Agriculture 3E with Camelina: Water, Energy, Hope in Arid Zones

Faced with the growing vulnerability of Algerian agriculture, this book explores an integrated approach combining water saving, energy efficiency and alternative cultivation. Camelina sativa, a hardy oilseed adapted to semi-arid zones, is studied under four irrigation regimes in the Aurès region (Algeria). The moderate deficit regime (T2, 75% ETc) stands out for its performance: 16,000 m³ of water saved over 40 ha (equivalent to 60 households for a year), 8,421 kWh of energy gained (70 days of continuous operation of a cold room) and 4.27 t of CO2 avoided (five Algiers-Dakar journeys). Despite a 20% drop in yield, quality improved (+8% protein, +8.2% water efficiency), and the feed value of oilcake increased (+41%). The book also presents an analysis of the link between irrigation, electricity consumption and emissions, using sustainability indicators. Perfectly in line with the FAO's Millennium Development Goals: 2, 6 and 7, Irrigation Deficit proposes concrete ways of adapting agricultural systems to semi-arid climates.

Autorentext
Engineer in agricultural hydraulics and doctor in agronomic sciences at the University of Sétif 1, specializing in oilseed irrigation. Author of scientific publications, he works for sustainable agriculture. Member of NRP2022: Use of solar-powered brackish water distillation units, integrated with Saharan cereal growing.