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  1. Article ; Online: Effects of Wind Erosion Control Measures on Vegetation Dynamics and Soil-Surface Materials through Field Observations and Vegetation Indices in Arid Areas, Southeastern Tunisia

    Ameni Khatteli / Abderrazak Tlili / Mohamed Chaieb / Mohamed Ouessar

    Sustainability, Vol 15, Iss 14256, p

    2023  Volume 14256

    Abstract: Effective land management in the Djeffara plain, southeastern Tunisia, is being constrained by increasing land degradation issues due to arid climate conditions and soil erosion. Thus, this study aims to assess the impact of the integrated control ... ...

    Abstract Effective land management in the Djeffara plain, southeastern Tunisia, is being constrained by increasing land degradation issues due to arid climate conditions and soil erosion. Thus, this study aims to assess the impact of the integrated control measures, namely windbreaks and controlled grazing, on the restoration of land cover dynamics in six managed rangeland areas. Land cover changes were monitored using satellite data and the derived vegetation indices (the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI)) from Landsat 8 (OLI), both within and outside the protected areas. The findings reveal that the implemented protection measures lead to an increase in vegetation cover, diversity, and plant density. They play an important role in stabilizing the upper soil layer. The oldest protected areas, particularly those that are well-maintained with controlled seasonal grazing, experienced a reduction in sand movement. The reintroduction of grazing should, however, be controlled to prevent degradation risks. The results show strong correlations between vegetation cover and both calculated vegetation indices, (0.73 < R 2 < 0.91), with more accurate estimating for the SAVI. The findings of this research can guide decision-makers for restoring degraded rangelands and planning effective control measures for wind erosion.
    Keywords dryland ; wind erosion ; management ; plant communities ; GIS ; vegetation index ; Environmental effects of industries and plants ; TD194-195 ; Renewable energy sources ; TJ807-830 ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 910
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  2. Article ; Online: The Use of geophysical methods to evaluate soil sediments behind gabion check dams in the dry regions of southern Tunisia.

    Mongi Ben Zaied / Nesrine Frifita / Mohamed Ouessar

    Journal of Oasis Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Vol 5, Iss

    2023  Volume 3

    Abstract: This study aims to detect sediment at six gabions check-dams distributed in the upstream and downstream areas of the Koutine catchment located in an arid area in the southeast of Tunisia and characterized by an annual mean precipitation of less than 200 ... ...

    Abstract This study aims to detect sediment at six gabions check-dams distributed in the upstream and downstream areas of the Koutine catchment located in an arid area in the southeast of Tunisia and characterized by an annual mean precipitation of less than 200 mm. The detection of sediment is based on the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method associated with topographic measurements. About ten lines were arranged, with 72 electrodes. The results of resistivity data obtained during field measurements were inverted into subsurface structures using least squares inversion techniques. The preliminary results indicate that the sediment can be identified using an ERT contour method. The obtained results are calibrated based on samples collected for laboratory analysis. The accuracy of the high-density ERT method was justified. The density increases with the sediment deposit depth. Topographic methods were used to estimate the surface and the relief of deposed sediments in the area monitored by the gabions check-dams. This study provides an approach based on the high-density electrical resistivity tomography method and a topographic investigation to estimate sediment yield behind gabion check-dams that control catchments. The sedimentary deposit of eroded soils reduces the effectiveness of the recharge structures. Consequently, the improvement of permeability at the level of the retention basins (by cleaning the settlement basin and creating recharge wells) is of great importance. The study results are beneficial for decision-makers to evaluate the existing soil conservation and water management plans, which can be further adjusted using appropriate soil erosion mitigation options based on scientific evidence.
    Keywords soil erosion ; tomography ; runoff ; sediment ; topography ; Agriculture ; S
    Subject code 550
    Language Arabic
    Publishing date 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Arid regions institute
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  3. Article ; Online: The Use of geophysical methods to evaluate soil sediments behind gabion check dams in the dry regions of southern Tunisia.

    Mongi Ben Zaied / Nesrine Frifita / Mohamed Ouessar

    Journal of Oasis Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Vol 5, Iss

    2023  Volume 3

    Abstract: This study aims to detect sediment at six gabions check-dams distributed in the upstream and downstream areas of the Koutine catchment located in an arid area in the southeast of Tunisia and characterized by an annual mean precipitation of less than 200 ... ...

    Abstract This study aims to detect sediment at six gabions check-dams distributed in the upstream and downstream areas of the Koutine catchment located in an arid area in the southeast of Tunisia and characterized by an annual mean precipitation of less than 200 mm. The detection of sediment is based on the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method associated with topographic measurements. About ten lines were arranged, with 72 electrodes. The results of resistivity data obtained during field measurements were inverted into subsurface structures using least squares inversion techniques. The preliminary results indicate that the sediment can be identified using an ERT contour method. The obtained results are calibrated based on samples collected for laboratory analysis. The accuracy of the high-density ERT method was justified. The density increases with the sediment deposit depth. Topographic methods were used to estimate the surface and the relief of deposed sediments in the area monitored by the gabions check-dams. This study provides an approach based on the high-density electrical resistivity tomography method and a topographic investigation to estimate sediment yield behind gabion check-dams that control catchments. The sedimentary deposit of eroded soils reduces the effectiveness of the recharge structures. Consequently, the improvement of permeability at the level of the retention basins (by cleaning the settlement basin and creating recharge wells) is of great importance. The study results are beneficial for decision-makers to evaluate the existing soil conservation and water management plans, which can be further adjusted using appropriate soil erosion mitigation options based on scientific evidence.
    Keywords soil erosion ; tomography ; runoff ; sediment ; topography ; Agriculture ; S
    Subject code 550
    Language Arabic
    Publishing date 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Arid regions institute
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  4. Article ; Online: Soil Erosion Estimates in Arid Region

    Mongi Ben Zaied / Seifeddine Jomaa / Mohamed Ouessar

    Applied Sciences, Vol 11, Iss 6763, p

    A Case Study of the Koutine Catchment, Southeastern Tunisia

    2021  Volume 6763

    Abstract: Soil erosion remains one of the principal environmental problems in arid regions. This study aims to assess and quantify the variability of soil erosion in the Koutine catchment using the RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model. The Koutine ... ...

    Abstract Soil erosion remains one of the principal environmental problems in arid regions. This study aims to assess and quantify the variability of soil erosion in the Koutine catchment using the RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model. The Koutine catchment is located in an arid area in southeastern Tunisia and is characterized by an annual mean precipitation of less than 200 mm. The model was used to examine the influence of topography, extreme rainstorm intensity and soil texture on soil loss. The data used for model validation were obtained from field measurements by monitoring deposited sediment in settlement basins of 25 cisterns (a traditional water harvesting and storage technique) over 4 years, from 2015 to 2018. Results showed that slope is the most controlling factor of soil loss. The average annual soil loss in monitoring sites varies between 0.01 and 12.5 t/ha/y. The storm events inducing the largest soil losses occurred in the upstream part of the Koutine catchment with a maximum value of 7.3 t/ha per event. Soil erosion is highly affected by initial and preceding soil conditions. The RUSLE model reasonably reproduced (R 2 = 0.81) the spatiotemporal variability of measured soil losses in the study catchment during the observation period. This study revealed the importance of using the cisterns in the data-scarce dry areas as a substitute for the classic soil erosion monitoring fields. Besides, combining modeling of outputs and field measurements could improve our physical understanding of soil erosion processes and their controlling factors in an arid catchment. The study results are beneficial for decision-makers to evaluate the existing soil conservation and water management plans, which can be further adjusted using appropriate soil erosion mitigation options based on scientific evidence.
    Keywords soil erosion ; RUSLE ; GIS modeling ; remote sensing ; Koutine catchment ; geospatial analysis ; Technology ; T ; Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ; TA1-2040 ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5 ; Physics ; QC1-999 ; Chemistry ; QD1-999
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-07-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  5. Article ; Online: Generation of Potential Sites for Sustainable Water Harvesting Techniques in Oum Zessar Watershed, South East Tunisia

    Mohamed Arbi Abdeladhim / Luuk Fleskens / Jantiene Baartman / Mongi Sghaier / Mohamed Ouessar / Coen J. Ritsema

    Sustainability, Vol 14, Iss 5754, p

    2022  Volume 5754

    Abstract: Water harvesting techniques (WHTs) are important climate change adaptation measures to better manage rainwater for domestic and agricultural purposes, but which WHT to plan where is subject to sustainability considerations. Moreover, suitability of ... ...

    Abstract Water harvesting techniques (WHTs) are important climate change adaptation measures to better manage rainwater for domestic and agricultural purposes, but which WHT to plan where is subject to sustainability considerations. Moreover, suitability of different WHTs varies from one location to another, depending on physical and socio-economic conditions. This study aimed to identify suitable sites for WHTs taking into account stakeholders’ sustainability criteria. In a participatory assessment framework, Geographic Information Systems and the “Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique” were combined to generate suitability maps and to guide sustainable WHTs investments. Steps included the calculation of a sustainability index for a set of traditional and newly introduced WHTs from the perspective of two stakeholder groups, farmers and decision-makers, and its integration with layers of biophysical constraints. An application of the framework in the Oum Zessar watershed, southeast Tunisia, shows that traditional techniques are the most suitable and sustainable for farmers and fall within the highly suitable class in 76.4% of the total area, while decision-makers prefer innovative techniques that are highly suitable in 80.4% of the watershed. The framework offers a scalable transparent process for knowledge integration in support of WHT investment decisions that can be adapted to other dryland areas.
    Keywords GIS ; rainwater harvesting ; composite sustainability indicator ; spatial multi-criteria analysis ; Tunisia ; Environmental effects of industries and plants ; TD194-195 ; Renewable energy sources ; TJ807-830 ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 710
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-05-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  6. Article ; Online: Assessment of drought stress in arid olive groves using HidroMORE model

    Abderrahman Sghaier / Hanen Dhaou / Lassaad Jarray / Zouhair Abaab / Ahmed Sekrafi / Mohamed Ouessar

    Journal of Agricultural Engineering, Vol 53, Iss

    2022  Volume 1

    Abstract: The olive tree is well known for being adapted to the arid conditions of the Mediterranean basin. However, prolonged drought periods which are expected to become more frequent because of climate change could result in severe water stress. In order to map ...

    Abstract The olive tree is well known for being adapted to the arid conditions of the Mediterranean basin. However, prolonged drought periods which are expected to become more frequent because of climate change could result in severe water stress. In order to map the spatial distribution of drought stress in the olive groves in the arid regions of southeastern Tunisia (governorate of M denine), we made recourse to the HidroMORE model (based mainly on FAO56 ET, NDVI from Sentinel 2 images and other physical parameters) to compute the water balance in a GIS environment. The outputs were compared to in situ soil water content measurements in four selected sites representing the various agro-ecological zones (mountains, piedmont, inner plain and coast) of the study site during the observation period from January 2016 to December 2019. The model outputs performed relatively well (the overall correlation coefficient R2=0.72; index of agreement IA=0.76). The simulation results show that during normal years or average droughts, the water stress is least in the mountain and piedmont zones because of the additional runoff water supplied by the traditional water harvesting structures (Jessour and Tabias) and in the coastal zone, thanks to the higher air humidity and rainfall. In contrast, the olives in the inner plains are the most affected. Nevertheless, in case of severe droughts, the stress is generalised. Thus, the model could be used as a decision tool for prioritizing areas of intervention for drought control and mitigation (supplemental irrigation for trees safeguard, etc.)
    Keywords Olive ; arid ; soil water balance ; HidroMORE model ; drought ; geomatics ; Agriculture ; S ; Agriculture (General) ; S1-972
    Subject code 550
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-03-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher PAGEPress Publications
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  7. Article ; Online: Green waste biochar effects on sandy soil physicochemical properties

    Habib Lamourou / Nissaf Karbout / Zied Zriba / Inès Rahma Zoghlami / Mohamed Ouessar / Mohamed Moussa

    Journal of Oasis Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Vol 4, Iss 2, Pp 37-

    2022  Volume 46

    Abstract: The organic amendment of degraded soil in South East of Tunisia was used to restore the chemical, and physical properties of soil quality investigated in this study. Biochar derived from pyrolyzed green waste at 360°C was used like organic amendment. ... ...

    Abstract The organic amendment of degraded soil in South East of Tunisia was used to restore the chemical, and physical properties of soil quality investigated in this study. Biochar derived from pyrolyzed green waste at 360°C was used like organic amendment. Nines randomized plots with one square meter of the area of each plot in three replicates have been installed in the Institute of Arid Area in Mednine South East of Tunisia, with two rates of biochar 20 and 40 t/ha were investigated: 20 tons/ha (B20) (2 kg/m²) and 40 tons/ha (B40) (4 kg/m²). The results showed that biochar had a positive effect on soil's physical and chemical properties compared to non-amended soil (Untreated soil). Biochar supply at rates of 20 and 40 tons/ha, causes a decrease in electrical conductivity to achieve 2.66 mS/cm for the B40 dose after 1 year of amendment, also a decrease in the bulk density at the surface layer (0-20 cm) has been registered, the total porosity which was decreased with depth. The hydraulic conductivity is favored by the incorporation of biochar in the soil which increases the volume of voids and tends to create preferential flow paths.
    Keywords Agriculture ; S
    Subject code 630 ; 550
    Language Arabic
    Publishing date 2022-09-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Arid regions institute
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  8. Article ; Online: Green waste biochar effects on sandy soil physicochemical properties

    Habib Lamourou / Nissaf Karbout / Zied Zriba / Inès Rahma Zoghlami / Mohamed Ouessar

    Journal of Oasis Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Vol 4, Iss

    2022  Volume 3

    Abstract: The organic amendment of degraded soil in South East of Tunisia was used to restore the chemical, and physical properties of soil quality investigated in this study. Biochar derived from pyrolyzed green waste at 360°C was used like organic amendment. ... ...

    Abstract The organic amendment of degraded soil in South East of Tunisia was used to restore the chemical, and physical properties of soil quality investigated in this study. Biochar derived from pyrolyzed green waste at 360°C was used like organic amendment. Nines randomized plots with one square meter of the area of each plot in three replicates have been installed in the Institute of Arid Area in Mednine South East of Tunisia, with two rates of biochar 20 and 40 t/ha were investigated: 20 tons/ha (B20) (2 kg/m²) and 40 tons/ha (B40) (4 kg/m²). The results showed that biochar had a positive effect on soil's physical and chemical properties compared to non-amended soil (Untreated soil). Biochar supply at rates of 20 and 40 tons/ha, causes a decrease in electrical conductivity to achieve 2.66 mS/cm for the B40 dose after 1 year of amendment, also a decrease in the bulk density at the surface layer (0-20 cm) has been registered, the total porosity which was decreased with depth. The hydraulic conductivity is favored by the incorporation of biochar in the soil which increases the volume of voids and tends to create preferential flow paths.
    Keywords biochar ; pyrolysis temperature ; total porosity ; hydraulic conductivity ; Agriculture ; S
    Subject code 550
    Language Arabic
    Publishing date 2022-09-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Arid regions institute
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Article ; Online: Green waste biochar effects on sandy soil physicochemical properties

    Habib Lamourou / Nissaf Karbout / Zied Zriba / Inès Rahma Zoghlami / Mohamed Ouessar

    Journal of Oasis Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Vol 4, Iss

    2022  Volume 3

    Abstract: The organic amendment of degraded soil in South East of Tunisia was used to restore the chemical, and physical properties of soil quality investigated in this study. Biochar derived from pyrolyzed green waste at 360°C was used like organic amendment. ... ...

    Abstract The organic amendment of degraded soil in South East of Tunisia was used to restore the chemical, and physical properties of soil quality investigated in this study. Biochar derived from pyrolyzed green waste at 360°C was used like organic amendment. Nines randomized plots with one square meter of the area of each plot in three replicates have been installed in the Institute of Arid Area in Mednine South East of Tunisia, with two rates of biochar 20 and 40 t/ha were investigated: 20 tons/ha (B20) (2 kg/m²) and 40 tons/ha (B40) (4 kg/m²). The results showed that biochar had a positive effect on soil's physical and chemical properties compared to non-amended soil (Untreated soil). Biochar supply at rates of 20 and 40 tons/ha, causes a decrease in electrical conductivity to achieve 2.66 mS/cm for the B40 dose after 1 year of amendment, also a decrease in the bulk density at the surface layer (0-20 cm) has been registered, the total porosity which was decreased with depth. The hydraulic conductivity is favored by the incorporation of biochar in the soil which increases the volume of voids and tends to create preferential flow paths.
    Keywords biochar ; pyrolysis temperature ; total porosity ; hydraulic conductivity ; Agriculture ; S
    Subject code 550
    Language Arabic
    Publishing date 2022-09-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Arid regions institute
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  10. Article ; Online: Hybrid Fuzzy AHP and Frequency Ratio Methods for Assessing Flood Susceptibility in Bayech Basin, Southwestern Tunisia

    Zaineb Ali / Noura Dahri / Marnik Vanclooster / Ali Mehmandoostkotlar / Adnane Labbaci / Mongi Ben Zaied / Mohamed Ouessar

    Sustainability, Vol 15, Iss 21, p

    2023  Volume 15422

    Abstract: Flash floods are a significant threat to arid and semi-arid regions, causing considerable loss of life and damage, including roads, bridges, check dams and dikes, reservoir filling, and mudslides in populated areas as well as agricultural fields. Flood ... ...

    Abstract Flash floods are a significant threat to arid and semi-arid regions, causing considerable loss of life and damage, including roads, bridges, check dams and dikes, reservoir filling, and mudslides in populated areas as well as agricultural fields. Flood risk is a complex process linked to numerous morphological, pedological, geological, anthropic, and climatic factors. In arid environments such as where Bayech basin is located in southwestern Tunisia, the hydrometric data are insufficient due to the absence of measuring points. Using the hybrid fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) and the frequency ratio statistical methods, this study aims to map flooding risks in an ungauged basin that is extremely prone to flooding. Data related to soil texture, slope, land use, altitude, rainfall, drainage density, and distance from the river were used in the risk analysis. The obtained flood risk maps from both F-AHP and FR models were validated on the basis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), the Area Under the Curve (AUC), and the inventory map. Results revealed that areas of high and very high susceptibility to flooding are mainly located in the downstream part of the basin, where the town of Gafsa is located. Other upstream sites are also at risk. In this basin, slope is predominantly behind runoff accumulation, whereas soil type plays a major role in amplifying waterproofing and therefore overflow. The results derived from both methods clearly demonstrate a viable and efficient assessment in flood-prone areas. The F-AHP and FR methods have ROC values of 95% and 97%, respectively. Considering these results in the decision-making process, these outputs would enable the implementation of the necessary measures to mitigate flood risk impacts ensure sustainable development along with an effective management in Tunisian arid environments, for the well-being of local communities at risk.
    Keywords flood ; Bayech basin ; F-AHP model ; FR model ; ROC ; Environmental effects of industries and plants ; TD194-195 ; Renewable energy sources ; TJ807-830 ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 550
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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