Biomass production and use of silvopastoral areas in the Rif Mountains of Morocco

In Northern Morocco, the forest rangelands provide goods and services, which satisfy the diverse needs of local population. These silvopastoral areas represent the most important feed sources for goats in the Rif Mountain. This study aims to evaluate the biomass production and investigate the use of a silvopastoral area (Derdara) exclusively used by goatherds. For biomass production, we used the method of the reference module. A survey on using pasture by breeders was realized during the biomass evaluation period. The pastoral shrubs, mainly Arbutus unedo, Cistus crispus, Cistus monspeliensis, Erica arborea, Lavandula stoeches and Mentha pulegium, represent the fundamental diet for goats. Breeders use pasture throughout the year, except on rainy days where they resort to limbing. The pasture was characterized by a diversity average level of pastoral flora (94 species) dominated by shrubs. The biomass produced was estimated at 1867 kg dry matter per hectare composed for 74% by shrubs. Significant differences were observed concerning the intensity of the canopy cover, depending on the season and according to sampling sites. The continuous use of the same pasture for a long time, can explain the appearance of low pastoral value species in the study area, such as Arisarum vulgare, Daphne gnidium and Ranunculus sardous. The reasonable use of silvopastoral resources, including a reduction in grazing pressure, should be developed to ensure better productivity and sustainability of these resources.