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Sustainable Use of Nature-Based Solutions for Erosion Control and Slope Protection

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2021) | Viewed by 30980

Special Issue Editor

Built Environment Asset Management Centre, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
Interests: ecosystem services; environmental protection; hydro-meteorological risk management; GIS; machine learning; co-design and co-deployment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil loss is a global threat to the integrity and function of the Earth’s ecosystems. Erosion and landslides are two natural hazards responsible for severe soil loss globally. The severity and recurrence of erosion and landslides will likely increase under the predicted scenarios of climate change, creating an urgent need to take action against soil loss. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are ecology-based, integrated approaches that work along with nature to manage natural hazards and solve engineering problems sustainably. NBS commonly bridge engineering principles with ecosystem functioning. Thus, NBS have the potential to make human communities more resilient against climate change, whilst providing bundles of ecosystem services. The positive effect of NBS on erosion control and slope protection has been widely acknowledged during the last few decades. Yet, there still is a severe lack of convincing information related to the innovative design and performance of NBS for erosion control and slope protection. New insights into NBS performance will undoubtedly encourage and facilitate the inclusion of NBS design within risk reduction strategies and push business exploitation. This Special Issue aims at gathering a series of original contributions including, but not limited to, novel research, tools, frameworks, approaches, indicators, and case studies focusing on examples demonstrating how NBS can be used sustainably for erosion control and slope protection.

Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez-Ollauri
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Nature-based solutions
  • Soil bioengineering
  • Plant–soil interactions
  • Natural hazards
  • Erosion
  • Landslides
  • Ecosystem services
  • Risk reduction
  • Stakeholders engagement

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 160 KiB  
Editorial
Sustainable Use of Nature-Based Solutions for Slope Protection and Erosion Control
by Alejandro Gonzalez-Ollauri
Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 1981; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14041981 - 09 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2391
Abstract
Soil loss is a global threat to the integrity and function of the Earth’s ecosystems [...] Full article

Research

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16 pages, 2647 KiB  
Article
Improvement of the Plantation Success in a Crib Wall in a Mediterranean Hydro-Meteorological Risks Scenario—Practical Results
by Albert Sorolla, Eduard Piera, Bet Mota-Freixas, Gina Sorolla Salvans, Inma Rueda, Adrian Lochner Prats and Clara Unzeta
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11785; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132111785 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1600
Abstract
Due to the clime change scenario, severe hydro-meteorological phenomena are having a high impact on the ecosystems of the earth. Some strategies based on the use of natural communities associated with geomorphological changes that restore the natural landscape are gaining success due the [...] Read more.
Due to the clime change scenario, severe hydro-meteorological phenomena are having a high impact on the ecosystems of the earth. Some strategies based on the use of natural communities associated with geomorphological changes that restore the natural landscape are gaining success due the resistance and resilience against damages. All of these strategies are known as nature-based solutions (NBS). Soil and water bioengineering techniques are one of the most appreciated tools to reach effectiveness for slope stabilization. They are based on the capacity of some plants to consolidate the soil with his rooting system in special conditions (high slope, flooding impact). Slope stabilization solutions with soil and water bioengineering techniques need to be adapted to this new scenario. Crib wall is one of the most complete soil and water bioengineering technique for structural slope stabilization. It is based on a wooden box full of live plants that in the future will grow and gain stability at the same time that wood decays. The crib wall box is full of soil, and the front area is traditionally stabilized with some branches of fascines to let plants grow, maintaining the structure. Fascines are made of branches of riparian species with the capacity for vegetative propagation. Their diameter can change due to the humidity variation, so the stiffness of the system is at risk against severe hydro-meteorological phenomena. This study aims to assess that the introduction of HDCL in crib walls improves planting success and makes them more resistant to adverse weather events in Mediterranean areas. Four experiments were performed in controlled and natural conditions with this proposal. The results show that the use of natural fibers instead of branch fascine helps to maintain the humidity conditions and increase the resistance capacity. High-density coir logs (HDCL) are not affected by volume changes for humidity conditions. HDCL maintains the plant’s humidity conditions longer and makes plants grow faster, bigger and increase their survival. This method of Crib wall construction increases the associated biodiversity. The most important results are that the use of HDCL in crib walls has an effect on the growth of planted shrub, the development of roots, the colonization of native vegetation and ultimately, the resistance of the structure to the floods. The results also show that crib walls are a good technique for the stabilization of slopes with considerable gradients and high hydraulic impacts. HDCL can reduce the water stress of plantations, and they can be a good system to retain runoff and provide it to the plants. Finally, the HDCL allows the revegetation of a crib wall 30% faster than with branch fascine. Full article
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14 pages, 2783 KiB  
Article
Hillslope Erosion Mitigation: An Experimental Proof of a Nature-Based Solution
by Ciro Apollonio, Andrea Petroselli, Flavia Tauro, Manuela Cecconi, Chiara Biscarini, Claudio Zarotti and Salvatore Grimaldi
Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6058; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13116058 - 27 May 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3412
Abstract
Soil erosion during rainfall events is affected by several factors, such as topography, soil type, land management, and vegetation cover. In this study, a series of tests investigates the influence of selected perennial herbaceous plants with a deep and strong rooting system, called [...] Read more.
Soil erosion during rainfall events is affected by several factors, such as topography, soil type, land management, and vegetation cover. In this study, a series of tests investigates the influence of selected perennial herbaceous plants with a deep and strong rooting system, called MC1, on runoff generation and soil erosion. The tests on the investigated nature-based solution have been performed in the Cape Fear experimental hillslope with natural and artificial rainfall and for different vegetation heights. For all the experiments, runoff, soil moisture, and erosion data were observed and collected. The results obtained in this study suggest the following conclusions: (1) MC1 is effective in terms of soil erosion reduction already with a minimum vegetation height equal to 30 cm; (2) MC1 maximum efficiency, in terms of soil loss reduction, has been reached for a vegetation height equal to 70 cm; (3) In terms of the eroded material, the use of MC1 allows for a reduction of soil loss up to 300 times higher than the bare soil condition; (4) The use of MC1 allows for a reduction in the runoff coefficient up to 1/3 of the corresponding value in the bare soil condition. Full article
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20 pages, 12217 KiB  
Article
Can Drones Map Earth Cracks? Landslide Measurements in North Greece Using UAV Photogrammetry for Nature-Based Solutions
by Paschalis D. Koutalakis, Ourania A. Tzoraki, Georgios I. Prazioutis, Georgios T. Gkiatas and George N. Zaimes
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4697; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13094697 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3929
Abstract
The accuracy of photogrammetry for geohazards monitoring has improved within the last years because of the “drone revolution”. This study is an attempt to perform morphometric measurements in a landslide event that took place near the village Nea Zichni in Northern Greece. The [...] Read more.
The accuracy of photogrammetry for geohazards monitoring has improved within the last years because of the “drone revolution”. This study is an attempt to perform morphometric measurements in a landslide event that took place near the village Nea Zichni in Northern Greece. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro was selected to capture orthoimages of the entire area including the landslide event but also other adjusted disaster phenomena. The images were loaded in the commercial software Pix4D in order to produce orthomosaics and digital surface models of the area. The georeferenced results were further analyzed in ArcGIS in order to digitize and estimate the morphometric parameters of the landslide, such as its area and volume, but also to detect cracks and plot the tensile cracking directions. We conclude that the methodology and produced outputs are crucial for the responsible authorities to detect, monitor and mitigate natural disasters such as landslide events and other mass movements. The best practices to control mass movements are nature-based solutions such as soil bioengineering and proper vegetation cover assisted by engineering measures. Finally, our goal is to frequently monitor the landslide phenomenon in order to determine its evolution. Full article
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19 pages, 2524 KiB  
Article
Hydro-Mechanical Effects of Several Riparian Vegetation Combinations on the Streambank Stability—A Benchmark Case in Southeastern Norway
by Vittoria Capobianco, Kate Robinson, Bjørn Kalsnes, Christina Ekeheien and Øyvind Høydal
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 4046; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13074046 - 06 Apr 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2168
Abstract
Vegetation can be used as a nature-based solution (NBS) to restore rivers and mitigate water-triggered processes along streambanks. Roots are well known to improve the overall stability of slopes through hydro-mechanical reinforcement within the rooted zone. Vegetation-based solutions require the selection of species [...] Read more.
Vegetation can be used as a nature-based solution (NBS) to restore rivers and mitigate water-triggered processes along streambanks. Roots are well known to improve the overall stability of slopes through hydro-mechanical reinforcement within the rooted zone. Vegetation-based solutions require the selection of species that are most suitable for specific locations, and they are aimed at restoring the natural state and function of river systems in support of biodiversity, flood management, and landscape development. Selecting a combination of different species along different zones of the riverbank can improve the conditions for the river system with regard to biodiversity and stability. Therefore, more studies are needed to investigate how the combination of a variety of different plant species can improve the stability of the riverbank. This paper presents a methodological approach for slope stability modeling including vegetation as well as the results obtained from a series of slope stability calculations adopting the proposed methodology. The analyses were carried out for critical shallow (≤3 m deep) shear planes of ideal benchmark slopes covered with four different plant combinations—(i) only grass, (ii) grass and shrubs, (iii) only trees, and (iv) trees, shrubs, and grass—for species typically found along streams in southeastern Norway. In this desk study, two types of tree species were selected, namely Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Downy birch (Betula pubescens). The Goat willow (Salix caprea) was selected as a shrub, while a common mixed-grass was chosen as grass. Vegetation features were obtained from the literature. The methodology was used for two main cases: (1) considering only the mechanical contribution of vegetation and (2) considering both the hydrological and mechanical reinforcement of vegetation. The main outcome of the numerical modeling showed that the purely mechanical contribution of vegetation to slope stability could not be decoupled from the hydrological reinforcement in order to have a realistic assessment of the roots improvement to the stability. The most critical shear surfaces occurred below the rooted zone in all cases, and the best performance was obtained using the combinations including trees. Considering the typical climate conditions in Norway, the hydro-mechanical reinforcement was most effective in the spring and for combinations including low height vegetation (i.e., grass and shrubs). The study concludes that a mixed combination of vegetation (trees, shrubs, and grass) is the most suitable for reaching the highest hydro-mechanical reinforcement of streambanks, together with erosion protection and boosting the ecosystem biodiversity. The current study can help practitioners determine which vegetation cover combination is appropriate for improving the current stability of a streambank with restoration practices. Full article
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14 pages, 14767 KiB  
Article
Effect of Soil Management on Erosion in Mountain Vineyards (N-W Italy)
by Silvia Stanchi, Odoardo Zecca, Csilla Hudek, Emanuele Pintaldi, Davide Viglietti, Michele E. D’Amico, Nicola Colombo, Davide Goslino, Marilisa Letey and Michele Freppaz
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1991; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13041991 - 12 Feb 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2708
Abstract
We studied the effects of three soil management approaches (permanent grassing, chemical weeding, and buffer strips), and the additional impact of tractor passage on soil erosion in a sloping vineyard located in the inner part of Aosta Valley (N-W Italian Alps). The vineyard [...] Read more.
We studied the effects of three soil management approaches (permanent grassing, chemical weeding, and buffer strips), and the additional impact of tractor passage on soil erosion in a sloping vineyard located in the inner part of Aosta Valley (N-W Italian Alps). The vineyard rows were equipped with a sediment collection system with channels and barrel tanks. A total of 12 events with sediment production were observed across 6 years, and the collected sediments were weighted and analyzed. Average erosion rates ranged from negligible (mainly in grassed rows) to 1.1 t ha−1 per event (after weeding). The most erosive event occurred in July 2015, with a total rainfall of 32.2 mm, of which 20.1 were recorded in 1 h. Despite the limited number of erosive events observed, and the low measured erosion rates, permanent grassing reduced soil erosion considerably with respect to weeding; buffering had a comparable effect to grassing. The tractor passage, independent of the soil management approaches adopted, visibly accelerated the erosion process. The collected sediments were highly enriched in organic C, total N, and fine size fractions, indicating a potential loss of fertility over time. Despite the measured erosion rates being low over the experiment’s duration, more severe events are well documented in the recent past, and the number of intense storms is likely to increase due to climate change. Thus, the potential effects of erosion in the medium and long term need to be limited to a minimum rate of soil loss. Our experiment helped to compare soil losses by erosion under different soil management practices, including permanent grassing, i.e., a nature-based erosion mitigation measure. The results of the research can provide useful indications for planners and practitioners in similar regions, for sustainable, cross-sectoral soil management, and the enhancement of soil ecosystem services. Full article
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31 pages, 9118 KiB  
Article
Soil and Water Bioengineering Applications in Central and South America: A Transferability Analysis
by Melanie Maxwald, Cesare Crocetti, Roberto Ferrari, Alessandro Petrone, Hans Peter Rauch and Federico Preti
Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10505; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su122410505 - 15 Dec 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3156
Abstract
The present work describes a transferability analysis for soil and water bioengineering techniques as an instrument for sustainable erosion control in Central and South America based on an empirical data base from the last decades. In total, 31 case studies in Mexico, Nicaragua, [...] Read more.
The present work describes a transferability analysis for soil and water bioengineering techniques as an instrument for sustainable erosion control in Central and South America based on an empirical data base from the last decades. In total, 31 case studies in Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil generated a database from an area where soil and water bioengineering techniques are not commonly used. The Transferability Analysis is structured in seven steps: (1) Objectives of the procedure, (2) Impacts of the measure, (3) Identification of up-scaling/down-scaling needs (4) Identification of the main phases and its components, (5) Identification of the level of importance of the components, (6) Assessment of the components in the context of the Take-Up Site and (7) Conclusions. For the assessment of soil and water bioengineering via the Transferability Analysis, in step 4 the following main phases have been identified from the data base: (a) Planning Phase, (b) Construction Phase, (c) Use Phase, as well as (d) End of Life Phase of a construction. Within these categories, 14 components have been defined: (a) know-how of soil and water bioengineering techniques, local climate conditions, botany, hydraulics, pedology; (b) materials, qualified labor, equipment and mechanical instruments, economic resources; (c) monitoring, efficiency, sustainability, maintenance; (d) replicability. The following assessment of the components allowed to determine key barriers, as well as key support factors for the transfer of soil and water bioengineering. As a result, barriers appeared to be the components qualified labor, equipment/mechanical instruments, hydraulics, know-how in soil and water bioengineering and pedology. Neither barriers, nor supporting key factors resulted to be the components local climate conditions, economic resources and efficiency. Supporting key factors for the transfer were materials, monitoring, sustainability, maintenance and replicability. The most important key factor of success was assessed to be botany, as various plant species with important characteristics for soil and water bioengineering are available in Central and South America, able to compensate the constraints through barriers in certain cases. Full article
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19 pages, 4197 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Willow (Salix sp.) on Soil Moisture and Matric Suction at a Slope Scale
by Alejandro Gonzalez-Ollauri and Slobodan B. Mickovski
Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 9789; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12239789 - 24 Nov 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2252
Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide new knowledge on the effect of willow on hillslope hydrology at a slope scale. Soil moisture and matric suction were monitored in situ under willow-vegetated and fallow ground covers on a small-scale hillslope in Northeast [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to provide new knowledge on the effect of willow on hillslope hydrology at a slope scale. Soil moisture and matric suction were monitored in situ under willow-vegetated and fallow ground covers on a small-scale hillslope in Northeast Scotland for 21 months. The retrieved time series were analysed statistically to evaluate whether the dynamics of soil moisture and matric suction changed with the hillslope zone (i.e., toe, middle, and crest) under the two ground covers. The effect of air temperature and rainfall on the dynamics of soil moisture and matric suction, as well as the relationship between the two soil-water variables, under both ground covers, were also investigated by analysing the cross-correlation between time series. The results of 21 months of monitoring showed that willow contributed substantially to reduce soil moisture and to increase matric suction with respect to fallow soil. Additionally, willow-vegetated soil exhibited higher water retention and moisture buffering capacity than fallow soil. The effect of willow was highest at the hillslope toe due to a denser vegetation cover present within this zone. Both air temperature and rainfall had a strong effect on soil moisture and matric suction. However, the effect of air temperature was more consistent and easier to interpret than that of rainfall. Soil moisture and matric suction were shown to have a complex relationship and the soil water characteristic curve for vegetated soil requires further research. This study provides novel, field-based information supporting the positive effect of willow on hillslope hydrology. The results gathered herein will undoubtedly enhance the confidence of using woody vegetation in Nature-based Solutions (NBS) against geo-climatic hazards. Full article
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Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research

12 pages, 1394 KiB  
Opinion
Harmonizing Erosion Control and Flood Prevention with Restoration of Biodiversity through Ecological Engineering Used for Co-Benefits Nature-Based Solutions
by Freddy Rey
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11150; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132011150 - 09 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2831
Abstract
Reconciling erosion control and flood prevention with restoration of diversity is an important challenge for our societies today. However, examples of applications remain rare because practitioners and engineers are searching for more integrated solutions for this kind of situation. New considerations should, therefore, [...] Read more.
Reconciling erosion control and flood prevention with restoration of diversity is an important challenge for our societies today. However, examples of applications remain rare because practitioners and engineers are searching for more integrated solutions for this kind of situation. New considerations should, therefore, refocus attention on developing innovative actions by raising the question of how best to accommodate the two components. Moreover, little attention has been paid to erosion processes and their control for decreasing floods, although this can largely contribute to this purpose. Merging security with ecology, turning to co-benefits nature-based solutions at the catchment scale, based on the use of local ecological engineering, especially soil and water bioengineering combined with civil engineering, can provide adapted practices for harmonizing flood prevention and erosion control with restoration of biodiversity at the water catchment scale. This kind of approach should be accompanied by proposals for coherent and adapted governance for application of co-benefits nature-based solutions at the catchment and territory scales. Full article
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14 pages, 2270 KiB  
Perspective
Re-Thinking Soil Bioengineering to Address Climate Change Challenges
by Slobodan B. Mickovski
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3338; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13063338 - 18 Mar 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3783
Abstract
Soil bioengineering includes the sustainable use of vegetation for civil engineering purposes, including addressing climate change challenges. Previous research in this area has been focused on determination of the strength and stability that vegetation provides for the soil it grows in. The industry, [...] Read more.
Soil bioengineering includes the sustainable use of vegetation for civil engineering purposes, including addressing climate change challenges. Previous research in this area has been focused on determination of the strength and stability that vegetation provides for the soil it grows in. The industry, on the other hand, has concentrated on mainly empirical approaches in the design and construction of nature-based solutions. The aim of this paper is to attempt a reconciliation of the scientific and technical aspects of soil bioengineering with a view of proposing broad guidelines for management of soil bioengineering projects aimed at combatting climate change and achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). More than 20 case studies of civil engineering projects addressing climate change challenges, such as erosion, shallow landslides, and flooding, were critically reviewed against the different project stages and the UN SDGs. The gaps identified in the review are addressed from civil engineering and asset management perspectives, with a view of implementing the scientific and technical nexus in the future. Recommendations are formulated to help civil engineers embrace the multidisciplinary nature of soil bioengineering and effectively address climate change challenges in the future. Full article
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