REVIEW ON SOIL BIOENGINEERING IN ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT: INNOVATIONS AND CHALLENGES IN NEPAL
In Nepal, a country profoundly vulnerable to natural disasters, the agricultural sector faces significant challenges due to landslides, floods, earthquakes, and extreme climatic events. These natural calamities, particularly acute in mountainous regions, exacerbate soil erosion, diminishing the fertility and integrity of topsoil. The monsoon season further intensifies these issues, leading to increased desertification and the transformation of fertile lands into riverbeds. This study delves into the role of vegetation in soil bioengineering as a sustainable solution to these challenges. It focuses on how plant roots anchor soil, reduce runoff, and bolster resistance against lateral earth pressures. Emphasizing the use of indigenous plant species for their multifunctional benefits, the paper explores specific plant requirements, prevalent bioengineering techniques, and successful initiatives within Nepal. However, it also identifies key challenges such as limited data availability, the specific applicability of techniques, and concerns regarding short-term structural integrity. The paper concludes by advocating for comprehensive, strategic bioengineering methods that integrate traditional knowledge and long-term monitoring, aiming to enhance Nepal's agricultural resilience against environmental adversities.