Natural Products for Wetlands Erosion Control

Conventional engineering practices for erosion control are a common sight along our highways and waterways: carefully laid banks of barren angular stone called “rip-rap,” barriers of smaller stones encased in wire mesh called “gabions,” and poured concrete retaining walls. Bioengineering offers an earth-friendly alternative in many situations: carefully planned use of vegetation to satisfy engineering needs. Plants have been used for centuries, of course, to stabilize banks, but the approach lost favor during the past fifty years. The concept is coming back (armed with a high-tech name to impress people who need to be impressed) and is being used to stabilize steep embankments along highways, reduce erosion along rivers and streams, and protect ocean beaches.
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