Multivariate analysis and GIS-based soil suitability diagnosis for sustainable intensive agriculture in Beni-Moussa irrigated subperimeter (Tadla plain, Morocco)

The aim of this study was to diagnose the agricultural land quality in Beni-Moussa irrigated subperimeter, Tadla plain (Morocco), and to evaluate that whether they are still suitable for sustainable intensive agriculture using GIS and physicochemical analyses. Eight quality indicators, namely soil depth, soil texture, pH, EC, CEC, OC, OM and slope, and were analyzed in 27 topsoil samples (0-20 cm) collected from the study zone at September 2009-2015. GIS approach was used to provide than indicator specific maps and to generate the land suitability for intensive agriculture. The results showed that about 1.69% (1324.38 ha) of studied area are classified in the class 'excellent suitable', 17.14% (13449.81 ha) in 'good suitable', 75.70% (59393.30 ha) in 'medium suitable' and 5.47% (4293.11 ha) in 'poor suitable' for sustainable intensive agriculture. These two latter land suitability classes needed some restrictions on agricultural practices and appropriate management to be of good sustainable productivity, without soil deterioration and negative effects on environment. The findings of this study are promising and can be used as a basis for the further scientific works, but they required new investigations and experts' opinions to evaluate and increase their accuracy.