Geospatial and temporal assessment of the variability of soil organic matter and electrical conductivity in irrigated semi-arid area

Abstract

ABSTRACT A good understanding of the dynamics of soil organic matter and electrical conductivity, in space and time dimension, is crucial for better agricultural and environmental management. This understanding is more required especially in an irrigated semi-arid region such as Doukkala plain in western of Morocco. To assess the status and dynamics of these two soils parameters in such area, in this study, we collected 100 soil samples at two depths (0–20 and 20–40) and over two successive years (2017 and 2018) using a GPS. Then we developed eight ordinary kriging models to produce digital soil maps. The findings indicate that the low content of organic matter in the soils investigated may have a negative impact on soil quality and productivity. Nonetheless, its increasing in the second year could be a sign of future improvement. Salinization of soils, on the other hand, is a continual process that occurs from year to year, whether in the superficial layer or the layer below. This alarming situation must be seriously taken into account in the plans and strategies of decision makers involved in agricultural and environmental policy in order to reduce soil degradation and preserve its quality and productive potential for sustainable food security.