Reliability of using gorse (Ulex europaeus) shrub waste in erosion control system

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using common gorse (Ulex europaeus) to produce weaving meshes for soil protection and revegetation. This species was imported several years ago for creating natural fences. However, due to its easy propagation, generates negative impacts on Colombian moor ecosystems. Hence, governmental agencies are struggling with eradicating this shrub, generating lot of waste and additional costs. Thus, to add value, was proposed as an alternative to transform such waste for to develop open weave meshes using fibers extracted from the shrub stem. In doing so, the first stems were characterized to define potential uses. This involved physical and mechanical tests that evaluate performance in the laboratory, simulating field exposure conditions in contact with the soil and water. Results showed that, through fiber extraction, 60% of waste reuse was achieved when stems were in mature stages. This meshes accounted for a reliable mechanical behavior.