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Eco-friendly Land Rehabilitation Techniques

April 12, 2023

Land rehabilitation is a vital part of the post-construction process that can contribute significantly to the health of our planet. Certain activities, such as mining, can leave behind degraded and contaminated land, so it’s essential to restore these areas to their former condition when works are completed. At Mike Barlow Earthmoving, we’re committed to providing eco-friendly land rehabilitation techniques to restore the environment and preserve natural resources. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the eco-friendly land rehabilitation techniques we use in our work so you can feel better informed.

Natural Soil Improvement

Natural soil improvement involves the use of natural materials to improve soil fertility and quality. It’s one of the most eco-friendly ways of restoring land after mining. Our team of experts uses various techniques to improve soil quality, including the use of compost, mulch and organic fertilisers. These materials help to replenish the soil with essential nutrients, increase water-holding capacity and promote the growth of microorganisms that help to break down toxins and other harmful substances.

Bioremediation Techniques For Contaminated Land

Contaminated land is a significant problem in Australia's mining industry. At Mike Barlow Earthmoving, we use bioremediation techniques to restore degraded land. Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to break down and eliminate pollutants in the environment. Our team uses various techniques to achieve this, including the use of fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms that feed on toxic substances. These microorganisms help to break down the pollutants into harmless substances, making the land safe for human and animal habitation.

Use Of Native Plants

After the soil has been prepared through deep ripping and other techniques, it’s time to introduce new vegetation to the area through seeding. Seeding involves the planting of seeds in the restored land to promote plant growth and restore the ecosystem’s natural balance. The use of native plants in this process is an important aspect of eco-friendly land rehabilitation. Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and better suited to survive in the restored environment. These plants can help to stabilise the soil, prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for local wildlife.

Water Harvesting And Conservation

Water is a precious resource and its conservation is essential for sustainable land rehabilitation. Our team uses various water harvesting and conservation techniques to minimise water usage and ensure the restored land remains hydrated. These techniques include the use of rainwater harvesting systems, drip irrigation and mulching. By conserving water, we help to reduce the impact of land rehabilitation on the local water resources.

Deep Ripping

Deep ripping is a technique used to alleviate soil compaction caused by previous land management practices or infrastructure. Soil compaction can occur due to heavy machinery, grazing or natural weather events such as heavy rainfall. Compacted soil can reduce water infiltration and root growth, leading to reduced crop yields and environmental degradation. At Mike Barlow Earthmoving, we use a subsoiling plough that is pulled through the soil to loosen compacted layers, creating channels that allow water to penetrate deeper into the soil and promote root growth. Deep ripping also helps to reduce erosion and increase soil carbon storage, making it an effective technique for sustainable land management.
In conclusion, land rehabilitation is a crucial step towards restoring the environment and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources. Mike Barlow Earthmoving provides eco-friendly land rehabilitation services that help to restore the land's natural balance and minimise environmental impact. By using land rehabilitation techniques, we can help to create a better and more sustainable future.