Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge that threatens agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability. It results from both natural and human factors such as climate, steep slopes, overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable land use. In Morocco, particularly in agricultural and forested regions, soil erosion accelerates land degradation and reduces soil fertility, impacting food security and water resources. Addressing this issue requires sustainable land management strategies that integrate scientific and technological solutions. This study assesses soil erosion risks in the Chichaoua watershed, located on the northern slopes of the High Atlas, using geospatial technologies. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was applied within a geographic information system (GIS) to quantify soil loss and identify vulnerable areas. Remote sensing techniques enabled the analysis of large datasets to enhance the accuracy of erosion mapping. Spatial overlay analysis using QGIS software revealed that steep slopes in the High Atlas experience severe soil erosion, exceeding 10 tons per hectare per year due to intense rainfall, steep gradients, and a lack of anti-erosion measures. Conversely, lower erosion rates were observed in downstream areas with gentler slopes and traditional agricultural practices, such as barley cultivation, which contribute to soil stabilization. The findings emphasize the urgent need for sustainable solutions, including afforestation, soil conservation techniques, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. By integrating geospatial technology with erosion modeling, this study provides a data-driven approach to environmental planning, supporting policymakers and stakeholders in implementing effective land management strategies to mitigate erosion and promote long-term sustainability.

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Soil Erosion Assessment in the Chichaoua Watershed (Morocco) Using the RUSLE Model and Geospatial Techniques

  • Badreddine Ennassiri,
  • Khalid El Haddaoui,
  • Abderrahmane Jadouane,
  • Mohamed Mahmoud Sebbab,
  • Mohamed Mouhiddine

摘要

Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge that threatens agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability. It results from both natural and human factors such as climate, steep slopes, overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable land use. In Morocco, particularly in agricultural and forested regions, soil erosion accelerates land degradation and reduces soil fertility, impacting food security and water resources. Addressing this issue requires sustainable land management strategies that integrate scientific and technological solutions. This study assesses soil erosion risks in the Chichaoua watershed, located on the northern slopes of the High Atlas, using geospatial technologies. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was applied within a geographic information system (GIS) to quantify soil loss and identify vulnerable areas. Remote sensing techniques enabled the analysis of large datasets to enhance the accuracy of erosion mapping. Spatial overlay analysis using QGIS software revealed that steep slopes in the High Atlas experience severe soil erosion, exceeding 10 tons per hectare per year due to intense rainfall, steep gradients, and a lack of anti-erosion measures. Conversely, lower erosion rates were observed in downstream areas with gentler slopes and traditional agricultural practices, such as barley cultivation, which contribute to soil stabilization. The findings emphasize the urgent need for sustainable solutions, including afforestation, soil conservation techniques, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. By integrating geospatial technology with erosion modeling, this study provides a data-driven approach to environmental planning, supporting policymakers and stakeholders in implementing effective land management strategies to mitigate erosion and promote long-term sustainability.