INTEGRATED ENGINEERING APPROACHES FOR SOIL CONSERVATION AND EROSION MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA SCHOOL CAMPUSES: A CASE STUDY FOR FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OKO

Abstract

Soil degradation due to erosion and unsustainable land use practices presents a critical threat to construction productivity, environmental stability, agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria. This paper presents an integrative review of soil characteristics, erosion types, and mechanical soil conservation methods from an engineering perspective. Emphasis is placed on structural interventions such as contour bunding, terracing, and flumes, and their empirical effectiveness in mitigating erosion across various Nigerian ecological zones. The study incorporates simulation modeling tools including USLE and SLEMSA to evaluate erosion risk and proposes a model for optimizing waste utilization from institutions such as the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State. The findings advocate for engineering-based soil management strategies supported by remote sensing and geospatial technologies for sustainable land development.