Soil erosion control and reclamation
Argan plays an important role against desertification in southern Morocco. Its large and dense crown protects the soil and pasture from sun damage and its deep root system binds the soil and helps water infiltration, which replenishes ground water (Orwa et al., 2009).
Shade, shelter and fences
Argan trees provide valuable shade for humans and animals. They are used to make barriers and windbreaks (Orwa et al., 2009).
Endangered forest ecosystem
In Morocco, droughts in the early years of this century resulted in nomads moving their herds into the argan forest which soon became overgrazed. This phenomenon combined with overexploitation of argan for fuel, together with land clearance for agriculture, resulted in a decrease in tree density (from 100 to 30 trees/ha) and cultivation (loss of 600 ha/year over 17 years) and an overall reduction of the south-western argan forest (Alifriqui, 2004; DREF/SO, 2005 cited by Zugmeyer, 2006). In rescue programmes, argan trees, other forage shrubs and pastures are planted together to allow both livestock grazing and argan tree regeneration (Zugmeyer, 2006).