A Review of Bioengineering of Rill and Gully Erosion Based on the Suitable Plant Species Selection

Document Type : Review

Authors

1 Department of Arid Zone Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (GUASNR), Gorgan, 49189-43436, Iran

2 Department of Watershed Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

3 Department of Rangland Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

Abstract

Soil, as one of the most vital components of natural resources, plays a critical role in human life. Among various land degradation processes, soil erosion is considered the most significant threat and is recognized as a dynamic mechanism that must be addressed with a broader and more forward-thinking perspective. Any intervention lacking technical and environmentally sustainable principles may result in irreversible or costly consequences. This study aims to provide a model for selecting appropriate plant species to reduce and biologically manage rill and gully erosion in line with sustainable development and the protection of soil and water resources. Following a comprehensive review of erosion sources in multiple studies, the impact of specific plant species—based on canopy characteristics, stems, roots, adaptability, and reproduction—on rill and gully erosion was evaluated. The plant species recommended in the reviewed studies were preferably perennial, with rigid stems, dense upper canopy cover, and deep root systems. These species should tolerate both dry and moist soil conditions and have the capacity to regenerate even after being buried by sediments. In addition to highlighting the high potential and widespread applicability of plant species in controlling gully erosion and the need for greater attention to bioengineering in gully rehabilitation, this study also suggests several suitable species, including Reed (Phragmites australis), Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb, Lycium depressum Stocks and Prosopis koelziana Burkil. These species may serve as effective models for management and implementation decisions in restoration and bio-management of erosion at the national level.
 
(Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb)، کهور دره‌ای (Prosopis koelziana Burkil)، دیوخار (Lycium depressum Stocks)

Keywords

Main Subjects


Introduction

Soil erosion is widely recognized as one of the most critical environmental issues threatening the sustainability of agricultural systems and natural landscapes. Among different erosion types, gully and rill erosion represent advanced and severe forms that lead to significant soil degradation, loss of arable land, sedimentation in downstream ecosystems, and damage to infrastructure. These types of erosion are particularly destructive in arid and semi-arid regions, where soil cohesion is low and rainfall is sporadic but intense. In this context, vegetation-based approaches have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional mechanical control methods. This review aims to conceptually synthesize existing knowledge on biological management of gully and rill erosion, with a special focus on identifying plant traits and species that can effectively mitigate these forms of erosion under diverse ecological and environmental conditions.

Method

This research employed a structured literature review method to evaluate and consolidate findings from peer-reviewed scientific articles, technical reports, and field-based studies both within Iran and internationally. The search focused on studies that explored the underlying processes of gully and rill erosion, plant-soil interactions, and the ecological roles of plant morphological traits in erosion control. Studies were selected from academic databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Key selection criteria included relevance to semi-arid environments, explicit mention of plant characteristics, and quantitative or qualitative assessment of erosion mitigation. The reviewed literature was analyzed to identify consistent patterns and practical insights that could inform future vegetation-based erosion management.

Results

The findings reveal that certain plant traits are strongly associated with enhanced erosion control. These include deep and fibrous root systems that improve soil cohesion, strong and flexible stems that dissipate runoff energy, and dense canopy cover that reduces the impact of raindrops and surface flow velocity. Species such as Medicago sativa, Artemisia spp., Stipa spp., Agropyron elongatum, and Festuca arundinacea were identified as particularly effective in stabilizing slopes and gully edges. Furthermore, the reviewed studies emphasize the importance of selecting native or regionally adapted species that can survive local climatic stresses such as drought and nutrient-poor soils. In many cases, plant-based approaches demonstrated cost-effectiveness, ecological resilience, and long-term sustainability compared to structural methods like check dams and terracing.

Conclusions

Vegetative solutions for erosion control represent a viable and sustainable alternative to mechanical interventions. Strategic use of suitable plant species can significantly reduce soil detachment, increase infiltration, stabilize landforms, and contribute to biodiversity. To maximize success, plant selection must be tailored to site-specific conditions, and integrated with broader watershed management and land-use planning efforts. The review concludes that biological approaches should be prioritized and supported by national soil conservation policies, local capacity-building programs, and community involvement for effective implementation.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization, literature search, and drafting of the manuscript. The corresponding author led the coordination, integration of content, and final editing process.

Data Availability Statement

This article is a literature review. No original datasets were generated or analyzed. All referenced studies and data sources are publicly available and cited in the reference list.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for providing access to academic databases and supporting this research endeavor. Special thanks are extended to field practitioners and researchers whose insights have enriched this review.

Ethical considerations

This review article did not involve any human participants or animal experiments. All sources were properly acknowledged, and ethical guidelines for citation and academic integrity were fully observed throughout the research and writing process

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