A decade of soil bioengineering for erosion control in Malaysia: Progress, challenges, and future directions

Abstract Soil erosion presents a substantial environmental challenge in Malaysia, threatening crops, agricultural infrastructure, and ecosystem stability, particularly in areas characterized by high rainfall intensity and increasing deforestation. Conventional methods for controlling soil erosion can be effective. However, they frequently entail high costs and raise concerns regarding long-term environmental sustainability. Common hard engineering solutions, such as gabion walls, retaining walls and chemical treatments, are often resource-intensive and may not align with environmentally friendly practices. On the other hand, the soil bioengineering method is a more environmentally friendly strategy that has been used for many years. It uses plant parts as biological materials that directly benefit the environment. Nevertheless, soil bioengineering adoption in Malaysia remains low, with insufficient research, especially in investigating the application of plants and their root systems for soil erosion control. This paper explores soil bioengineering practices for erosion control, highlighting the progress and advancements made over the past decade. It critically examines how these techniques have contributed to Malaysia’s environmental sustainability, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. The review identifies key knowledge gaps, particularly the lack of field-based research on native plant species and their application in various Malaysian environments. The conclusions indicate that soil bioengineering can effectively reduce erosion sustainably while also aiding ecosystem restoration. The review positions soil bioengineering as a viable alternative for sustainable land management and ecosystem protection in tropical environments, providing valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners.