Soil and Water Conservation Engineering

Prof. Rajendra Singh

Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

Lecture – 26
Gully Control Measures

Hello, friends. Welcome back, to NPTEL online certification course on Soil and Water
Conservation Engineering. I am Rajendra Singh, Professor in Agricultural and Food in
department of IIT Kharagpur. We are in week 6, this is lecture 26 and the topic today is
Gully Control Measures. Let us look at the cover content for this particular week.

(Refer Slide Time: 00:40)

We are studying this week today lecture 26, where we will be introducing gully control
measures. In lecture 27, will be covering gully control measures again, but the focus will
be on permanent structures; lecture 28 will be on design considerations for permanent
gully control structures and then in lectures 29 and 30 we will covered basics of open
channel hydraulics in two parts. Part – 1 in lecture 29 and part – 2 in lecture 30.
(Refer Slide Time: 01:15)

So, let us start with the gully control measures and the gully control measures since
prevention of the formation of a gully is easier and preferable than controlling an
existing gully. One of the major steps in the gully control program is to plan the control
of runoff from the drainage area. So, basically is the old saying goes prevention is better
than cure, so, obviously, if can prevent the formation of the gully itself that will always
be better economical from environmental point view point of view also it will be better
and obviously, preferable.

And as we know the entire process of gully formation, you remember we have to go into
the basics of the soil erosion mechanics you remember that we started with the soil
erosion and we say that it all starts with the raindrop splash erosion. So, whenever rain
drop occurs, there will be splash and the loose soil particles will be spread on the surface.

When the rain continues after satisfying the infiltration requirement of the soil after
satisfying infiltration capacity of the soil flow starts on the surface that is overland flow
starts and typically the flow is in the form of a thin sheet of layer, and that is why it is
sometimes referred to a sheet flow and once this flow starts taking place whatever loose
soil particles are there on the surface, they will be washed way. They will be taken along
or they will be carried along with the flowing water and this kind of erosion referred to is
sheet erosion.
And, if the sheet flow is allowed to continue for long period of time there on surface
finger life structures are created and these finger like structures are referred to as rills and
this erosion is referred to as rill erosion. But, we also know that these rills can be easily
taken care of by primary tillage equipments or through primary tillage operations, but we
do not take care of these rills and allow the water to flow through these rails, slowly their
dimension and grows and gully formation occurs.

So, basically in the nutshell it is the flow which is responsive for right from the sheet
erosion to rill erosion to the gully erosion. So, the formation see the gully formation
basically happens because of the flow or because of the runoff. So, that is why if the
statement here says that if we can control runoff then obviously, we can control the
formation of the gully itself.

Now, there are three possible ways of controlling runoff. One is retention of runoff in the
gullied area, second is diversion of runoff around gullied area and third is conveyance of
runoff through the gully. So, there are these are the three possible ways in which we can
control runoff. So, let us see these possibilities one after the other.

(Refer Slide Time: 04:40)

So, if we talk about the retention of runoff in the gullied area then it is possible through
good crop management and by adopting appropriate conservation practices. So, up till
now if you remember in several lectures, where we are talking about soil conservation
majors, we talked about the biological or vegetative measures, we also talked about the
engineering measures. And, some of these were contour farming where we do all
cultivation along the contour. Strip cropping where there are three types of the strip
croppings if you remember well strips our crops are grown in strips across the slope or
the engineering majors like bunding and terracing. So, either we can go for bunding a
particular area or terracing a particular area and we know that all these basically all the
images basically focus on conserving the water on the surface.

So, I mean if we allow if we go for contour farming or strip cropping then whatever
water is there I there are two prop things are there that in between these contours
whatever area there. First thing we are cutting down the slope length that we are not
allowing flow to take off take for flow through for a longer slope length number 1.
Number 2 we have provisions of storing, the water in between two contours or in
between strips and because of that the infiltration opportunity time is more; that means,
more of a water could infiltrate into the soil and soil moisture reserve will go up initially
and finally, groundwater recharge will also take place.

Same is the concept in bunding, contour bunding especially and the terracing that is bund
terracing or even the level type of terracing which are focused more on moisture
conservation. So, we know that where contour bunds are used runoff is greatly reduced
because we know that we have discussed in great detail that when we build contours
contours then obviously, what we see that this particular area, which acts as a catchment
area in between these two contour. So, whatever rainfall occurs there that we would
focus on retaining that over that particular area, we do not allow water to flow away. So,
that is why runoff is contour or runoff is completely conserved within the contour area.

So, on cultivated areas a small and medium sized gullies can also be reclaimed by
placing a series of earth fills across the gully. So, already we have seen contour farming
strip cropping bunding and terracing these are effective measures for retaining runoff
within the gullied area or the catchment, which is affected by gully formation, but even
the cultivated areas where there are small or medium sized gullies are there they can be
reclaimed. If we cannot go for any of these measures then at least by placing a series of
earth fills across the gully.

So, these earth fills which if they are phased across the gully they will nothing, but act
like contour bunds or a dam in the gully itself and that means, whatever water is there in
between two of these earth fills that will be conserved. Also these earth fills will cut the
slope length, also there are not allowed or rather they will regulate the flow of water. So,
because of that also the it will possible to retain most of the runoff within the within the
gullied area and over the period the grasses or the vegetation will grow and gully could
be reclaimed in this particular fashion. So, this is how retention of runoff in the gullied
area is possible.

(Refer Slide Time: 09:03)

But, here you know many times we are referring to small, medium gullies. So, it is
worthwhile to have a relook at the gully classification as per size because throughout the
lecture or following lectures will be again referring to this small, medium and large size
several times. So, it is worthwhile to have a relook at the gully classification as per size.

So, a small gully earlier we classified that a small gully is a gully is called small when
the depth is less than 1 meters and the contributing drainage area is less than 2 hectares.
It is referred to as this medium when the depth varies over 1 to 5 meters and drainage
area where is over 2 to 20 hectares and gullies effort is large when the depth is greater
than 5 meters and drainage area is greater than 20 hectares.

So, just now we saw we said small and medium gully is can be declared by putting earth
fills, so that means, you are talking about the gully within these classes that is where the
depth was limited to 5 meters and the drainage area was limited to 20 hectare. So, this is
the table I mean whenever we say a smaller medium or large will be referring to these
numbers or these parameters.

(Refer Slide Time: 10:21)

Then, next is a diversion runoff gully runoff around gullied area. So, complete
elimination of runoff from the gullied area is of course, the most effective control. So,
just now we saw that if we can retain everything within the gully area, then there is
nothing like that and, but if it is not possible then the other alternative is should divert the
runoff around the gullied area and for that terraces and diversion ditches can be used for
diverting runoff from it is natural outlet.

And, terraces are very effective in control of small gullies on cultivated fields or even
medium size shallow gullies. So, basically what we are saying is that if because gully
typically if this is the gully. So, gully typically will the flow is allowed along the gully it
will go to is natural outlet, but what we are saying here that, we will divert the flow will
not allow the flow to pass through this gully, but will we will divert the flow. So, will
construct terraces or diversion ditches so, that the flow can be taken to a different outlet
and. So, flow will not pass through the gullied area that is the function here.

So, if the slope above a gully is too steep for terracing or if the drainage area is pasture or
woodland then divergent ditches may be used to keep the runoff out of gully. So, if
terracing is possible then obviously, we will go for terracing, but if the slope conditions
or the cultivation conditions or land use is such that it is not worthwhile to go for terraces
then we can straightaway go for divergent ditches and already we have discussed that
function of these terraces are divergent, you would be to divert runoff from the natural
outlet of a particular watershed or catchment, which is a gullied area that we are talking
about.

(Refer Slide Time: 12:23)

And, third option is conveyance of runoff through the gully itself. So, if it is not possible
to either retain or divert runoff, we saw that for retaining the what no retaining the runoff
we should have strip cropping, contour farming or engineering measures like contouring
or terracing, but if that is not possible then we saw the diverting that is we can use
terraces or diverse you have to take the flow of it to another outlet. But if these
possibilities are not there then obviously, we have no option, but to allow the runoff to be
conveyed to the gully itself. So, gully has to be used for conveying the excess flow and
for that I mean that could be possible if vegetation is established in the gully.

So, obviously, we since we do not have any option, but to allow the flow to pass through
gully. So, then we must take precautions that the flow is at a non erosive velocity that it
does not cause any erosion of the gully bed or the gully sites. So, that the size of gully
will may not extend and also no erosion takes place. So, non erosion flow velocity and
for that it is essential that vegetation is established in the gully. So, if vegetation bed in
sites are completely covered; that means, they are a gully is converted mostly into a
vegetative waterway or to into a vegetated water way then obviously, if the flow takes
place, then that will not be interest only thing we have to see that flow is allowed to take
place it at a non erosion velocity.

Then other possibility could be there soil conservation structures are built at critical
points to give primary control. So, along vegetation we can also go for soil conservation
structures like dams which are like we just earlier we discussed earth fills also. So, earth
fills or dams so, that if they are constructed. So, they will cut down the flow length
number 1. Then, obviously, because they will have certain in I mean certain sill height
over which the flow is allowed to take place. So obviously, there will be some temporary
storage it in the within the gullied area or the gully itself and that will allow the water to
infiltrate that is the total flow can be reduced to certain extent.

So, that means, these are the three possibilities either will retain the entire runoff in the
gullied area if possible, if not then we convey the water or divert the water to another
outlet by using terraces or diversion ditches and if both these are not possible and we
have to definitely convey the water through the gullied self, then we have to see that first
the gully is completely covered with vegetation or it basically it becomes it behaves like
a vegetative waterway and if flow is even more then we can even take the help of some
kind of soil conservation structures that can be built across the gully to further control the
flow or to cut down the slope length and the total flow also. So, these are the possibilities
of controlling runoff. So, either of those we can adopt.

(Refer Slide Time: 15:45)

Now, gully control measures if we see, then broadly they can be classified into two
categories biological or vegetative measures and engineering measures. So, there are the
two different sites and if you look at the biological or vegetative measures then there are
several possibilities like sort flumes, anti erosion cropping or crops, low sodded earth
fills, changing gully into grassed waterway, sod strip checks, trees shrubs. So, there are
many possibilities utilizing which the gully can be controlled and all these belong to
biological or vegetative measures because as you can see that some kind of vegetation is
involved in all of these.

Then on the other side we have engineering measures if the flow is much larger or
significant then; obviously, we have to go for engineering measure and engineering
measure can further be classified into two categories that temporary gully control
structures and permanent gully control structures. So, we have biological or vegetable
vegetative measures, we have engineering measures and engineering measures can be
further classified as temporary gully control structures or permanent gully control
structures.

(Refer Slide Time: 17:05)

And, if we talk about the measures to control gully then we have of course, we have just
now seen which biological or vegetative measures, where anti erosion crops are grown
that not only stabilize the gully, but they can also supplementary income. So, for
establishing the gully we grow some kind of anti erosion crops and of course, because
some these crops are grown. So, supplementary income will also be there and there may
be supplemented by gully control structures as we have seen by earth fill and all.

Then, on the engineering measures we have temporary gully control structures which are
effective for low runoff and have a life of 3 to 8 years and other the category permanent
gully control structures and we will see each one of them in great detail in this lecture or
in following lectures.

(Refer Slide Time: 17:57)

So, today we look into vegetative measures, various vegetative measures. One of them is
converting gully into a grass waterway, just now we saw that if you have to convey the
flow of water through the gully then one way is to convert gully into grass waterway and
small and medium sized gullies can be cut water into grass waterways and that is why we
are also saying that we always refer to these sizes small, medium so, that means, if we
refer the value; that means, the depth is limited to 5 meters and the drainage area is
limited to 20 hectares, that is when we say small and medium sized gullies. So, they can
be converted into grass waterway.

In practice, gully is shaped and suitable species of grasses are grown. So, some kind of
shape is given to the gully may be parabolic as I we discussed the various grass
waterways, they can be triangular, trapezoidal or parabolic; parabolic is more practical.
So, some kind of shape has to be provided and a suitable species of grass has to be grown
and already we have seen that there can be various types of grasses we have seen
discussed during the vegetative waterway when if you are just talking about the
vegetative waterway.

And, channel cross section should be broad and flat to keep water spread uniformly over
a wide area. And, that is primarily because every time we have to talk about non-erosive
either non-erosive velocity or we have we also used another term permissible velocity.
So, either of these we have to keep the velocity limited to these either non-erosive or
permissible, so that the flowing water cannot cause any erosion. So, that is why the cross
section has to be flat enough. So, that velocity is limited to within the permissible limits
or within the non erosion limits. So, this we have to take care of.

(Refer Slide Time: 19:56)

Next, major could be sod flumes sod is nothing, but turf basically that is soil with grass
that is sod that is other common term used is turf. So, this is used to control over fall in
gullies with less than 3 meter head and 10 hectare area. So, kind of medium gully it can
be controlled.

So, total over the length the total fall is less than limited to 3 meters and the area
drainage areas 10 hectares. And, because it is a sod flume as you can see basically there
will be a flume kind of structure will be provided; that means, sloping the sods will be
placed in such a way that it x like a flume through over which the water flows through.
And, the slope with that is to be provided that is the slope we are talking about that
depends on soil type, size of the watershed, height of over fall and type of sod used.
Basically, when we says size of the watershed basically the flow magnitude that is that
the structure has to handle, soil type talks about the stability of slope that is we know that
the slope is always decided for even for bunds etcetera based on the soil type. And, the
height of over fall will also determine the how much energy is to be a job a job and type
of sod used that is what kind of turf here using all these usually govern what is the type
of slope.

And, to maintain a non erosive velocity flume should be wide enough just now we
discussed for gully also that we have to maintain a non-erosive velocity of flow over the
wide and maximum depth of flow where the flume should not exceed 30 centimeter. So,
this is another a limitation that the flow depth here on the on the surface this is the flow
depth we are talking about that is limited to 30 centimeters. So, but use these practically
used in field conditions and vegetative measures.

(Refer Slide Time: 22:13)

Then the other measure could be where again sods are used and this time the measure is
called sod strip checks. So, basically these are best adapted in small gullies that have a
small to medium sized watersheds. So, small gullies small to medium sized watersheds.
Then here, there is the name itself suggest we use sod strips as fully as check. So, strips
are laid across gully channel having a minimum width of 30 centimeters and extending at
least 15 centimeter on gully sides.

So, basically as you can see here that the width of these strips which we are provided.
So, you can see that this series of strips are provided sod is strip; that means, the turf is
basically put here to form these strips and usually these strips width of these strips is 30
centimeters and the strip is spacing usually varies from 1.5 to 2 meter. So, strip to strip
distance is 1.5 to 2 meters and is already mentioned that not only the bed of the channel
bed or gully bed, but also it is extended to this sites. So, that this sites are also protected.
So, there is no erosion or soil sediment coming from this sites into the channel bed. So,
this is what we have to be careful.

(Refer Slide Time: 23:45)

Then, we have third categories sod checks. So, they can be used a substitute temporary
gully control structures in small and medium sized gully. So, they behave more like a
temporary gully control structure. So, here you can see that sods are put in to form a kind
of a dam basically. So, this is nothing, but we can also call it a sod dam a kind of dam is
put here across the gully and typical dimensions of these are maximum height is 45
centimeters, upstream side slope is 3 is to 1 and downstream side means 4 is to 1.

So, we see that the approach as well on the downside we have a flatter slope, so that
suddenly water does not approach these structure and also while flowing out it does not
fall directly, but passes through a flat slope, so that the velocity general control and not
too much of kinetic energies generated. So, that is why these typical dimensions are used
in the case of these sod checks.

(Refer Slide Time: 25:01)

Then, we have temporary gully control structures the next and the temporary gully
control structures are made from locally available materials and a life of 3 to 8 years.
This is also important thing is there they are made of locally available materials and for a
life of 3 to 8 years. And, various temporary gully control structures could be woven wire
check dam, brush dam, loose rock dam, plank or slab dam.

And, basic purpose they serve are retain more water as well as soil for proper plant
growth that is basically soil and water conservation and prevent channel erosion until
satisfactory vegetation is established. So, basically is gully reclamation, so that
vegetation grows sufficiently, so that no further erosion or no extension in size of the
gully could take place.
(Refer Slide Time: 28:57)

So, design criteria for temporaries checks are the overall height of these temporary
structures should be limited to 75 centimeters, this is important thing. Then spillway
capacity of the check dam is generally designed to handle peak runoff that may be
expected over 5 to 10 years. So, 3 to 8 years of life. So, that is why the frequency at
which the peak runoff either rate or the volume has to be calculated as 5 to 10 years.

(Refer Slide Time: 26:29)

And, next condition is that this basically deals with the spacing between the temporary
checks. So, check dams theoretically should be spaced in such a way that the crest
elevation of one will be same as the bottom elevation of the adjacent dam upstream. So,
this is the top, this is the bottom. So, they should be aligned, in such a way that this
bottom matches with the top here or the crest here. And, obviously, that will the elevation
will depend on the distance will depend on the land slope basically the land slope will
govern the spacing basically.

(Refer Slide Time: 27:11)

And, of course, another one important part is that the most of the check dams an apron
must be provided. So, on downstream side apron has to be provided, so that the to catch
the water falling over the top and to conduct it safely without scouring. So, that no
scouring takes place on the downstream side.
(Refer Slide Time: 27:33)

So, let us start with woven wire check dams used in gullies of moderate slope and small
drainage area. Dam is commonly built in half moon shape with open. So, this is basically
half moon shape and it shows that flow is coming from this side and off-set equal one
sixth of the width of the gully at the dam site is optimum. So, this off-set when we say
this is off-set basically. So, what kind of a dia is used that is governed by this offset. So,
this offset is one sixth.

(Refer Slide Time: 28:13)

Then, continuing with this a row of posts is set along the curve of the proposed dam at
about 1.2 meter interval and sixty to ninety centimeter deep. So, so this is the interval is
1.2 meters and these are going in up to 60 to 90 centimeters. Heavy gauge woven wire is
placed against the post with the lower part set at 20 –15 to 20 deep so that 25 to 30
centimeter projects above the ground surface along the spillway interval. So, that means,
the woven wire goes even below the surface soil surface this is the soil surface this is the
woven wire if you can see. So, it is placed even below the surface.

A sod fill is used on the upstream side to regulate the flow over the crest. So, is a some
kind of fill is used so that water gets stand. So, suddenly a large flow does not hit the
structure and rock brush or sod may be placed for the length of 1.2 meters to form the
aprons on the downstream side we have apron and on the upstream side we have a sod
fill. So, these protections are also provided.

(Refer Slide Time: 29:21)

Then we have brush dams. They are best suited for gullies will small drainage area for a
distance of 3 to 4, 4 and half meters along the site of structure sides and bottom of the
gully are covered with thin layer of straw or similar fine mulch. So, wherever we decide
that we will put this structure so, over around 3 to 4 for 3 to 4 and half meters we put the
straw or fine mulch.

Brushes are then packed close together over this mulch. So, then brushes are put together
and several rows of stakes are driven crosswise in gully with rows 60 centimeter apart
and stakes 30 – 60 centimeter part in the rows. So, several rows you can see row 1, row
2, row 3 we will put several sticks and then finally, heavy galvanized wire is used to
fasten the stakes in a row as well as firmly compress the brushes in place

So, that I mean there are several rows, so that they block the flow of water they conserve
the energy of the flow and also control the flows for that erosion velocity could be
controlled.

(Refer Slide Time: 30:33)

Next is a loose rock damp. So, it is the name itself suggest in this case we use loose
rocks and these are also suitable for small to medium sized drainage area. A trench is first
made across the gully to a depth of about 30 centimeter to form the base. So, a depth is
used 30 centimeter to base is formed.

Flat stones are the best choice as they can be laid in such a way that entire structure is
key together. So, if stones are flat then one over the other they can be laid, and the center
of dam is kept lower than the sides of to form, a spillway. So, this is the center. So, center
is always kept (Refer Time: 31:13). So, some kind of depression is there, so that that x is
a we are opening.

And, to serve as an apron several large flat rocks maybe countersunk below the spillway
extending about 1 meter downstream from the base of the dam. So, the on the
downstream side will provide apron by countersinking large flat rocks for about 1 meter
length.

(Refer Slide Time: 31:41)

Then we have plank or slab dam which is suitable for areas with plentiful of timber.
Suitable for gullies with large drainage areas and these planks are placed across the gully
to form the dam. So, as you can see here these planks surface to form the dam and
suitable opening for the spillway notch is made over the head wall. So, some kind of
opening will be provided here. So, some kind of I mean when these are placed they are
placed something like this so, the opening will there.

And, on the downstream side on the upstream face, a well tempered earth fill is made
again like. So, that flow comes smoothly and on the downstream side apron is made true
for looser. So, almost in all cases we have to see that flow approaches there is some kind
of approach and there is a apron that is a must.
(Refer Slide Time: 32:39)

And, lastly we have log dam which is the stabilized gully head. So, basically locks are
used here we they are used for gully stabilization which have a less than 100 meter in
length and catchment area is less than 2 hectares and the maximum height of dam is 1.5
meters from the ground surface.

So, that you can see that it is the maximum 1.5 meters from the ground surface, this is
the natural ground and the spillway is rectangular in shape typical rectangular a spillway
is provided that is in most of the cases either rectangular or semicircular and the length
and depth of spillway are 1 to 2 meters and 0.5 to 6 meters respectively. So, this is 0.5 to
6 meters and this is spillway length is here it is 1 to 2 meters. So, these are the typical
dimensions which are recommended.

So, we have seen that we have vegetative or biological measures on one hand, then we
have also temporary structures where which are made by locally available material. So, if
logs or slabs are available we will go for that, if only sods are there then we will use
them, if nothing else is there we can convert the gully into vegetative waterway.

So, I mean depending upon the availability and depending upon the size of the gully as
well the drainage area will either adopt a biological measures or temporary gully control
structures and so, that the whole idea is that the flow is controlled and so that no erosion
could take place no further erosion could take place in the gullied area.
So, with this background we will close today and then we will see about the permanent
gully control structures in the next lecture.

Thank you very much.