maintain aerobic conditions longer and reduce nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions, we recommend passive or mechanical aeration, applying HMT during cooler hours, and stabilizing the pH of HMT. This study offers valuable insights to refine HMT preparation protocols, enhancing their use as bioactive fertilizers.

In arid and semi-arid areas, integrated agriculture aquaculture (IAA) system represents an effective approach for sustainable agriculture and food Security. This study presents the effects fish water (FW), used in crop irrigation, on agricultural production and soil fertility. The experimental plot was divided into four subplots; two of them were cultivated by pea and the two others by faba bean. The crops were irrigated by both FW and borehole water BW (control subplots). FW and BW qualities were evaluated using their physicochemical properties and Water quality index (WQI). Their effects on soil fertility were estimated by analyzing soil organic matter and assessment of abundance and biomass of earthworms. Then, their impact on yield parameters was estimated. The results revealed that using WQI, FW was classified "excellent" for irrigation. It has increased soil fertility since the soil irrigated with BW was moderately rich in organic matter (1.9% and 1.3%) whereas soil irrigated by FW was rich (2.77% and 2.79%). The abundance and biomass of earthworms were significantly higher in the subplots irrigated by FW. Regarding, crops yields, both faba bean and pea were significantly influenced by FW. For instance, a significant increase in pods number per plant was counted for faba bean irrigated by FW compared with control (43.2 and 27.2 respectively) and pods weight per plant in pea had significantly increased (30.49%). The results indicate clear evidence that FW irrigation system optimizes water consumption, increases crops production and improves soil fertility.

Background: The province of Ain Defla (Algeria) is known for its high potato production potential. However, many challenges need to be overcome, among them the deterioration of biochemical and organoleptic quality after harvest and during storage of potato tubers. Methods: A study was carried out in this context over two successive years 2019 and 2020, with the aim of determining the degree of physiological evolution of tubers of four potato varieties (Kondor, Bartina, Spunta and Atlas) through biochemical indicators, such as pH, acidity, dry matter, reducing sugars and starch, during cold storage at a temperature of 6°C±2 and for 60 days and 90 days. A qualitative analysis of acrylamide formation under the effect of temperature and frying time was carried out. Result: Kondor revealed the highest pH value before and during storage. A progressive decrease in dry matter and starch as a function of storage time was detected for all varieties studied, notably Spunta and Atlas. The Spunta variety showed significant amounts of reducing sugars during 60 days of storage. Acrylamide formation was intense at 160°C for 4 minutes of frying in both Spunta and Kondor varieties. However, Kondor showed greater resistance to enzymatic browning (acrylamide) than Spunta under the same empirical conditions.