Compost can be used with a range of geosystems to create an ecoengineering solution
Soil erosion in construction activities is moving up the political and legislative agenda. Wind, rain and foot traffic can erode soil, particularly when it contains low levels of organic matter. This reduces the ability of plants to establish, grow and remain healthy. The reduction in plant growth and subsequent plant residue exposes the soil, perpetuating the erosion process, resulting in sediment loss and potentially higher maintenance costs.
Compost can be applied in areas of particular concern in combination with an engineering solution for erosion control and to encourage plant growth. Combining engineering solutions and vegetation is termed ‘eco-engineering’ and can be used to stabilise riverbanks and
highway embankments. The use of eco-engineering for stabilising engineered slopes can be environmentally preferable and cost effective compared to traditional ‘hard-engineering’ solutions.
