Aspects of Gully Erosion in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This research work examines aspects of gully erosion in Benin City with a view to ascertaining the nature of soils in gullies subsoil using 2^nd cemetery gully as a case study and to find reasons why soils are easily washed off by runoff. Therefore, the objectives considered were: moisture content of soils, the degree of firmness of physical state of the soils and particles size analysis. In order to meet these objectives, laboratory test was carried out for Atterberg Limits or consistency limits, In Situ moisture content of soil and particles size analysis using sieve and sedimentation test. The results showed that the soil type is Acid clay soil and silty gravel sand using the British Standard Sieve Sizes. Recommendations were made for the need to protect the top soils from storm water and runoff, regulation of land use types, the use of manual brakes should be encouraged especially where money for the control of soil erosion is lacking amongst others.

Keywords: Soils, Gully erosion, Benin City