*4.2.1 Composite check dam*

A large number of earth cum brick masonry check dams were constructed in Mahi ravines of Western India for reclamation of medium and deep gullies in ravine [10]. These check dams were found to be very effective to check erosion, detaining the sediment and runoff water behind the structure which ultimately resulted in ground water recharge. The deposition of sediment against the check dams was measured by fixing a series of angle iron poles on concrete level of the structure. The average sedimentation from these ravine sub catchments having agricultural crop in table lands as well as in gully beds was 24.51 cu. m./ha/year during year 1961 to 1963 [10]. The average sediment deposition from watershed having agricultural crop in tablelands and natural regeneration in gully beds was 4.20 cu. m. /ha/year during year 1964 to 1977 [10]. After the siltation of these composite check dams the level terraces formed in the gully beds were stabilized and was put under cultivation

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*Ecological Engineering Measures for Ravine Slope Stabilization and Its Sustainable Productive…*

but it was found to be poor in production. Therefore these reclaimed cultivated

Gully plugs protect the gully beds by reducing the runoff velocity, distributing the water spread, increasing infiltration opportunity time and improving the soil moisture regime for improving the vegetation cover. Gully plugs made of various materials i.e. brush wood, live hedges, earth, sandbags and brick masonry, loose boulder were evaluated in Western India [10]. The size and materials for the gully plug depends on the width, length and bed slope of the gully and anticipated runoff. In narrow gullies whose width did not exceed 3 m, live hedges consisting of Euphorbia species were planted across the gully beds in three rows spaced 90 cm apart and the stems at 90 cm in each row alternatively staggered [11]. It was found that all types of gully plugs were effective either in retaining or retarding the runoff. The earthen gully plugs were found to be the cheapest. Brick masonry gully plugs are constructed at the confluence of all gully branches of a compound gully. The gullies

cross section

cross section with a pipe outlet was to

deep gully beds were subsequently planted with forest trees [10].

where no runoff is expected from the top, earthen gully plugs of 1.1 m2

was expected an earthen gully plugs of 2.2 m2

with a grassed ramp of 22.5 cm below the top level and spaced at 45–60 m horizontal interval were found suitable. However, for gullies in which excess runoff from the top

be provided. The earthen gully plugs are required to be constructed for a life expectancy of 10 years. During these periods it is estimated that the vegetative growth of forest species will be sufficient to take care of soil erosion as well as their root system will be sufficiently developed to extract the moisture from deep soil layers [11].

Deep and vertical gully heads in association with the phenomena of under cutting or caving extending at an alarming rate endangering buildings, roads, bridges, abutments, railway tracks and costly cultivated lands. The measure which can be economically and immediately adopted to stop further progress of the gully head or cave the bottom of gully and then ease the gully for the remaining one third top portion of the vertical face. The newly formed slope of about 3:1 is stabilized by sodding with *Dichanthium annulatum* or *Cenchrus ciliaris* grasses [11]. The eased gully heads were found out to be in existence and working satisfactory even after 22 years of management. The comparison of eased gully with nearby gully under similar condition reveals that there is good vegetation on the eased gully head in comparisons to the unease gullies which are still exposed and covered with sparse

The impact of bench terracing on runoff, soil loss, and soil properties along with Sapota (*Achras zapota*) growth, fruit yield, biomass, and carbon stock in a degraded ravine land developed along the course of *Mahi* River in Western India were evaluated. The bench terracing in deep ravines with uniform slope of 15% resulted in significant decrease in runoff (34%) and soil erosion (25%), and enhanced tree growth, biomass and carbon stock. The cultivation of crops in between the tree plantation may induce significant soil loss (18% higher) due to tillage operations even though the runoff is not significantly affected. The findings suggested that bench terracing is the best soil and water conservation measure for restoring highly

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94136*

*4.2.2 Gully plugs*

*4.2.3 Gully easing*

annual vegetation [13].

*4.2.4 Bench terracing*

degraded ravines [3].

but it was found to be poor in production. Therefore these reclaimed cultivated deep gully beds were subsequently planted with forest trees [10].
