Application of erosion-resistant fibers in the recovery of vegetation on steep slopes in the Loess Plateau of China

- Environmentally friendly substrate with wood fibers as a new material was used in revegetation on steep slopes (> 50°).
- The material can effectively reduce slope erosion.
- The best treatment can improve the soil and achieve satisfactory revegetation effect.

As the economy develops, infrastructure construction in the Loess Plateau of China often leads to the formation of exposed steep slopes over large areas. Exposed steep slopes will lead to severe soil erosion, which poses a threat to ecological security. In addition, the recovery of vegetation on steep slopes also faces significant difficulties. Therefore, research on the materials and techniques suitable for the recovery of vegetation on steep slopes is important for improving the ecological environment. In this study, an environmentally friendly substrate with wood fibers, High Performance-Flexible Growth Medium (HP-FGM), as the main component is used for spray seeding, and a biotic soil medium (BSM) and eight native plant species were selected to regrow vegetation on steep slopes with different aspects (semi-shady and semi-sunny, with gradients > 50°). The resistance to scouring and erosion of the HP-FGM was analyzed via simulations and a spray seeding experiment. In addition, the effects of the HP-FGM on the soil moisture content (SMC), the soil nutrient content (SNC), the physical properties of the soil and the plant growth during the vegetation recovery process were also investigated. The results show that the HP-FGM could effectively reduce erosion on the slope surface. When combined with BSM and a slope surface roughening treatment, the HP-FGM significantly improved the SMC, the SNC and the physical properties of the soil. In addition, the cost was only approximately USD $5/m2. The results of this study show that the combination of the HP-FGM, BSM and the slope surface roughening treatment is economical and environmentally friendly and can achieve relatively good vegetation recovery; thus, it is worth popularizing and has good prospects for applications in regions where vegetation recovery on steep slopes is needed, such as the Loess Plateau of China.