Soil erosion assessment in a semi-arid environment: a case study from the Argana Corridor, Morocco

Abstract

Soil erosion is a widespread problem that continues to expand in magnitude and scope due to ever-changing anthropogenic and climatic conditions. The High Atlas Mountains in Morocco are a typical case where this problem affects the ecological and socioeconomic activities of the region. The main objective of this study is to provide an erosion risk analysis of the Argana Corridor in the High Atlas of Morocco using GIS, Remote Sensing and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). The erosion assessment is based on various controlling factors including climate, topography, vegetation cover, soil erodibility and soil conservation practices. Findings indicate that the study area is subjected to significant erosion, reaching an average annual soil loss rate of 47.52 t/ha/year, and an annual erosion amount of 5,233,840 tons. Collectively, the methodology and results provide a decision support system for stakeholders in the region, and a framework for studies in data-scarce regions.