EROSION

This study assessed the physiochemical and heavy metal properties of gully erosion site in Evbhomore Community, Benin City, Edo State. Water and soil samples were collected into sterile plastic container to avoid additional contamination before taken to the laboratory for physicochemical and heavy metal analysis following standard procedures. Physicochemical characteristics of soils samples showed that clay ranged from 24.00 ± 1.92 - 36.00 ± 2.96 %, silt (24.00 ± 1.92 - 33.00 ± 2.83 %), sand (33.00 ± 2.83 - 51.00 ± 3.89 %). pH ranged from 6.70 ± 0.50 - 7.88 ± 0.93, organic matter (0.91 ± 0.37 - 2.00 ± 1.00 %), organic carbon (0.51 ± 0.25 - 0.89 ± 0.37 %) and total nitrogen (0.01 ± 0.00 - 0.05 ± 0.00 %). Electrical conductivity ranged from 4.12 ± 1.45 - 4.81 ± 0.36 µS/cm, available phosphorus (150.00 ± 5.00 - 180.00 ± 5.74 mg/kg) and total exchangeable bases (1.60 ± 0.42 - 1.99 ± 0.69 cmol/kg). In soil samples, cadmium values ranged from 0.16±0.13 - 0.30±0.13mg/kg, Lead (1.26 ± 0.33 - 3.50 ± 0.51mg/kg), Zinc (25.12 ± 2.82 - 79.02 ± 3.29 mg/kg), Copper (27.89 ± 2.49 - 63.08 ± 3.68 mg/kg), Iron (191.16 ± 5.07 - 212.16 ± 5.92 mg/kg) and Manganese (10.80 ± 0.49 - 18.00 ± 0.81 mg/kg). Soil and land cover contributed 12% and 6% respectively to gully erosion in the study area. The occurrence of soil erosion risk in the study area has also been on the increase and is not limited to a particular area but all part causing serious land degradation affecting a wide variety of soils prone to crusting and/or piping. The widths and depths of gully erosion increased with the increase in slope gradient and decrease with increase in percentage of vegetation cover, especially during the rainy season and confirm that soil erosion in the study area has altered vegetation cover, ground slope, slope length and shape. There is therefore the need for protective strategies and measures for sensitive management of the environment to reduce erosion rates and increasing water conservation

The project addresses the growing concern of gully erosion in regions like Benin City, Nigeria, where intense rainfall and poor land management have caused severe soil degradation, loss of agricultural land, and infrastructure damage. Traditional erosion control methods have often been costly, rigid, and unsustainable. This study introduces gabion retaining structures as a flexible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative. Gabions, which are wire mesh baskets filled with stones, offer the ability to withstand flowing water and adapt to unstable ground while promoting soil stability and water conservation. The study involves evaluating the performance of gabion structures in mitigating gully erosion in a specific location Federal College Road, Benin City. Site reconnaissance to identify critical erosion-prone areas was done. Hydrological analysis using the Rational Formula estimate streamflow was carried out whilst designing, assembling, and installation of gabion baskets in affected zone was done with key design considerations including appropriate stone size, mesh type (Type 60: 60×80 mm), and structural layout. The performance of the gabions was assessed through regular visual inspections for deformation and settlement. The project demonstrated that gabion structures are a sustainable and practical solution for controlling minor gully erosion. Results showed improved soil stability and there was a clear reduction in both the depth and speed of water flow from 0.71 m to 0.52 m in depth and from1.54 m/s to 1.39 m/s in speed helping to stabilize the gully and prevent further soil loss. Additionally, the structure was able to withstand environmental stresses without major maintenance, offering a scalable model for other erosion-prone regions. This result provides useful insights for engineers, policymakers, and local communities seeking cost-effective solutions for land protection and sustainable infrastructure.