Development of check-dam systems in gullies on the Loess Plateau, China

The Loess Mesa Ravine Region and the Loess Hill Ravine Region, cover 200,000 km(2) of the Loess Plateau in China and have serious problems of soil and water erosion. Two primary ways to control the sediment pouring into the Yellow River from this area are planting and engineering measures. The former is not suitable for the Loess Plateau due to the and climate and the barren soil, while some of the latter means, such as terrace farmlands, are vulnerable to floods. As a widespread engineering measure, the check-dam system in gullies is one of the most effective ways to conserve soil and water in the Loess Plateau. At present, the amount of sediment retained by check-dam systems is the largest of all methods and the potential is promising. The dam farmlands so created have become important high-yield croplands or orchards with enriched fertile soil and ample water. This paper reviews the history and principles of check-dams and discusses future theoretical and experimental studies which are needed for the further implementation of this system. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.