The Stockpiling and Spreading of Topsoil for the Ecological Restoration of Floodplains and the Levee Slope of a Stream

Abstract

Topsoil including numerous soil seedbanks has been known to be a valuable material for ecological restoration. There is a lack of specific study for its utilization in the field of stream restoration. This study conducted a revaluation of the value of topsoil as a material for stream restoration. Furthermore, an ecological technique using topsoil was applied in an improvement project of a stream environment at the Hwanggujicheon Stream in Korea. Stockpiling and spreading topsoil was specifically applied to the revegetation of a low slope revetment and a high flow plain. The result of this application showed that topsoil played an integral role in eco-friendly restoration in terms of ecological, flood control, economic, and constructional aspects. In conclusion, this study's findings suggest that topsoil is a suitable candidate material for stream restoration.