Work

The Application and Development of Innovative Models in the Sustainable Management of Natural Gully Consolidation and Highland Protection Projects

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Loess Plateau is threatened by severe gully erosion and tableland retreat, primarily driven by uncontrolled surface runoff. Numerical simulations of Gully Consolidation and Highland Protection (GCHP) demonstrate that individual measures such as check dams, terraces, and gully head backfilling can reduce sediment by 31–35% in the short term, but their effectiveness declines after approximately 10 years. This study classifies GCHP models into four types, progressively integrating drainage, filling, slope protection, and ecological measures. Simulation results confirm that the most comprehensive model—coupling all four types—offers the highest and most sustainable effectiveness in both erosion control and ecological restoration. To address long-term challenges, the study proposes a Sustainable Natural GCHP Management Method, combining cascade interception, guided drainage, and ecological retention, thereby enhancing project resilience and supporting China’s Yellow River Basin ecological protection strategy.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17104329

Authors: Aidi Huo, Peizhe Li, Yilu Zhao, Mohamed EL-Sayed Abuarab, Salah Elsayed, Jinchun Zhang

Institutions: Chang'an University, Cairo University, University of Sadat City, Gansu Desert Control Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Soil erosion and sediment transport

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896