The semi-arid Lower Oued El-Kert watershed (Eastern Rif, Morocco) faces significant challenges related to soil erosion and water scarcity. This study examines how distinct soil types-Vertisol, Rendzina, and Fersiallitic-influence hydrological behavior and soil erosion in this vulnerable region. Using the ORSTOM mini rain simulator at 50 mm/h intensity on 1 m2 plots, measurements of infiltration rates, runoff coefficients, and soil detachment were conducted under controlled conditions. Results revealed Vertisols exhibited the lowest water absorption capacity (infiltration rate = 35.5 mm h(-1)), highest runoff coefficient (C = 61.1%), and severe soil loss (182.9 g m(-2) h(-1)), approximately 8.6 times greater than Rendzinas (21.1 g m(-2) h(-1)) and 4.4 times greater than Fersiallitic soils (41.5 g m(-2) h(-1)). Rendzinas demonstrated superior stability, with the highest organic matter (3.04%) and vegetation cover (87.3%), while Fersiallitic soils showed deeper wetting fronts (36.6 mm) compared to Vertisols (1.08 mm) and Rendzinas (12.0 mm). Correlation analysis highlighted strong linkages between hydrological behavior and soil properties: wetting-front depth correlated positively with rainfall intensity (r = 0.94, P < 0.01), vegetation cover (r = 0.76, P < 0.05), and organic matter (r = 0.91, P < 0.01). Conversely, runoff and erosion exhibited negative correlations with vegetation cover (r = -0.91 and r = - 0.87, respectively) and organic matter (r = - 0.82 and r = - 0.86). These findings indicate that enhanced vegetation cover effectively mitigates soil erosion by shielding the soil surface from raindrop impact and reducing runoff velocity. The results emphasize the critical role of soil type, surface protection, and organic matter in erosion risk mitigation for semi-arid Mediterranean regions. While the findings offer valuable insights, they are derived from controlled laboratory experiments and may not fully encapsulate natural field complexities. Future studies should investigate long-term impacts of land management practices on soil erosion dynamics in similar environments.