Prioritizing sub-watersheds for soil management and conservation in the Wadi Ouergha watershed, Northern Morocco

The Wadi Ouergha watershed faces significant challenges due to erosion, which directly impacts sedimentation rates and reduces the water storage capacity of the El Wahda dam, a crucial infrastructure for the region.This study aims to prioritize the sub-watersheds most vulnerable to erosion, which pose a direct threat to the dam's efficiency.Through morphometric and hypsometric analysis, the research evaluates the geomorphological evolution, hydrological characteristics, and erosion risks within the sub-watersheds.The results indicate that sub-watersheds SW 6, SW 7, and SW 11 are the most at risk, with high drainage densities and advanced erosion stages, demanding immediate intervention.Sub-watersheds SW 2, SW 3, SW 4, SW 5 and SW 7 are identified as moderately vulnerable but still require erosion control measures to prevent long-term degradation.The findings underscore the need for targeted soil management and conservation efforts in these priority areas.This study introduces a novel integration of spatial analysis with statistical methods, incorporating weighted compound factors (WCF) and quartile analysis to prioritize sub-watersheds according to their vulnerability.This method enables a data-driven classification, establishing a structured framework for conservation priorities.Through combined numerical rankings and spatial mapping, decision-makers gain a clear visualization of high-risk areas, facilitating more targeted watershed management and optimized resource allocation.