Soil quality index: a tool to detect the sensitivity to soil erosion in an agricultural catchment from the Middle Atlas of Morocco.

Abstract The present paper focuses on the application of the Soil Quality Index (SQI) within the Tiguert catchment, situated in the Middle Atlas of Morocco. The studied catchment, covering approximately 10.2 km², experiences a semi-arid climate with irregular rainfall and is designated as an agricultural area, making it an ideal site for studying the intricate interactions between natural processes and human activities. The SQI developed as part of the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) project is tailored to the unique conditions of the Mediterranean region. In the case of the Tiguert catchment, SQI is calculated using a formula that considers topographical slope, horizontal depth of soil, parental material, and soil brightness. Consequently, the results depict a promising scenario, with 61% of the soil classified as “High Quality,” indicating robust soil health and resilience despite the challenges posed by a semi-arid climate. The 31% categorized as “Moderate Quality” underscores areas requiring specific management attention, while the 8% identified as “Low Quality” signals localized challenges potentially influenced by irregular rainfall patterns. Furthermore, the SQI results are closely linked to soil erosion dynamics, with higher SQI values associated with improved resistance to erosion. The dynamic connection between precipitation patterns and SQI over a 40-year analysis indicates the impact of varying rainfall on soil health. Extreme rainfall events correspond to higher SQI percentages in the “High Quality” category, while drier periods align with lower SQI percentages, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between climate and soil quality. A comprehensive analysis of SQI across diverse ecosystems in Tiguert reveals variations in soil health, emphasizing the importance of tailored land management approaches for different land use types to optimize overall soil sustainability.