Creeper legume, in conjunction with biochar, is a potential tool to minimize soil erosion

A combination of the creeper legume Vigna marina and biochar shows promise as an effective tool for minimizing soil erosion in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The study found that amending subsoil (SS) and decomposing parent materials (DPM) with 20% Pinus wood biochar significantly enhanced the growth of V. marina, with root nodules increasing up to three times compared to a reference treatment (RT). Nitrogen content in soils also improved, particularly in DPMb and SSb treatments, indicating that this approach could restore nutrient-poor, eroded lands. The research suggests that V. marina paired with biochar provides a sustainable vegetative cover for exposed soils, offering a practical solution to mitigate erosion caused by road development and agriculture.

De Silva, S., Yapa, P. I., Mahatantila, K., Das, S., & Maharjan, B. (2023). Creeper legume, in conjunction with biochar, is a potential tool to minimize soil erosion. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, 6(2). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20394