* Corresponding Author
Integrating GIS and the MEDALUS Model for Soil Erosion Risk Assessment in Arid Mediterranean Landscapes: A Case Study from the Soubella Sub-Catchment, Hodna, Algeria
https://doi.org/10.22146/ijg.110431 Djamel KHOUDOUR(1*), Sofiane Bensefia(2), Zohra BIDI(3)
(1) Department of Nature and Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnological Techniques for the Valuation of Plant Resources, University of Mohamed BOUDIAF, M’Sila, University Pole ,Road Bordj Bou Arreiridj, 28000 M’Sila, Algeria.
(2) Department of Agricultural Sciences, Health and envirenment laboratory,Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University Mohamed El Bachir El Ibrahimi of Bordj Bou Arrerid,34000 , Algeria.
(3) Department of Nature and Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnological Techniques for the Valuation of Plant Resources, University of Mohamed BOUDIAF, M’Sila, University Pole ,Road Bordj Bou Arreiridj, 28000 M’Sila, Algeria.
(*) Corresponding Author
Abstract
Soil erosion represents a major environmental challenge, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where natural factors and human activities intensify land degradation. This study evaluates the Soubella sub-catchment's susceptibility to water erosion using the MEDALUS (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) model. The assessment is based on four key quality indices Soil Quality Index (SQI), Climate Quality Index (CQI), Vegetation Quality Index (VQI), and Anthropogenic Quality Index (AQI) derived from remote sensing, GIS analysis, and field observations. Spanning 1837.33 km², the study region features diverse topography, with elevations ranging from 376 to 1871 meters and an average slope of 19.02 m/km, indicating moderate terrain. The climate is semi-arid, characterized by high temperatures, limited rainfall, and pronounced spatial and temporal variability. Average annual precipitation at the Soubella dam site is estimated at 289 mm. The findings reveal a distinct spatial classification into three erosion sensitivity levels: non-affected (27.5%), sensitive (16.1%), and highly sensitive (56.4%). The resulting erosion sensitivity map highlights the spatial distribution of vulnerable areas, demonstrating the significant roles of climate, topography, and land use in soil degradation. These insights are crucial for developing targeted and sustainable land management strategies to mitigate erosion risks in the region.
Received: 2025-08-15 Revised: 2026-03-05 Accepted: 2026-04-14 Published: 2026-04-20
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