gullied

Gullied describes land that contains gullies or has been shaped by gully erosion. A gully is a narrow, steep-walled channel formed by concentrated runoff that cuts into soil. Gullied landscapes are common globally, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, but can occur in any disturbed slope where vegetation is reduced and soils are susceptible to erosion.

Formation and characteristics: Gullies form when rainfall runoff concentrates into small channels and continues to erode soils, deepening and widening the channel. Over time headward erosion can extend the gully upslope. The resulting landforms range from small rills to large channels and often have well-defined walls, a floor, and accumulations of sediment or debris. Soil properties, slope, climate, and land use determine their size and persistence.

Impacts: Gullies reduce productive land, degrade pasture and croplands, and increase sediment delivery to streams, harming water quality and aquatic habitats. They can threaten roads, fences, and other infrastructure and contribute to broader land degradation through connectivity with other erosion processes.

Management and restoration: Prevention focuses on maintaining vegetation cover, reducing runoff velocity, and avoiding land disturbances on slopes. Stabilization measures include terracing, contour farming, check dams, and rock or vegetation barriers. Rehabilitation may involve gully plugging or backfilling, re-vegetation, and sediment-control features. Effective work requires site-specific assessment and ongoing monitoring.