TITLE:
Assessment of Climate Variability and Agricultural Activities in the Area of Tadla Plain
AUTHORS:
Yousra El Baki, Khalid Boutoial, Abdelouahid Medaghri-Alaoui
KEYWORDS:
Béni Mellal Khénifra Region, Groundwater, Mann Kendal Method, Regression Groundwater Levels, Standardized Precipitation Index
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.11 No.11,
November
10,
2023
ABSTRACT: The variations in both precipitation and temperature have far-reaching
effects on agricultural activities and the accessibility of water resources.
These climatic parameters are pivotal in determining the availability of both groundwater and surface water for agricultural use.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in climate
parameters, focusing on precipitation and temperature, alongside changes in
cultivated land area and crop yields in the Tadla area (Béni Mellal Khénifra
region, Morocco); additionally, our research looks at the changes in water
inflow into two dams and four aquifers. Trends were assessed over the period of
2010-2020 using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) method, as well as
the parametric regression method and nonparametric Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope
test. This analysis can be a preliminary step in demonstrating the effects of
climate variability on water resource availability and its adverse impacts on
agriculture in the region. The results showed a decreasing trend for some yield
crops despite the increase in the cultivated area. The results of the
groundwater levels and inflow dams showed a significant upward evolution. The
analysis of the obtained SPI values and temperatures has revealed a notable and
consistent upward trendencies. This upward trajectory indicates that both the
SPI values, which reflect precipitation patterns and the temperatures, have
been on the rise over the examined period. These results prompt reflection on
the effects of climate variability on water resources in the region and
economic activities, particularly agriculture.