Thorny nitrogen-fixing trees for slope stabilization
Main tasks
These plants are used for:
rapid slope consolidation;
protection of young plantings from grazing animals;
fixation of atmospheric nitrogen (in some species);
creation of the first protective forest belts;
accumulation of organic matter;
formation of hedges;
restoration of degraded lands.
Priority species
| Priority | View | Main advantages | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) | Drought-resistant, deep roots, strengthens slopes, valuable pods for animals, light crown | Does not fix nitrogen on its own, uncontrolled spread outside suitable areas should be avoided. |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Robinia pseudoacacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) | Fast growth, nitrogen fixation, good honey plant, strengthens the soil | Invasive in many European countries; use only in controlled commercial plantings. |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) | Fixes nitrogen, strengthens sandy and rocky slopes, edible berries | Forms dense thickets and requires management. |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Caragana arborescens (Caragana arborescens) | Nitrogen fixation, drought-resistant, good honey plant | Use with caution outside its natural range. |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Amorpha fruticosa (Amorpha fruticosa) | Quickly strengthens the soil, nitrogen fixation | In many regions of Europe it is considered invasive and is not recommended for natural areas. |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Elaeagnus angustifolia (Elaeagnus angustifolia) | Drought-resistant, improves soil, fragrant flowers | Can spread by self-seeding; considered invasive in some countries |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Silver loach (Elaeagnus commutata) | Nitrogen fixation, slope stabilization, high stability | Use only after assessing suitability for the region. |
Why is honey locust interesting for DREVO?
It has a number of features:
powerful deep root system;
high drought resistance;
tolerates poor rocky soils;
withstands hot climates well;
allows enough light to pass through for the grass cover;
long sweet pods serve as food for ungulates;
creates a natural protective barrier thanks to its thorns.
Therefore, honey locust is especially suitable for:
southern slopes;
ravines;
protective strips;
restoration of degraded lands;
agroforestry in drylands.
Living protection of young forests
Thorny trees and shrubs can act as"nanny trees".
Scheme:
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Thorny belt
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young trees
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While the forest is young:
thorny plants protect it from deer, goats, sheep and wild boars;
reduces the need for plastic protective tubes;
a favorable microclimate is created.
After 20–40 years, when the main forest has become stronger, some of the protective plants can be gradually removed or left as elements of biodiversity.
What slopes are they suitable for?
| Slope | The best views |
|---|---|
| Rocky | Honey locust, sea buckthorn, juniper |
| Arid | Gledichia, Karagana, Loch |
| Sandy | Sea buckthorn, pine |
| After the fire | Robinia (only in controlled management systems), sea buckthorn |
| Southern | Honey locust, carob tree (Mediterranean), oleaster |
| Northern | Hazel, rowan, maple, linden |
TREE Nurse Forest
I would highlight a separate functional category:
DREVO Nurse Forest
It includes plants that:
grow quickly;
protect young trees;
improve the soil;
reduce overheating;
retain snow;
retain moisture;
serve as food for pollinators and birds;
If necessary, protect the plantings with thorns.
In a temperate climate, the basis of such a forest may consist of:
alder;
willow;
birch;
they have become sea buckthorn;
hazel;
Gleditsia (under suitable climatic conditions and with controlled spread);
look.
In environmental projects, priority should always remain withlocal species, and introduced species such as Robinia, Amorpha, and certain oleasters should be used only after an ecological risk assessment and only where they do not threaten natural ecosystems. This will combine the rapid effects of reclamation with the long-term conservation of biodiversity.