Quantification of water erosion using the RUSLE method in the Mazer watershed (Berrechid region, Morocco)

Abstract

The losses of soil due to water erosion pose a major problem exacerbating land degradation in many regions worldwide, including Morocco. Soil degradation has detrimental consequences for agriculture, ecosystems, and the environment in general. In this context, the main objective of this study is to assess the risk of soil erosion in the Mazer watershed, located at the heart of a significant agricultural region in the Settat province of Morocco. To achieve this goal, we have employed an advanced methodology that combines the use of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with the advantages offered by the Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing. This approach allows us to analyze five key factors contributing to soil losses through water erosion: rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), vegetation cover (C), topography (LS), and anti-erosion practices (P). By overlaying these five elements, we have developed a quantitative map of soil losses for the Mazer watershed. The results show an average soil degradation of 77.2 tons per hectare per year, with variations ranging from 0.6 to 885.2 tons per hectare per year. This diversity highlights the significant impact of environmental and human factors. This precise methodology enables the identification of major contributors to erosion, facilitating the implementation of tailored protective measures. Understanding the causes of water erosion is essential for promoting sustainable agricultural practices, soil conservation, and environmental policies aimed at preserving the ecosystem and local natural resources, thereby mitigating soil erosion and promoting sustainability.