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Drip Irrigation modelling for young Cork Oaks in Maâmora Forest (Morocco)
 
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1
Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics, and Energy, Ibn Tofail University, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
 
2
Research Team “Innovative Research and Applied Physics”, Department of Physics, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
 
 
Corresponding author
Mohammed Igouzal   

Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics, and Energy, Ibn Tofail University, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
 
 
 
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ABSTRACT
The Maâmora forest in Morocco, the world's largest cork oak (Quercus suber) forest, faces significant threats from drought, urbanization (driven by its proximity to major cities like Rabat and Kenitra), tree debarking, and overgrazing. This leads to an increase of tree mortality. Attempts to reforest this forest have been made in several places, but their results have been unsuccessful because young trees could not withstand drought and climate change. To address these challenges, sustainable irrigation methods are crucial for mitigating dieback, promoting seedling growth, and improving tree health. This study evaluates the effectiveness of drip irrigation in enhancing water use efficiency for promoting young cork oaks growth in a specific site of the studied area (475 km2). Soil properties were analyzed using granulometer and disc infiltrometer tests in five sites, revealing a predominantly sandy texture (95-99%), a water flux of 0.56 cm/h and a saturated hydraulic conductivity of 0.0088 cm/s. Spatial interpolation of soil texture was accomplished with GIS and water flow was simulated using the HYDRUS-2D numerical model. The study reveals that the sandy soils of the Maâmora forest exhibit very low initial water content (initial moisture is 0.012 cm³/cm³), highlighting their vulnerability to drought. Numerical simulations demonstrated that drip irrigation effectively distributes water, with moisture reaching depths of up to 240 cm after 400 hours, ensuring adequate hydration for cork oak seedlings. The study underscores the importance of integrating numerical modeling and GIS-based soil mapping to develop sustainable irrigation practices, reducing seedling mortality and enhancing forest resilience under climate change.
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