The Biochemical Method for Enhancing Soil for Civil Engineering

Paulo Cachim^*
*Correspondence: Paulo Cachim, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal, Email:

Keywords

Conventional methods • Environmentally friendly • Environment information

Introduction

Plants play a pivotal role in biological soil improvement through their root systems and associated microbial communities. The process of phytoremediation involves the use of plants to remediate contaminated soils by absorbing, metabolizing, or sequestering pollutants. Additionally, deep-rooted plants such as trees and shrubs help stabilize slopes, prevent erosion, and enhance soil structure through root reinforcement. Furthermore, the deposition of organic matter from plant litter and root exudates enriches soil fertility and promotes microbial activity, contributing to soil health and resilience, Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, play a crucial role in soil biogeochemical processes that influence soil quality and fertility. Microbial communities decompose organic matter, release nutrients, and facilitate soil aggregation, leading to improved soil structure and stability. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms, enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth. Moreover, microbial activity contributes to the formation of soil aggregates, which improves soil porosity, water infiltration, and drainage, mitigating the risk of erosion and landslides.

Literature Review

Earthworms are key drivers of biological soil improvement through their burrowing and feeding activities, known as bioturbation. By ingesting soil particles and organic matter, earthworms alter soil structure, increase porosity, and promote nutrient cycling. The creation of macrospores by earthworms enhances soil aeration, water retention, and root penetration, facilitating plant growth and soil development. Furthermore, earthworm casts, rich in organic matter and microbial biomass, improve soil fertility and microbial diversity, supporting ecosystem functioning and resilience, Biological soil improvement techniques offer numerous applications in civil engineering for infrastructure development, environmental remediation, and sustainable land management. In slope stabilization and erosion control, vegetative measures such as erosion control blankets, grasses, and woody plants provide cost-effective solutions with ecological benefits. Bioremediation strategies harness the natural capacity of plants and microorganisms to remediate contaminated soils and groundwater, reducing reliance on chemical treatments. Furthermore, green infrastructure approaches integrate biological processes, such as rain gardens, bios wales, and green roofs, to manage storm water, enhance urban biodiversity, and mitigate the urban heat island effect [1,2].

Discussion

While biological soil improvement holds promise for sustainable land management and infrastructure development, several challenges must be addressed to realize its full potential. These include the selection of appropriate plant species, optimization of soil-microbe-plant interactions, and integration with other soil improvement techniques. Furthermore, understanding the long-term effects of biological soil improvement on soil properties, ecosystem dynamics, and climate resilience is essential for informed decision-making and risk assessment. Future research directions may focus on enhancing our understanding of microbial ecology, developing bio-based materials for soil stabilization, and leveraging advances in biotechnology and genomics for tailored soil management strategies [3-6].

Conclusion

Biological soil improvement represents a paradigm shift in civil engineering practices, harnessing the natural processes of plants, microorganisms, and earthworms to enhance soil quality and resilience. By fostering soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning, biological techniques offer sustainable solutions for infrastructure development, environmental remediation, and land management. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and adaptive management, civil engineers can harness nature's potential to address the challenges of soil degradation, climate change, and urbanization, ensuring the resilience and sustainability of built and natural environments for generations to come.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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