Eucalyptus sp. as biodrainage system in an arid region: A case study from the Souf oasis (south Algeria)

Eucalyptus as biodrainage system in an arid region

Abstract

Arid environments are generally characterized by water scarcity, but some anthropogenic activities or extreme weather conditions can lead to inverse results at the local or regional scales, necessitating a drainage system. This paper describes the application of biodrainage systems in the Souf oasis (Algerian Sahara) as an example of arid environments. The bad management of water resources in the Souf oasis led to rising shallow water levels that threatened the agricultural sector and urban agglomeration; so, a system of bio drainage based on Eucalyptus camaldulensis was used to resolve and correct this perturbation. The adopted bio drainage system effectively contributed to decreasing shallow water levels with other benefits such as protecting soil from saliniation and ameliorating life quality. The paper recommends that water availability for agricultural activities be considered when using biodrainage systems in arid regions with the valorisation of treated wastewater.