7
Soil Microbiology and Biotechnology
Eman Ali Ferjani, Merfat Taher Ben Mahmoud,
and Asma Yousef Alnajjar
Abstract
This chapter dealt with a brief presentation on the history
of studying soil microbiology in Libya, the geographical
location and climate, as well as the climatic factors that
determine the vital activity in the soil. Then, research and
studies that discussed the biological properties of soils
and their environmental conditions were presented.
Concerned with biological activity and modern techniques, to identify and classify microorganisms (bacteria
and fungi) of most Libyan soils was one of the research
priorities. Pathogenic fungi launched methods for chemical and biological control of pathogens, and research into
pollution caused by pesticides and herbicides was also
included. Truffles, wild pastures, and pastoral legumes, as
well as their effect on the environment, have also been the
focus of a share of the studies. Next, studies that focused
on the positive aspects of soil microorganisms, such as
the interest in symbiotic and non-symbiotic nitrogen
fixation, were presented. This information was followed
by a presentation of specific studies emphasizing ways to
solve the most harmful environmental problems that
represent the most significant challenges of biological
activity (salinity, drought, heat, and pollution). Finally,
the chapter provides research concerned with the bioremediation of oil residues and heavy elements and finds
sound ways to dispose them of.
Keywords
Biodiversity Á Microflora Á Nitrogenfixation Á Pesticides Á
Salinity Á Bioremediation
7.1 Chronicle of Agricultural Education
in Libya
In Libya, like other countries where interest in agriculture
has appeared since ancient times, agriculture is the main
source of food, despite the limited agricultural areas and
difficult natural conditions. However, recent and rapid
developments in society have made it necessary to pay more
attention to the agricultural side in order to keep up with
agricultural development plans and to cover the need for
agricultural engineers, specialized technicians, and the
preparation of highly specialized cadres. Agricultural education in Libya has gone through several stages throughout
history and has transformed from the traditional farming
system, in which the farmer instinctively learns and experiences, and in which agricultural information and foundations are passed down from one generation to another, to an
educational and systematic agricultural system based on
more modern foundations. Here, we will try to shed light on
some important aspects of this change.
In 1909, when Libya was under Ottoman rule, interest
appeared in agriculture as an institution for the first time in
order to increase agricultural and animal production by
commissioning and appointing the first commissioner of
agriculture in Tripoli. A decision was made by the state
council to establish a model farm in Mansheya, in the state
of Tripoli, where a section for horticulture and another for
animal production were allocated. This project included
agricultural development, and experts were appointed in the
agricultural education of farmers. After this model farm was
created, the Al Awailia Institute for Agricultural Education
was established in Al Marj in Al Jabal Al Akhdar (English:
E. A. Ferjani (&) Á M. T. Ben Mahmoud Á A. Y. Alnajjar
Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences,
University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
e-mail: eman.ferjani@gmail.com
M. T. Ben Mahmoud
e-mail: dr.mbenmahmoud@yahoo.com
A. Y. Alnajjar
e-mail: Aynsw2912@gmail.com
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
H. A. Zurqani (ed.), The Soils of Libya, World Soils Book Series,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66368-1_7
91
Soil Microbiology and Biotechnology
Eman Ali Ferjani, Merfat Taher Ben Mahmoud,
and Asma Yousef Alnajjar
Abstract
This chapter dealt with a brief presentation on the history
of studying soil microbiology in Libya, the geographical
location and climate, as well as the climatic factors that
determine the vital activity in the soil. Then, research and
studies that discussed the biological properties of soils
and their environmental conditions were presented.
Concerned with biological activity and modern techniques, to identify and classify microorganisms (bacteria
and fungi) of most Libyan soils was one of the research
priorities. Pathogenic fungi launched methods for chemical and biological control of pathogens, and research into
pollution caused by pesticides and herbicides was also
included. Truffles, wild pastures, and pastoral legumes, as
well as their effect on the environment, have also been the
focus of a share of the studies. Next, studies that focused
on the positive aspects of soil microorganisms, such as
the interest in symbiotic and non-symbiotic nitrogen
fixation, were presented. This information was followed
by a presentation of specific studies emphasizing ways to
solve the most harmful environmental problems that
represent the most significant challenges of biological
activity (salinity, drought, heat, and pollution). Finally,
the chapter provides research concerned with the bioremediation of oil residues and heavy elements and finds
sound ways to dispose them of.
Keywords
Biodiversity Á Microflora Á Nitrogenfixation Á Pesticides Á
Salinity Á Bioremediation
7.1 Chronicle of Agricultural Education
in Libya
In Libya, like other countries where interest in agriculture
has appeared since ancient times, agriculture is the main
source of food, despite the limited agricultural areas and
difficult natural conditions. However, recent and rapid
developments in society have made it necessary to pay more
attention to the agricultural side in order to keep up with
agricultural development plans and to cover the need for
agricultural engineers, specialized technicians, and the
preparation of highly specialized cadres. Agricultural education in Libya has gone through several stages throughout
history and has transformed from the traditional farming
system, in which the farmer instinctively learns and experiences, and in which agricultural information and foundations are passed down from one generation to another, to an
educational and systematic agricultural system based on
more modern foundations. Here, we will try to shed light on
some important aspects of this change.
In 1909, when Libya was under Ottoman rule, interest
appeared in agriculture as an institution for the first time in
order to increase agricultural and animal production by
commissioning and appointing the first commissioner of
agriculture in Tripoli. A decision was made by the state
council to establish a model farm in Mansheya, in the state
of Tripoli, where a section for horticulture and another for
animal production were allocated. This project included
agricultural development, and experts were appointed in the
agricultural education of farmers. After this model farm was
created, the Al Awailia Institute for Agricultural Education
was established in Al Marj in Al Jabal Al Akhdar (English:
E. A. Ferjani (&) Á M. T. Ben Mahmoud Á A. Y. Alnajjar
Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences,
University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
e-mail: eman.ferjani@gmail.com
M. T. Ben Mahmoud
e-mail: dr.mbenmahmoud@yahoo.com
A. Y. Alnajjar
e-mail: Aynsw2912@gmail.com
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
H. A. Zurqani (ed.), The Soils of Libya, World Soils Book Series,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66368-1_7
91