Study of desertification sensitivity in Talh region (Central Tunisia) using remote sensing, G.I.S. and the M.E.D.A.L.U.S. approach
Abstract Background Tunisia is one of countries most affected by desertification. Sustainability of its resources, particularly agricultural ones, is closely dependent on it. Studies have multiplied to understand this phenomenon and consequently try to reduce its consequences on society. In recent d...
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SpringerOpen
2020-05-01
|
| Series: | Geoenvironmental Disasters |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40677-020-00148-w |
| _version_ | 1818149554617319424 |
|---|---|
| author | Chokri Bedoui |
| author_facet | Chokri Bedoui |
| author_sort | Chokri Bedoui |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Tunisia is one of countries most affected by desertification. Sustainability of its resources, particularly agricultural ones, is closely dependent on it. Studies have multiplied to understand this phenomenon and consequently try to reduce its consequences on society. In recent decades, attempts have been made to find methods of forecasting and predicting desertification. Today, with significant progress made in remote sensing and GIS techniques, there is a better control of data from field, environment and society. This now makes it possible to produce documents that are much more accurate and reliable than before. This paper aims to assess sensitivity to desertification in a region of central Tunisia using remote sensing tools, GIS and guidelines of MEDALUS (Desertification and Land Use in the Mediterranean) model. Integration of different parameters with weighted values in a GIS system resulted in indices of climate, soil, vegetation and management. Result In almost all cases, indices reveal the preponderance of soils, vegetation, climate and management of moderate and especially poor quality. Overlaying the four indices by multiplying them according to model equation yields the final sensitivity index map. This index shows that study area is in an advanced stage of desertification since most of its surface area (82%) is in critical class. The rest is considered as fragile. Whole region is therefore placed in of high sensitivity classes of desertification. This situation is linked to a very poor vegetation cover, unstructured and low-developed soils, cultural practices based on tillage and high livestock numbers in regard to low natural grazing resources. It is also due to a farming system not taking into account soil natural vulnerability. Conclusion As natural resources, in current context of exploitation, cannot regenerate so quickly, pressure on environment is remarkable, exacerbating at the same time desertification problem. Continuing with current practices with clear signs of degradation may make situation irreversible in near future. Therefore, immediate action is necessary to stop degradation and preserve future generations’ resources. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-11T13:08:53Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-b8a2ccd707ac439abf82ca4ae0705055 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2197-8670 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-11T13:08:53Z |
| publishDate | 2020-05-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Geoenvironmental Disasters |
| spelling | doaj.art-b8a2ccd707ac439abf82ca4ae07050552022-12-22T01:06:15ZengSpringerOpenGeoenvironmental Disasters2197-86702020-05-017111610.1186/s40677-020-00148-wStudy of desertification sensitivity in Talh region (Central Tunisia) using remote sensing, G.I.S. and the M.E.D.A.L.U.S. approachChokri Bedoui0Department of Geography, University of SfaxAbstract Background Tunisia is one of countries most affected by desertification. Sustainability of its resources, particularly agricultural ones, is closely dependent on it. Studies have multiplied to understand this phenomenon and consequently try to reduce its consequences on society. In recent decades, attempts have been made to find methods of forecasting and predicting desertification. Today, with significant progress made in remote sensing and GIS techniques, there is a better control of data from field, environment and society. This now makes it possible to produce documents that are much more accurate and reliable than before. This paper aims to assess sensitivity to desertification in a region of central Tunisia using remote sensing tools, GIS and guidelines of MEDALUS (Desertification and Land Use in the Mediterranean) model. Integration of different parameters with weighted values in a GIS system resulted in indices of climate, soil, vegetation and management. Result In almost all cases, indices reveal the preponderance of soils, vegetation, climate and management of moderate and especially poor quality. Overlaying the four indices by multiplying them according to model equation yields the final sensitivity index map. This index shows that study area is in an advanced stage of desertification since most of its surface area (82%) is in critical class. The rest is considered as fragile. Whole region is therefore placed in of high sensitivity classes of desertification. This situation is linked to a very poor vegetation cover, unstructured and low-developed soils, cultural practices based on tillage and high livestock numbers in regard to low natural grazing resources. It is also due to a farming system not taking into account soil natural vulnerability. Conclusion As natural resources, in current context of exploitation, cannot regenerate so quickly, pressure on environment is remarkable, exacerbating at the same time desertification problem. Continuing with current practices with clear signs of degradation may make situation irreversible in near future. Therefore, immediate action is necessary to stop degradation and preserve future generations’ resources.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40677-020-00148-wDesertification sensitivityGISRemote sensingMedalusTunisia |
| spellingShingle | Chokri Bedoui Study of desertification sensitivity in Talh region (Central Tunisia) using remote sensing, G.I.S. and the M.E.D.A.L.U.S. approach Geoenvironmental Disasters Desertification sensitivity GIS Remote sensing Medalus Tunisia |
| title | Study of desertification sensitivity in Talh region (Central Tunisia) using remote sensing, G.I.S. and the M.E.D.A.L.U.S. approach |
| title_full | Study of desertification sensitivity in Talh region (Central Tunisia) using remote sensing, G.I.S. and the M.E.D.A.L.U.S. approach |
| title_fullStr | Study of desertification sensitivity in Talh region (Central Tunisia) using remote sensing, G.I.S. and the M.E.D.A.L.U.S. approach |
| title_full_unstemmed | Study of desertification sensitivity in Talh region (Central Tunisia) using remote sensing, G.I.S. and the M.E.D.A.L.U.S. approach |
| title_short | Study of desertification sensitivity in Talh region (Central Tunisia) using remote sensing, G.I.S. and the M.E.D.A.L.U.S. approach |
| title_sort | study of desertification sensitivity in talh region central tunisia using remote sensing g i s and the m e d a l u s approach |
| topic | Desertification sensitivity GIS Remote sensing Medalus Tunisia |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40677-020-00148-w |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT chokribedoui studyofdesertificationsensitivityintalhregioncentraltunisiausingremotesensinggisandthemedalusapproach |