Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is a major concern in the southeastern region of Nigeria due to high population densities and farming techniques, which has resulted in the presence of numerous gullies. While gullies are found all around the world, the existence of gullies in Nigeria is regarded as one of the worst environment disasters, having negative implications on the environment and the quality of life for humans and other species (Adetona & Ezezika, 2011; Ajaegwu & al, 2010). Large quantities of soil in Nigeria are being lost each year due to gullies, and action needs to be taken. Gullies have altered the appearance of landscapes and lifestyles that civilians once enjoyed, forcing them to relocate elsewhere. Recent increases in the Nigerian population growth have further perpetuated the problem of gully formation as less land is suitable for farming and living (Hudec & al, 2005). As soil erosion occurs, the soil and nutrients are washed away and lost, creating channels or cuts in the ground, known as gullies (Ofomata, 1984). Weathering rocks are loosened by wind and rain, thus exposing the layers of soil formerly hidden under the ground. Soil erosion is a continuous process, and it is indeed very problematic, thus leading to the formation of gullies (Ofomata, 1984). The rate at which gullies are developing and expanding is definitely a cause for alarm. Gully expansion in southeast Nigeria has officially become an environmental hazard where a number of civilians have been forced to move somewhere else, and now more regions are becoming unsuitable for living (Adetona & Ezezika, 2011).
There are four major factors contributing to soil erosion and gullies in Nigeria. The first two factors are geologic components and anthropogenic or human components. The geologic or natural components of soil erosion are caused by weathering processes such as wind, rain, mudslides, and landslides, which cause the soil to recede (Ofomata, 1984). The rocks underlying the soil tend to be porous,