Monitoring Agricultural Dynamics and Its Impact on Water Resources Using GIS and Remote Sensing Data

Abstract

The Ben Mansour region in the Kénitra province of northwestern Morocco, a vital agricultural hub, is facing significant environmental and hydrological challenges due to its intensive agricultural practices and climatic conditions. This study examines land use and land cover changes over two decades (2000, 2010, and 2020) and assesses groundwater quality and levels in the region. Using Landsat satellite imagery, the authors analyzed vegetation dynamics through the NDVI, revealing substantial shifts in land use. Groundwater assessments, including depth and electrical conductivity measurements, reveal critical issues of overexploitation and salinization. Groundwater levels vary widely, with notable depletion and increased salinity due to intensive extraction and seawater intrusion. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and land use strategies to address the environmental impacts and ensure the long-term viability of agricultural activities in the region.