Researchers from Morocco and the UK have developed a new decision-support framework to assist in managing land use in semi-arid regions, particularly Morocco. This framework combines various agricultural models to evaluate environmental and economic impacts of crops and irrigation methods. Test scenarios revealed important trade-offs between profitability and sustainability, providing valuable insights for farmers and policymakers.
Managing land use in semi-arid regions, particularly in Morocco, presents a host of challenges such as limited water resources, soil degradation, and the looming pressures of climate change. To combat these issues, a collaborative effort between researchers from Morocco’s Mohammed IV Polytechnic University and institutions in the UK—namely Rothamsted Research and Cranfield University—has led to the development of a new decision-support framework specifically designed for irrigated farming in Morocco.
This framework effectively integrates several established models to analyze both the environmental and economic impacts of various crop types and irrigation methodologies. According to a study published on June 1 in Science Direct, the framework utilizes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) model for estimating nutrient loss, the Rothamsted model for predicting soil organic carbon, and Cornell’s Environmental Impact Quotient to assess the impact of pesticides used in farming.
A standout feature of this new approach is its incorporation of Monte Carlo simulations. This technique allows researchers to run numerous simulations, which accommodates the uncertainty inherent in agricultural practices. The findings are presented through clear visuals, making it easier for both policymakers and farmers to grasp the associated risks and benefits of their choices.
In collaboration with local farmers and stakeholders, the research team explored scenarios involving crop diversification, the expansion of olive production, and the implementation of efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation. Their findings revealed significant trade-offs. For example, while increasing olive production led to a 4% rise in carbon storage, a 3% decrease in water consumption, and a dramatic 42% reduction in emissions, it also resulted in lower profitability, fewer edible calories produced, and higher pesticide impacts when compared to crop rotation.
Diversified cropping practices emerged as a way to reduce harmful pesticide usage but came at the cost of profitability. Meanwhile, the implementation of drip irrigation methods improved profits by 23%, conserved 13% water, and reduced nitrogen leakage by 40%, according to the study conclusions.
Dr. Imane El-Fartassi, the lead researcher, noted, “We found that no single system is perfect. Every choice involves balancing production, profit, and environmental impact. Our framework helps make these trade-offs clear and supports better decision-making.” This research aims not just to inform but also to enhance sustainable agricultural practices in semi-arid regions like Morocco.
In summary, researchers from Morocco and the UK have created a decision-support framework targeting the complex challenges of semi-arid land management in Morocco. By combining established models and employing Monte Carlo simulations, the framework provides insights into the interplay between crop choices, irrigation methods, and their environmental and economic impacts. Findings show that while some methods may enhance environmental outcomes, they frequently come with trade-offs in profitability, indicating the necessity of balanced decision-making in agriculture.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
