Mapping the sensitivity of land degradation in the Ouergha catchment (Morocco) using the MEDALUS approach

Authors : Mohamed BOUTALLAKA, Mohamed EL MAZİ, Youssef BENBRAHİM, Abdelghani HOUARİ

Pages : 257-266

Doi:10.18393/ejss.1276119

View : 92 | Download : 36

Publication Date : 2023-07-02

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Soil degradation is a global phenomenon affecting the productivity of agricultural land. Due to the low vegetation cover and the aggressive climate, Morocco presents a significant case of soil degradation through erosion and desertification. The Ouergha catchment is highly vulnerable to this scourge. The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity of land to degradation in the Ouergha catchment area. The MEDALUS approach, widely used in the Mediterranean region, was used to assess the sensitivity of soils to degradation/desertification. This approach integrates four indicators that strongly influence this phenomenon insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(climate, soil, vegetation and human pressure);. The results show that more than half of the study area has a medium sensitivity of land to degradation. The critical areas represent 16.2% and correspond to bare land characterized by steep slopes and absence of vegetation. Low sensitivity areas occupy a limited proportion of 21.9% and correspond to wet summits and conserved forest areas. Climate change could lead to a further increase in areas susceptible to degradation.
Keywords : Land degradation, MEDALUS approach, GIS, Ouergha catchment, Morocco

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