Abstract: Efficient afforestation programs are crucial to limit soil degradation in various arid and semiarid
ecosystems. However, the success of these programs is dependant to the plant type selected for
revegetation and the methods used for seedlings production. Exotic fast-growing trees have been
largely planted but their use is currently controversial because of their potential negative ecological
impacts. Whereas the positive impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal inoculation in nursery
was demonstrated, few studies focused on the monitoring of mycorrhizal inoculation in arid and semiarid
ecosystems. In addition, the majority of studies are based on single-species inocula with non
native AM fungal strains. The current study aims at evaluating the efficiency of mycorrhizal inoculation
of the emblematic Mediterranean carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) in a Moroccan degraded site, through
an ecological engineering strategy based on the use of a complex native AM community (naturally
associated to carob trees). Results demonstrate the high potential of this approach by improving
sustainably the growth and nutrient status of carob trees in a 3 year-old plantation and also by
inducing a positive soil microbial environment for nutrient cycling and environmental stress
resistance.