Research Purpose:

The aim of this article is to evaluate and quantify the impacts of land clearing on soils: the loss of fertility of cleared soils was assessed using physico-chemical soil analyses under forest (Holm Oak), and in rangeland and cleared plots transformed into arable land a long time ago (+10 years).

Methodology:

Rainfall simulation (using a simple simulator) was used to assess the impact of land clearing and cultivation on soil hydrodynamic behavior.

Results:

The results show that forest degradation has negative consequences for the natural environment. Firstly, the soil becomes unstable under the effects of trampling by livestock and successive ploughing. Secondly, soil reserves are reduced, with organic matter dropping from 33.61% of its initial level, and mineral nitrogen rising from 1.61 to 7.73 mg/100g. Thirdly, soil losses through water erosion reached 0.85 t/ha for a precipitation sequence of 80 mm h-1 for 45 minutes. The experimental results of this analysis in the Ain Nokra depression demonstrate the significant role of well-preserved forest ecosystems in protecting soil against water erosion and conserving water resources.

Originality/value:

This study represents the first simulation of erosion at Ain Nokra (Middle Atlas). From a scientific point of view, this article addresses the role of vegetation in preserving soils against erosion, as well as its impact in enriching the soil with organic matter.

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