Steep Slope Stabilization with Native Vegetation and Biotic Soil Technologies

It’s no secret that native vegetation is ideal for permanent stabilization of steep slopes. The deep and complex root systems of native plants are well-known. There are also significant ecological, economical, and aesthetic benefits of native vegetation. One challenge is that establishment times of native plants installed from seed is typically two to three growing seasons in moderate soil conditions. Steep slopes are often synonymous with poor soil conditions including low organic matter and low nutrients. Pair this with high erodibility and varying hydrologic conditions, and it’s clear why native vegetation is often passed over as a target species composition for faster establishing (but shallower rooted) species.

The use of hydraulically-applied Biotic Soil Technologies (BSTs) has leveled the playing field and tipped the scales back into the favor of native vegetation. ERC’s Senior Ecologist Clay Frazer will explain the benefits of applying BSTs with native vegetation to permanently stabilize several sites with steep slopes in Wisconsin.