Importance du genre Hedysarum en amélioration pastorale en Tunisie, Cas particulier de Hedysarum coronarium, Hedysarum carnosum et Hedysarum spinosissimum

Abstract

The genus Hedysarum L. is a group of forage species belonging to the Fabaceaes family, it contains annual or perennial, diploid or tetraploid, autogamous or allogamous species. This genus includes various species which are differentiated, among other things, by morphology, mode of reproduction, biological cycle, distribution areas as well as bioclimatic characteristics. These species of agronomic interest, thanks to their fodder quality and their ability to improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, can be exploited to enhance degraded soils. The various species of the genus Hedysarum, growing in Tunisia in a natural state, are grazed which gives them additional interest, even if only the species Hedysarum coronarium L. is cultivated. The pastoral interest relates to the two species Hedysarum carnosum Desf. and Hedysarum spinosissimum, which offer grazing opportunities during a good period of the year thanks to their regenerative power even under low rainfall.