The Impact of Biodegradable Geotextiles on the Effect of Sodding of Difficult Terrain

Piotr Kacorzyk, Jacek Strojny and Barbara Białczyk
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Piotr Kacorzyk: Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
Jacek Strojny: Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
Barbara Białczyk: Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: Difficult terrain is characterized by deteriorated conditions for plant adaptation, e.g., owing to poor substrate, substantial land slope, or intensive insolation. In terms of plant adaptation, difficult terrain includes newly created ski slopes, any kind of embankment, scarps, levees, and etc. Application of grasses is an effective and economic method of stabilization of the ground. However, sowing of grass-legume mixtures to sod these areas does not typically produce adequate effects. Application of a new generation of protective fabrics with the addition of bird feathers may be a remedy to these problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of biodegradable fabrics for covering difficult areas to improve the habitat conditions for plants. To evaluate this issue, an area characterized by difficult conditions for plant development was selected. Five types of protective fabrics were applied. The main factor influencing the efficiency of the sodding of difficult terrain was the application of fabrics that were capable of absorbing water, which were then given to plants over a longer period of time. Vegetation grew easiest through the geotextile made of sheep wool with the addition of bird feathers. Fabrics manufactured from problematic waste materials contribute to an ecological effect as well as an economic effect resulting from lower costs of waste management as well as the income from selling the innovative product.

Keywords: biodegradable geotextiles; sodding; ecological effect; economic effect (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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