SWAT manual calibration and parameters sensitivity analysis in a semi-arid watershed in North-western Morocco

Being a laborious approach, manual calibration of hydrologic model in a semi-arid context requires in-depth knowledge of the watershed and as much as possible field input data to obtain reliable simulations. In this study, manual calibration and relative sensitivity analysis approaches of the SWAT model (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) were applied for water balance in a 1993 km² watershed (on the R’dom river) located in North-western Morocco. The watershed is located in a semi-arid area dominated by agro-forestry activities. The objectives of this study were (i) to perform a local sensitivity analysis of the SWAT model taking into consideration the watershed characteristics and (ii) to implement a detailed methodology of manual calibration and validation of the model in a semi-arid context. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out on 12 different SWAT input parameters, and has revealed that 4 input parameters only were the most influential ones on flow components of the R’dom watershed. Model manual calibration was conducted along 2006 and 2007 by comparing measured and predicted monthly and daily discharges and taking Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE), determination coefficient (R ²), and percent bias (PBIAS) as goodness-of-fit indicators. Validation has been performed by the same approach through 2008 and 2009 period. All final NSE values were above 0.5, R ² values exceeded 0.7, and PBIAS lower than 25% demonstrating satisfactory model performances over the study watershed conditions. The SWAT model set-up with measured input data, manually calibrated and validated, reflects well the real hydrologic processes occurring in the R’dom watershed and can be used to assess current and future conditions and to evaluate alternative management practices.