Seeding on slopes in Japan for nature restoration

Abstract

In the past few decades, improved seeding technologies have been developed in Japan. This paper discusses the restoration of degraded slopes by the application of seeding, which is known as "restoration of natural vegetation on slopes" in Japan. First, the technical aspects of revegetation work are described; second, historical changes in approaches to seeding are discussed; third, typical case studies of restoration of engineered slopes (road cuts) using the "thick-growth-media spraying method," a popular approach in Japan, are presented. The article concludes with a discussion of the basic principles of restoration of natural slopes based on previous Japanese studies and the author's experience. © 2007 Springer Netherlands.