Soil and water bioengineering

A scientific-technical discipline that uses the biogenic properties of some plant species.

Soil and water bioengineering is a scientific-technical discipline that uses the biogenic properties of some plant species

Based on the practical merging of knowledge from the science of biology and engineering itself, and the diverse use of living plants as well as the materials derived from them, while making the most of topography, soil and microclimate in each case.

These techniques can also contribute to structural goals, replacing other techniques used until now in pipelines and protection works, such as breakwaters, and concrete on many occasions. The latter can destroy the fluvial dynamics and have a strong impact on aquatic ecosystems, banks and landscape.

The living beings responsible for the work are plants; therefore, while achieving structural goals we can also bring about positive environmental change

The main rule is that we always work with native species to solve problems and improve good ecological status of the spaces in which we act.

At Naturalea, we have been clearly committed to the development of these techniques for a long time now for landscape restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Published reports

Guide for the design and construction of cribwalls

In recent years, we have verified the existence of cribwalls works that omit basic aspects for the success of these structures. The lack of preparation of the staff that designs and executes makes serious mistakes such as the foundation, the maximum permissible height, the structure and the role of the plant. Some of them have collapsed compromising the credibility of the technique.
This document provides a clear guideline to have better knowledge in the design and construction of new Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Naturalea has written this document in the OPERANDUM project framework to create a base for the use of cribwalls, a soil bioengineering technique which represent a useful alternative to face hydrometeorological hazards instead of classical solutions.
In the case of construction, we recommend practical training in specific courses such as those organized from the European Federation of Soil Bioengineering EFIB.

Published in 2020