Implementation of hydroseeding methods as bioengineering techniques for soil stabilization and reclamation projects

The protection of soil from erosion is an essential element for projects where we have to deal with steep slopes terrains. Those could be construction of roads, quarry and open-pit mines. The soil stabilization occurs with the implementation of technical works such as the installation of synthetic and metallic textiles or with bioengineering methods. The mine closure and the rehabilitation of mine sites and waste dumps are popular projects under sustainable policies. A bioengineering stabilization method is hydroseeding which can be used for mine rehabilitation. Hydroseeding is considered one of the most appropriate methods for fast installation of vegetation. It is used for planting seeds of grass species, even shrubs and trees. This paper aims to highlight the advantages of hydroseeding as a sustainable bioengineering method for soil stabilization. The contributing factors for successful installation of hydroseeding were examined and analyzed. Those are time the: time and climatic conditions, different methods, selection and quality of the materials and the selection of the proper mix of species which are used. A review of applied projects in Greece is taking place with focusing in the growth of the plants and the results of this method compared with others.