EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MESKATSYSTEM TOWARD THE FRUITING  BEHAVIOR OF THE RAINFED OLIVE GROVE

A BEN SALEM; R MAJDOUB; Y M’SADAK; S KHLIFI; D BOUJNAH; M GOUIAA

A BEN SALEM Université de Sousse, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem BP 47, 4042 Chott Mariem, Tunisie
R MAJDOUB Université de Sousse, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem BP 47, 4042 Chott Mariem, Tunisie
Y M’SADAK Université de Sousse, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem BP 47, 4042 Chott Mariem, Tunisie
S KHLIFI Université de Jendouba, Ecole Supérieure des Ingénieurs de l’Equipement Rural Route du Kef km 5, 9070 Medjez El Bab, Tunisie
D BOUJNAH Institution de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles Institut de l’Olivier de Sfax, 3000 Sfax, Tunisie
M GOUIAA Université de Sousse, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem BP 47, 4042 Chott Mariem, Tunisie

Keywords: Meskat, Impact, Olive tree, Fruiting, Semi-arid

Abstract

In Tunisia, water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regio ns leads farmers to attempt some solutions to improve the efficiency of scarce rainfall. Indeed, in the Tunisian Sahel region, a semi-arid olive growing region, erosion control practices were adopted since the antiquity . These practices allow water and soil conservation and improve soil fertility and olive production. Among these practices, the hydrologic system Meskat is the most common in the region of Sousse. In order to study the impact of this system on the behavior of fruiting olive cultivar «Chemlali», an experimental design was installed in the region ofKroussia (Sousse governorate). This design consists of three bands; each one is composed by four compartments. Our study focused on six fruiting parameters: number of fruits per twig, number of fruits per cluster, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight, and olives yield. These parameters were evaluated, with two replicates per compartment, in the laboratory and in situ. The results showed the positive impact of the Meskat, particularly on yield which increased by about 80%. This impact is strongly influenced by the position of compartment with respect to the catchment area. Furthermore, with the exception of the number of fruits per cluster, other fruiting parameters have unveiled a significant interaction of compartments by bands.