INAT (Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie), partner of MAENA project, has successfully implemented direct seeding of durum wheat  as a core component of its planned Small Water Cycle Restoration (SWCR) practices at its demonstration farm located in Mornag, Tunis.

Direct seeding is a sustainable agricultural technique where seeds are sown directly into the soil without prior tilling or disturbance. By leaving crop residues on the surface, this method allows plants to germinate and reach maturity while maintaining a natural protective cover over the earth.

The adoption of direct seeding offers significant advantages including:

• Direct seeding protects the soil by minimising physical disturbance and by keeping the soil structure intact. It boosts organic matter and creates a more resilient environment that is less prone to erosion and better at supporting long-term plant life.
• This method is efficient for water-scarce regions. By leaving the soil undisturbed and covered with crop residues, the field acts like a sponge, trapping moisture and shielding it from evaporation, which ensures the seeds have the water they need to germinate.
• While the direct drill seeders require an upfront investment, it significantly lowers daily operating expenses including fuel and labor, while extending the lifespan of the farm’s machinery.
• Direct seeding is a greener farming choice that lowers the farm’s carbon footprint and protects underground biodiversity. It reduces the need for heavy chemical inputs, leading to a cleaner local environment.
• Plants grown in uncompacted, healthy soil develop deeper and stronger root systems. Combined with the high precision of a direct drill seeder—which places seeds at the perfect depth and spacing—this results in more uniform growth and higher yields at harvest.

This practice represents a shift toward “no-till” farming, aligning with MAENA’s mission to improve water use efficiency and restore local ecosystems.

Learn about the other foreseen SWCR practices in INAT farm here: https://www.interregnextmed.eu/maenas-demonstration-hubs-for-a-water-secure-tunisia/