Effect of geo textiles on runoff, soil loss, soil quality and vegetation in slopping lands of Western Ghats of India

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare jute geo−textiles' performance with synthetic geo− textiles on runoff, soil losses, nutrient losses, soil moisture retention, and grass growth parameters. The study was conducted in two slope groups, namely 60% and 90% and three types of geo−textiles viz., 500 GSM synthetic geo−textile, 500 GSM non−woven JGT 500 GSM open weave JGT were applied, and one control plot was maintained. Root slips of weeping love grass (Eragrostis curvula) were directly planted after the treatment. The results of the study showed that the natural jute geo−textiles have performed with higher efficiency in controlling soil erosion. Higher runoff reduction efficiency of 41.3% and 38.4% was attained by open weave JGT in 60% and 90% slope, respectively. Similarly, maximum soil loss reduction efficiency of 86.6% and 86.8% was attained by open weave jute geo−textiles under 60% and 90% slopes, respectively. Growth and root parameters of grass (E. curvula) also showed that the maximum was attained by open weave jute geotextiles. Thus, the study concluded that the natural JGT could be effectively utilized for slope stabilization by establishing grass species with maximum slopes of 90%.