Abstract:
Comparing ecosystems involves discussing the diversity of populations, the biodiversity-affected functions, and the ecosystem functions they provide. These solutions include regulating
biological cycles, purifying water, and carbon sequestration. On the other hand, this highlights the
necessity of maintaining the integrity of nature to ensure food production, water availability, and
species diversity. It is essential to identify the most influential factors and to study in detail the
characteristics of the soil, particularly the microorganisms it contains, which play a fundamental
role in nitrogen fixation.Our research conducted in the N’tissa area, located in the Ghardaïa
province, aims to diagnose and characterize soils suitable for cultivating palm trees and various
other plant species. To achieve this objective, we collected soil samples through ten random
samplings at a depth of 20 cm within one of the farms in the N’tissa region. We carried out a series
of physico-chemical experiments (total limestone content (CT), electrical conductivity (EC), pH,
organic matter (OM), and particle size analysis using the Bouyoucos method) and microbiological
tests (isolation, purification, Gram staining, oxidase test, and catalase test) in the laboratory. The
analyzed soils show a coarse texture and particulate structure. They are characterized by very low
organic matter content, an alkaline pH, and moderate to high salinity. Despite these constraints,
we identified the presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, indicating a certain level of microbial
biodiversity. Based on the results obtained from the pedological and microbiological analyses, we
found that these characteristics closely correspond to those of desert soils: all exhibit a basic pH,
coarse texture, moderate limestone content, and low organic matter (OM). However, differences
were observed in the diversity of living microorganisms.
