ABSTRACT
Controlling reservoir silting, both in its proportion and rate, is a major objective of planning, design and operation engineers, with a view to preserve and extend, if and when possible, the useful lifespan of reservoirs, and to reduce the adverse effects to some reasonable levels. Several methods and techniques for controlling and regulating reservoir silting are nowadays in use. Reduction of sediment yield of river-reservoir catchment systems can be achieved only by soil conservation practices, that comprise a number of various non-structural and structural measures, works and actions in the catchment, such as proper vegetation and land tillage practices, small check dams for gully control, and small diversion works for water supply to agriculture, that can be applied independently or in combination. Increasing vegetation on the catchment slopes by grassing and afforestation works could be extremely beneficial to soil stabilization, soil erosion reduction and trapping of sedimentary materials, when adequate grassing and suitable tree species are used.
