The Impacts of Gullies in Zé Açu Micro-watershed, Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

The gullies represent the most complex and destructive way of soil degradation relative to linear erosion. In this context, the goal of this study is to address the impacts of gullies in the longitudinal profile of the Zé Açu Micro-watershed, at the Settlement Project (SP) Amazonian Village, Parintins municipality, Amazon State, Brazil and, as consequence of that, the impacts to the family farmers living there. Methodology: a) Cognitive Map; b) Geoprocessing; c) Field work from 2010 to 2012. Discussion of the results: Twelve gullies were mapped at the edge of the first order channels’ headwater in an area of extensive livestock. The upper stream is the more affected by the colmatation of tributary channels and the siltation of the mainstream. As consequence, in the river’s ebb tide (August to December) there is the scarcity of water (direct impact on domestic use, irrigation, transport, quantity of fishes; Indirect impact described as no potability because of the high charge of suspend sediments). These impacts affect 07 traditional farming communities (416 families). This problem leads to the vulnerability of local farmers and impacts can be seemed on their economy, social life and culture. Nevertheless, Zé Açu Micro-watershed is looking for its geomorphological reorganization, compatible with the new conditions that are imposed to it. The on-going changes, however, doesn’t permit recovering the same ecosystem, due the loss of soil, fauna and flora.