Soil erosion risk assessment in an extraction area: Case of abandoned quarries in the Akreuch region (Morocco)

Extractive activities contribute to the economic development of several Mediterranean countries. Unfortunately, numbers of quarries were abandoned after closure which deeply disrupts the landscape and the ecosystem. Many studies have shown the direct impact of abandoned quarries on soil and water quality and claim their rehabilitation or restoration. This research focuses on the impact of abandoned quarries on soil erosion in a rocky materials extraction zone located in the Akreuch region (Northwestern Morocco). The annual soil loss was assessed using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation. Results show a high potential of erosion in quarries and their surrounding areas; Most of quarries are prone to a high erosion risk and the rate of soil loss varies between 9, 65t/ha/yr and 103, 46t/ha/yr. Therefore, soil conservation practices must be established to limit the direct impact of quarrying on the environment and to ensure soil protection.