It is crucial to distinguish between gully erosion responses derived from the inherent fragility of the environment and those induced by human activities. This study examines gully sidewall erosion in relation to soil physical variables and land use, with particular attention to livestock farming. Sidewall data were collected and analysed during both wet and dry seasons, including grain size, soil resistance to penetration, and infiltration. Land use data were also compiled before and after the implementation of a restoration technique. These data were compared with three years of erosion monitoring on the gully sidewall. The results indicate that tropical environments with two well-defined seasons (summer and winter) also require careful consideration of transitional periods (spring and fall), as soil drying and crack formation increase erosion risk. Sandy fractions demonstrate high susceptibility to erosion; however, the role of finer fractions, especially silt, is equally critical, since their presence, together with higher soil penetration resistance during dry periods, indicates areas with high erosive potential. Infiltration measured under field conditions shows high variability, which complicates the assessment of its contribution to gully development. The adoption of simple measures, such as fencing off eroded areas, proved effective in reducing soil loss from gullies in pastures under livestock farming. Overall, the findings underline that the combined effect of environmental fragility and grazing pressure constitutes a major driver of gully erosion in tropical regions. Recognising these interactions is fundamental for designing appropriate soil conservation strategies in livestock-dominated landscapes.
