The Oum Souid Wetland: Spatial Variability, Modelling of Soil-Water Properties and Ecological Importance

Abstract As a first study, soil and water properties of the Oum Souid wetland, a lake far west of the Ghardaïa region (Algeria), were investigated. Despite its ecological, tourist, and socio-economic importance, the wetland is little known, as it is situated in a biotope with an arid bioclimate among dune formations. Flora and avifauna inventories were conducted in the wetland to assess the studied site’s characteristic biodiversity. Vertical profiles from 0 cm to 90 cm deep were sampled. Fifty samples from each soil were prospected for organic matter, electrical conductivity ( EC ) and pH. Additional characteristics describing neighbouring water samples, including dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity ( EC ), and pH, were also determined in situ. The census of bird and plant species revealed a biological richness, with 12 families of migratory birds and 21 botanical families identified. Soil analysis indicated a sandy-clay texture with little silt for all the profiles. However, some profiles were marked by a sandy-clay-loamy texture. The assessment of spatial variation revealed a moderately alkaline soil pH, high electrical conductivity, and fairly organic matter content. Water samples were characterised by a strongly alkaline pH, slight salinity, and a high dissolved oxygen rate. These findings underline the crucial role of the Oum Souid wetland as a biodiversity refuge within the Saharan environment and highlight the need for integrated, sustainable land management strategies to ensure the long-term conservation of its ecological functions and natural heritage.