Abstract

Author:

Nwobodo N. Anthonia, Ohakwere-Eze C. Michael, Chukwu N. Osondu

Doi: 10.26480/magg.01.2023.17.21

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Geophysical and geotechnical conditions of soils at the study area were investigated and accessed. Conseinfluencestwo true representative soil samples from different locations within gully sites have been analyzed to evaluate geologic conditions and geotechnical parameters that influence the gullies problems. This study tends to evaluate geotechnical properties of the soil within the gully site. The assessment was mainly to provide insight on the geologic conditions and geotechnical parameters that contribute immensely to gully development in the study area. The findings from this research should be useful in controlling gully erosion in the study area. From the geotechnical analysis, textural characteristics were predominantly sandy, loamy and clay and silt in small proportion. Liquid limit (LL) ranged from 20.40 to 22.26 %, Plastic limit (PL) of 14.82 to 17.48 % were observed, with plasticity index (PI) of 5.58 and 4.78 % respectively. Bulk density ranged from 1.45 to 1.54 g/cm3, the total porosity ranged from 42.075 to 45.208 %. The Aggregate stability ranged from 33.67 to 40.24% and water holding capacity ranged from 29.507 to 30.482%. The results obtained show that factors responsible for the menace of gully erosion in the study area include; loose soil materials and dominant coarse sand. Other field observation factors include; topography, deforestation, bush burning that distort the texture of the soil contribute to the menace of gully erosion in the area. Hence to prevent these catastrophes caused by this erosion, necessary enlightenment campaigns on best agricultural practices that can reduce surface runoff in soil and water conservation is important. Also, strong culvert should be constructed at different locations in that area.