Substrate effect on the growth of seedlings of four provenances of Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica M.) in plant nursery

In morocco,scientific research on the atlas cedar (cedrus atlantica m.) has helped to understand its ecology and to characterize its behavior in response to drought. however,few studies have dealt with the analysis of its appearance in relation to the diversity of habitats and different ecological situations. the aim of this study is to assess,in plant nursery,the relative magnitude variation in seeds germination and seedling growth among four cedar provenances: occidental middle atlas = oma,eastern middle atlas = ema,eastern high atlas = eha and occidental rif = or. the results showed that seeds collected from occidental rif and eastern middle-atlas have the ability to germinate earlier than the two provenances. this observation was not significantly maintained after two weeks throughout the germination period. nevertheless,the growth expressed by the average height and collar diameter of cedar seedlings showed that,over time,the oma provenance was significantly more efficient in the first year of culture. this result was maintained even after transplantation of the different provenances in the two types of substrate (basalt and limestone). the growth of the oma seedlings in basaltic soil was significantly better compared to the limestone soil. these findings are beneficial for the reforestation programs to safeguard the cedar ecosystem ensure the continuity of the cedar forest ecosystem. it emphasizes the importance of using suitable seed provenances on appropriate plantation sites.