Drip irrigation technique is considered as the most efficient way to supply crops needs in water and fertilizers. As a recognition to this advantage, this technique contribute in the rapidly expansion of the greenhouse horticulture farming in the Algerian Sahara over the last two decades particularly in Biskra; South-East Algeria. This development is mainly due to the ideal combination of production factors: mild climate in winter, abundance of lands, easy access to the water based on many bore holes and to a strong back office made of engineers and agricultural inputs sellers. However, Field observations showed that empirical irrigation and fertilization practices cause significant yield differences between farmers. Our investigations aims mainly to: 1- characterize farmers’ irrigation and fertilization practices in relation with the local conditions and limitations, 2- identify the sources of yield losses linked to water and nitrogen stresses resulting from the actual fertigation strategies and 3- draw a new agricultural advisory approach on improving farmers’ fertigation practices.

Keywords: Drip irrigation, fertigation practices, greenhouses, advisory approach, Biskra.

Photo: Elghrous, Biskra, Algeria