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Developing Nature-based Solutions in the Alps: an Ex-situ Experiment to Select Willows for Subalpine Soil and Water
Juliette Rousset1, Sarah Menoli2, Adeline François2
1Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, LESSEM, 2 rue de la Papeterie-BP 76, F-38402, St-Martin-d'Hères, France. juliette.rousset.1@inrae.fr.
Environmental Management
|June 23, 2025
Summary
Nature-based Solutions like soil and water bioengineering (SWBE) are vital for mountainous streambank erosion control. This study assessed subalpine willow species, finding Salix hastata and Salix purpurea show great potential for effective SWBE applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Geomorphology
Background:
- Streambank erosion control is shifting towards Nature-based Solutions (NbS), particularly soil and water bioengineering techniques (SWBE), in mountainous regions.
- Effective SWBE relies on understanding local species' biotechnical traits for successful vegetation establishment and erosion mitigation.
- Limited knowledge of subalpine species hinders the advancement of SWBE in high-elevation environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biotechnical traits of key subalpine willow species for streambank erosion control.
- To evaluate the potential of Salix caesia, Salix foetida, Salix hastata, and Salix purpurea for use in soil and water bioengineering structures.
Main Methods:
- An ex-situ experiment was conducted using a growth chamber over four months to cultivate four distinct willow species.
- Aerial and root traits, including number, length, and biomass, were systematically assessed for each species.
- Survival rates of the cultivated species were recorded to determine their viability for SWBE applications.
Main Results:
- All four willow species exhibited excellent survival rates, exceeding 96%.
- Salix hastata demonstrated significant belowground biomass, crucial for substrate stabilization.
- Salix purpurea produced abundant long shoots, beneficial for surface erosion protection, while other species offered intermediate benefits and biodiversity enhancement.
Conclusions:
- Subalpine willow species show considerable promise for enhancing soil and water bioengineering (SWBE) in high-elevation streambank erosion control.
- Distinct morphological traits among Salix caesia, Salix foetida, Salix hastata, and Salix purpurea suggest tailored application based on specific streambank conditions.
- Integrating these species into SWBE designs can improve both structural integrity and local biodiversity.
