Biotechnical Slope Protection and Erosion Control

Biotechnical and soil bioengineering stabilization offer a cost-effective and attractive approach for stabilizing slopes against erosion and shallow mass movement Biotechnical stabilization is characterized by the combined or integrated use of live vegetation with retaining structures and revetments. Vegetation can also be employed in combination with structural elements in ground cover systems. Rolled erosion control products (RECPs) are a good example of this combined approach. Soil bioengineering primarily entails the use of plants and live plant parts themselves. Plant roots and stems, serve as the main structural and mechanical elements in a slope protection system. These approaches capitalize on the advantages and benefits that vegetation confers for erosion control and slope protection and offset the limitations of using Conventional slope plantings by themselves. Biotechnical stabilization has been Used successfully in a Variety of applications ranging from watershed restoration and streambank protection to stabilization of over-steepened cuts and embankment slopes along highways.