Preventing erosion on commercial and industrial sites has become increasingly complex across Australia, as challenging soil conditions, unpredictable weather patterns and the push for sustainable outcomes, particularly with native vegetation, are making traditional methods less effective.
Thankfully, EnviroStraw’s BioGrowth program provides a science-backed, environmentally friendly alternative that delivers immediate protection while restoring long-term soil health, even amidst ongoing natural disasters.
Tackling erosion in tough environments
Many commercial projects, particularly mine site rehabilitations and steep slope developments, face major hurdles when it comes to erosion control. These areas often have soils that are low in carbon and sodic, and are chemically imbalanced with little or no topsoil. Establishing vegetation in these conditions, especially native grasses and trees, is not just difficult – it’s critical for long-term site stability.
The situation is made worse by Australia’s increasingly extreme weather. Torrential rainfall causes rapid overland water flow while extended dry spells and strong winds make it difficult to maintain hydration on newly treated areas. In these environments, erosion control products like EnviroMatrix and EnviroBond are essential to keep soils intact and seeds in place.
The BioGrowth difference
Unlike conventional methods that rely on heavy applications of compost, lime or gypsum, BioGrowth is built on advanced soil technology and microbial science. It targets the root cause of poor soil health rather than simply masking it. With its specially designed suite of microbes and non-leaching fertilisers, BioGrowth helps improve soil balance, increases plant-available nutrients and supports rapid plant establishment both below ground and above ground. And it does all this without the need for topsoil.
This is particularly valuable on remote or difficult-to-access sites where watering programmes are limited or impossible. BioGrowth is native-plant friendly and is designed with Australia’s harsh climate in mind.
Another key feature of BioGrowth is its ability to provide instant erosion control from the moment it’s applied. The hydromulch layer includes hydrocolloid binders that adhere to the soil surface and also bind the top layer of soil particles together. On highly dispersive soils or extreme slopes, adding EnviroBond to the mix further enhances the stability of the hydromulch and protects against heavy rain or long dry spells. This ensures that the applied seed and fertiliser remain in place, giving plants the best possible start.
If conditions are favourable, results can be seen in as little as 7 to 14 days. However, water availability and correct seed selection remain vital. Without moisture, no treatment will succeed. And choosing the right plant species for the local climate and soil type is just as important to ensure long-term success.
A new way to think about soil health
Soil is more than just a medium for growing plants – it’s a living system, much like the human gut, where microbes and nutrients interact to sustain life. The BioGrowth program takes a holistic view of soil health, identifying the underlying chemical imbalances and working with natural microbial processes to correct them.
Healthy soil supports healthy plants, and healthy plants are the foundation of effective erosion control. Once vegetation takes hold, it offers a self-sustaining solution that not only prevents erosion but also improves biodiversity and ecosystem function. BioGrowth is more than an erosion control solution – it’s a smarter, more sustainable way to restore damaged land.