Elhamri et al. (2026) Geospatial and Temporal Assessment of Soil Salinization and Drought Using the Spi Index in an Irrigated Area in a Semi-Arid Zone: The Case of Beni-Amir (Central Morocco)

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Identification

• Journal: Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology)
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-02-04
• Authors: Ghizlane Elhamri, Hicham Bouzekraoui, Abderrahim Ettaqy
• DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/202621503005/pdf

Research Groups

Not explicitly stated in the provided text.

Short Summary

This study evaluates the spatial and temporal evolution of soil salinity and drought trends in the Beni Amir irrigated area of central Morocco, revealing a notable increase in deep soil electrical conductivity from 2013 to 2023. It establishes a negative statistical relationship between the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and salinity, confirming that recurring droughts exacerbate soil salinization in the region.

Objective

• To evaluate the spatial and temporal evolution of soil salinity from 2013 to 2023 in the Beni Amir irrigated area.
• To characterize drought trends using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) from 1990 to 2023.
• To explore the relationship between climate variability (droughts) and soil salinization.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Irrigated area of Beni Amir, central Morocco (a specific agricultural perimeter).
• Temporal Scale: Soil salinity evolution: 2013 to 2023 (10 years). Drought trends (SPI): 1990 to 2023 (33 years).

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for drought characterization.
• Data sources: Soil electrical conductivity measurements; Precipitation data (for SPI calculation).

Main Results

• A notable increase in soil electrical conductivity was observed, particularly in the deep soil profile (20–40 cm).
• The most vulnerable areas to salinization are located in the southern and eastern parts of the Beni Amir perimeter.
• Analysis of the SPI revealed a succession of moderate to severe droughts over the last three decades, with peaks in 2019 and 2022.
• A statistical comparison highlighted a negative relationship between the SPI and salinity, indicating that water deficits directly contribute to salt accumulation.
• The study confirms the significant role of droughts in exacerbating soil salinization.

Contributions

• Provides a recent (2013-2023) spatial and temporal assessment of soil salinization in a key irrigated area of central Morocco.
• Quantifies the long-term drought trends (1990-2023) using SPI in the region.
• Establishes a direct statistical link between climate variability (droughts) and soil salinization, reinforcing the understanding of this critical environmental degradation process.
• Highlights the importance of integrating climate variability into sustainable irrigation and soil conservation management strategies for arid and semi-arid regions.

Funding

Not explicitly stated in the provided text.

Citation

@article{Elhamri2026Geospatial,
  author = {Elhamri, Ghizlane and Bouzekraoui, Hicham and Ettaqy, Abderrahim},
  title = {Geospatial and Temporal Assessment of Soil Salinization and Drought Using the Spi Index in an Irrigated Area in a Semi-Arid Zone: The Case of Beni-Amir (Central Morocco)},
  journal = {Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology)},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1051/bioconf/202621503005/pdf},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202621503005/pdf}
}