Study on the Slope Protection Efficacy of Gully Land Consolidation Based on Soil Physical Improvement

Abstract

Gully erosion is a critical driver of land degradation and soil loss globally, threatening agricultural productivity, ecological stability, and sustainable land use. Gully land consolidation (GLC) has emerged as a key engineering measure to mitigate erosion, while soil physical improvement—encompassing modifications to soil structure, porosity, permeability, and water-holding capacity—plays a pivotal role in enhancing its slope protection efficacy. This review systematically synthesizes existing literature on the interplay between soil physical properties, GLC practices, and slope stability. It first outlines the conceptual framework of GLC and soil physical improvement, then analyzes methodological approaches (field monitoring, laboratory analyses, and case studies) used in prior research. Key findings highlight that targeted soil physical amendments (e.g., organic matter addition, biochar application, and mechanical structure optimization) significantly improve soil anti-erosion capacity, reduce surface runoff, and reinforce slope integrity when integrated with GLC. The review also identifies research gaps, such as limited long-term studies on climate-adaptive measures and inconsistent efficacy metrics across regions. Finally, it emphasizes the practical implications of these findings for guiding GLC design and policy-making to promote resilient land management in gully-prone areas.