The bioengineering concept of reclamation developed in Europe is now becoming well established internationally with successful projects in Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Rhodesia, South Africa, Venezuela and the North American Continent. It is proposed as an alternative to conventional reclamation methods, particularly where conventional methods are producing less than desirable results.
Doubtless the plant cover is the most important protection layer for the soil surface and for the upper soil layers. It is, therefore, only logical to use live plants when a restoration of disturbed conditions in the landscape
becomes necessary.
A bioengineering building system is the application of live plants or plant material either exclusively· or in combination with dead material. Basically these systems serve the stabilization of certain terrain sections and the improvement of ecological conditions in utilizing natural materials available at the building site. We thereby are provided with a means to preserve and protect something already established as well as repair damage by establishing new eco-systems in those areas devoid of vegetation.