Soil organic carbon dynamics under no-tillage and conventional tillage in a semi-arid durum wheat system in Northwest Algeria

Abstract

Soil organic carbon is crucial for maintaining soil fertility, water retention, and resilience to climate change, particularly in semi-arid regions. This study explores the effects of no-till and conventional tillage systems on soil organic carbon dynamics in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) crops in northwestern Algeria. Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons (2022–2024) to assess temporal and spatial changes in organic carbon content and its relationship with other soil parameters, and to provide a preliminary ten-year projection of organic carbon levels. Results showed numerical trends suggesting greater carbon stability and accumulation under no-till, while conventional tillage exhibited higher temporal variability and a tendency to decline. Principal component analysis suggested an important role for organic carbon in structuring soil quality patterns under no-till. Linear projections indicated that no-till systems may reach approximately 2.3% by 2034, whereas conventional tillage is projected to remain near 1.2%. However, these projections are heuristic and based on a short-term dataset. Both systems remain below their theoretical soil organic carbon saturation levels, suggesting potential for further sequestration under appropriate management. Overall, these findings provide exploratory evidence of the potential of conservation agriculture to maintain or enhance soil carbon in semi-arid Mediterranean regions and highlight the need for long-term monitoring and integrated management strategies.