Assessment of land degradation related to groundwater irrigation of oasis environments. Case study: The zibans (biskra), algeria

This study aims to evaluate the state of soil and land degradation in oases and small-farming perimeters that are irrigated from groundwater. The study was conducted in three different sites in the Ziban region. Land degradation and soil salinization were assessed through the use of ancillary, field, laboratory, and remote sensing data and techniques. This work allowed to identify three different situations. The Tolga site is affected by high salinization and hydromorphy. The Sidi Okba site presents a low degree of halomorphy and light hydromorphy. In the El Outaya site, the degree of salinization is similar to the Tolga site, with alkalization occurring in the studied soils. Specific restrictions and practices (leaching and drainage) have to be adopted in the management of sites Tolga and El Outaya. This could ensure oasis survival and land productivity, also contributing to a sustainable land and agriculture management.