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

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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
    School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions, Ministry of Water Resources, 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
    Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions, Ministry of Water Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    School of Land Engineering, 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
    School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions, Ministry of Water Resources, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Aidi Huo & Peizhe Li & Yilu Zhao & Mohamed EL-Sayed Abuarab & Salah Elsayed & Jinchun Zhang, 2025. "The Application and Development of Innovative Models in the Sustainable Management of Natural Gully Consolidation and Highland Protection Projects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4329-:d:1652873
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    References listed on IDEAS

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