Gully erosion is a significant threat to land and water resources in tropical areas. This study compares erosion patterns in three geological regions in Southeastern Nigeria: Isuochi in Abia State, and Okija and Ozubulu in Anambra State. The research covers a period of seven years from 2018 to 2025. We used multiple methods, including field mapping, geotechnical analysis (sieve analysis, Atterberg limits), X-ray diffraction (XRD), organic matter measurement, and assessment of water quality. The gully in Isuochi (Ajali Sandstone) grew from 756.36 meters to 766.01 meters in length. In contrast, the gullies in Ozubulu and Okija grew more rapidly, expanding from 633.01 to 842.50 meters and from 440.78 to 655.25 meters, respectively. These patterns reflect differences in soil types and human activity. The geotechnical analysis revealed an average porosity of 48% and permeability of 0.59 mD in Isuochi. The soils also had high plasticity indices, with liquid limits ranging from 92% to 113% and plastic limits from 33% to 36%. This confirms the soil’s tendency to fail when saturated. Organic matter content varied from 11.50% to 18.09% in the soil samples, with higher levels in stream water showing nutrient movement from eroded farmland. The XRD analysis identified quartz, kaolinite, and hematite as the main minerals.The physicochemical analysis showed important regional differences. Groundwater in Anambra had detectable heavy metals, including lead at 0.065 mg/L and zinc at 0.749 mg/L. The findings highlight the need for focused and integrated solutions that include engineering approaches, vegetation stabilization, and community-based land management.
Biography
Solomon Okeke is a researcher at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN). He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Geology, master’s degrees in Petroleum Geoscience and Ecology and Nature Management. He specializes in environmental sustainability, soil mechanics, and erosion dynamics. His research looks at various ways to understand gully erosion processes, soil-water interactions, and sustainable land management in tropical areas. He has carried out studies that combine geotechnical analysis, GIS-based spatial assessment, and water quality evaluation to tackle the serious issue of land degradation. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and served as a reviewer.
