Abstract:
Alfalfa is reputed for its forage quality as the most productive of proteins in a hectare. This
work aims to diagnose the weeds associated with the alfalfa fields in Ghardaïa, and to study
their quantitative and qualitative impacts. The floristic inventory drawn up in 6 stations
distributed between Sebseb, Beni isguen, Alatef and Daia ben dahoua, has identified 21
species, whose botanical family, biological type and bio-systemic classification formed a
community of weeds which varies from one station to another. The examination of
development context of weeds, revealed the role of cultural conditions and practices, in
particular the excessive salinity of water, the use of untreated manure, and the management
of irrigation system. The cycle yield of alfalfa varied from 0.37 to 3 tonnes/Ha, and the
Leaves/Stems ratio oscillated from 0.33 to 2.12. The analysis of results showed a negative
impact trend of weeds on the productivity of alfalfa, both in quality as quantity. Mastering
alfalfa culture requires a vigilant and integrated management, in order to increase its
performance and efficiency, and to prevent the soiling of cultivated fields.
