Biocementation–vegetation interactions in soil stabilization and water erosion control: A review

Soil erosion poses a major threat to global soil resources. Traditional soil stabilization methods, however, tend to be expensive, ecologically damaging, and ineffective over the long term. Combining biocementation with vegetation offers a potentially sustainable alternative. Biocementation relies on microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) or enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP). This review synthesizes recent studies on integrated biocementation–vegetation systems, emphasizing compatibility, key controlling factors, and mechanisms underlying their erosion-control performance. Regarding compatibility, this review explores how biocementation parameters and vegetation characteristics shape the success of this integrated approach. The analysis indicates that applying biocementation at lower intensities, paired with salt-tolerant plant species, can significantly improve harmony between the two methods. For anti-erosion performance, appropriate biocementation–vegetation parameters yield complementary advantages. Biocementation effectively bridges gaps in vegetation's early growth phases by stabilizing the soil matrix, supplying nitrogen and carbon sources, and enhancing water retention, which in turn supports robust plant establishment. Adding amendments like biopolymers or biochar further promises to enhance these synergies. Once established, mature vegetation delivers reliable erosion control even without ongoing biocementation. A practical three-phase implementation framework is outlined for future engineering projects. Overall, merging vegetation with biocementation for soil erosion control holds tremendous promise, offering not just theoretical compatibility and mutual reinforcement but also a viable, sustainable strategy that harmonizes ecological, economic, and engineering considerations.