Mechanization in agriculture & Conserving of the resources
Vol. 68 (2024), Issue 4, pg(s) 151-154

CONSERVING OF THE RESOURCES

Agro-Climatic Suitability of Albanian Arable Land for Nigella Sativa L.: Analyzing Soil Structure and Organic Matter Effects

  • 1 Department of Agronomic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania
  • 2 Department of Structural Development of Farms and Rural Areas, Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies, Halle (Saale), Germany
  • 3 Agriculture Technology Transfer Center, Fushe Kruje

Abstract

Soil conservation is paramount to sustainable agriculture, particularly in regions facing environmental challenges. Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black cumin, is a versatile annual crop recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties. This study investigates the potential of integrating N. sativa cultivation into Albanian agriculture to assess its impact on soil quality and conservation. Employing a comprehensive approach encompassing field experiments, laboratory analyses, and geospatial modeling, this research evaluates the adaptability of 8 diverse N. sativa genotypes to the agro-climatic conditions of three distinct Albanian regions: Tirana (central), Shkodra (northwestern), and Korca (eastern). The study particularly emphasizes the influence of soil structure, organic matter content, and water-use efficiency on N. sativa growth and yield.
Preliminary results indicate that the genotype originating from Turkey demonstrated superior performance, achieving a seed yield of 12.8 g in the Tirana region, characterized by silt-loam soil structure and an organic matter content of 1.78 %.

Keywords

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