Abstract

In the dry zone of Morocco, the production of biomass is irregular while the agricultural and animal production systems are matted. As a result, the crop residues use gives rise to tradeoffs which mainly translate into competition. This research aims to characterize the tradeoffs around cereal residues use between livestock feed and soil amendment in a no-till system. This study relied on a literature review, focus group discussions and experiment. Practices related to crop residues management were shaped by historical evolutions caused by two major shifts: Property rights and agricultural policies, and the frequency of droughts. The crop-livestock integration farming system in dry areas of Morocco is currently articulated around the role of residues as animal feed. Livestock is considered more profitable in general and more secure in case of drought. For this, the thatch has a very important value for livestock that compete with that on the soil amendment in a no-till system. It is obvious that the biophysical benefits of residues retention are tangible in term of improving yields, compared with no-till farming with residues removal. However, even reduced crop residues combined with limited soil disturbance would contribute to efficient water use and increased production.

Key words: Crop residues, tradeoff, livestock, no-till, Moroccan dry lands.