Effects of gully control measures on sediment yield and connectivity in wooded rangelands

Gully rehabilitation is often applied as part of catchment management strategies aimed at reducing downstream sediment yields. However, the influences gully control measures on runoff and transport processes in agroforestry systems have been seldom studied. In this paper, a thorough analysis these was carried out valley-bottom located dehesa from SW Spain. The monitored before after implementation different that included: gabion check-dams, brushwood check-dams livestock exclusion through fencing. aims work are: (1) to analyze effect hydrological dynamics load, (2) evaluate their connectivity channel scales. Changes topography were estimated using sequential Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) with resolution 0.02 m generated by Structure – Motion photogrammetry aerial images acquired an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Discharge suspended outlet. Results indicate flood discharge not influenced measures, but concentration reduced 65%. integration difference index topographic change maps highlighted impact changes connectivity. A strong relationship between geomorphic spatial pattern pathways observed gully. (IC) increased eroded areas, while deposition sites showed decrease IC. Connectivity also decreased bank headcuts within area isolated livestock. successful stabilizing expansion network had beneficial effects short-term further monitoring would be necessary understand long-term effects.