MODELING AND MAPPING OF THE WATER EROSION RISK USING GIS / RUSLE APPROACH IN THE BOUREGREG RIVER WATERSHED

Morocco is among the world's most affected regions by the phenomenon of soil erosion. Thus, issues related to erosion phenomena are perceived both upstream by land degradation, and downstream by the dam siltation affecting the mobilization of water resources, vital for socio-economic development. It is therefore imperative to evaluate spatially and quantitatively the effects of soil erosion in order to face the phenomenon and to be able to propose development projects and better anti-erosion strategies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the losses in soils or in sediments generated by soil erosion and mainly sheet erosion and rill erosion. This soil erosion risk prediction will be made by a GIS / RUSLE approach within the Bouregreg river watershed in order to locate potential areas of sediment production and act as a base document for the identification of priority areas. It is also a valuable cartographic material for the planner to design appropriate management planning to counteract the effect of water erosion and its impact on the SMBA dam water retention.