A Dynamic Approach to Soil Erosion Modeling for Watershed Management

Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge in Mediterranean mountainous watersheds, especially under increasing climatic variability and anthropogenic pressure. This chapter presents an integrated and dynamic framework for soil erosion assessment and prioritization, combining RUSLE-based modeling, field-based validation, and SMART multi-criteria decision analysis, applied to the N'Fis watershed (Morocco), upstream of the Lalla Takerkoust Dam. Results reveal strong spatial heterogeneity, with soil loss rates ranging from <3 to >22.7 t·ha−1·yr−1. Field surveys highlight marked local contrasts related to erosion dynamics, vegetation degradation, land use, and infrastructure exposure. SMART-based multi-criteria analysis integrates biophysical and socio-economic factors into a unified prioritization framework, enabling refined identification of priority intervention zones. The proposed approach offers a robust, scalable, and transferable decision-support tool for sustainable watershed management, dam protection, and climate adaptation in semi-arid and mountainous regions.