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

Aidi Huo, Peizhe Li, Yilu Zhao (), Mohamed EL-Sayed Abuarab, Salah Elsayed and Jinchun Zhang ()
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Aidi Huo: Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
Peizhe Li: Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
Yilu Zhao: Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
Mohamed EL-Sayed Abuarab: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
Salah Elsayed: Agriculture Engineering, Evaluation of Natural Resources Department, Environmental Studies and Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
Jinchun Zhang: Gansu Desert Control Research Institute, Lanzhou 730070, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-19

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.

Keywords: cascade water interception; drainage optimisation; ecological water retention; GCHP; Loess Plateau (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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