Ecological restoration method for marsh wetland patrol road slope

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ecological restoration, in particular to an ecological restoration method for a marsh wetland patrol road slope. Experiments show that compared with other tree species (salix procumbens), the survival rate of the salix procumbens in the marsh wetland patrol road side slope is higher, and the salix procumbens has a more excellent slope fixing effect. Furthermore, the length and the thickness of the willow branches are optimized and adjusted, the willow branches with the proper diameter at breast height and the proper length are finally selected for cuttage, the survival rate is remarkably increased, and the slope fixing effect is remarkably improved. Water and soil loss can be effectively reduced, stable vegetation coverage can be formed in a short time, and reliable technical support is provided for ecological restoration of marsh wetland patrol road slopes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ecological restoration technology, and in particular to a method for ecological restoration of slopes along patrol roads in marsh wetlands. Background Technology

[0002] As infrastructure of wetland protected areas, the slopes along patrol roads in marsh wetlands play important ecological functions, such as soil and water conservation, biological habitat, flood regulation, and carbon sequestration. However, affected by changes in hydrological conditions and human activities, these slopes have long faced the dual pressures of low plant survival rates and loosening of slope structure. Ecological restoration and reconstruction of these slopes have become a research hotspot and key issue in the international wetland science community.

[0003] In recent years, with the continuous development of ecological restoration technologies, measures such as ecological slope protection, planting, and soil improvement have been widely applied to wetland restoration. Current mainstream restoration technologies mainly rely on a combination of plant-based slope stabilization and engineering structural reinforcement. Among these, Salix rosmarinifolia has become a commonly used plant in the ecological restoration of wetland patrol roadside slopes due to its cold resistance, waterlogging tolerance, rapid root growth, and strong branch sprouting ability. Through Salix rosmarinifolia branch cuttings, the restoration of plant communities on wetland patrol roadside slopes can be effectively promoted, and the stability of the slopes can be improved, preventing soil erosion.

[0004] However, traditional cutting methods typically use short, thin willow branches ≤30cm in length and ≤1.5cm in diameter at breast height for shallow planting (insertion depth ≤30cm). While this can achieve some soil stabilization and ecological functions, it still has significant drawbacks in wetland patrol roadside slope environments: shallow cuttings have weak anchoring capacity and are easily affected by water level fluctuations during wetland flood seasons, leading to the plants being eroded by water flow and losing soil layers, resulting in a decreased survival rate; short, thin cuttings have insufficient compressive strength, resulting in low slope resistance to sliding and easy slope instability; especially in marshy wetlands with large water level fluctuations, existing methods are insufficient to establish a slope protection system that has both ecological and structural functions. Therefore, seeking more efficient willow cutting methods and structures has become the key to improving the ecological restoration effect of marshy wetland patrol roadside slopes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides an ecological restoration method for roadside slopes along marsh wetland patrol routes.

[0006] An ecological restoration method for slopes along patrol roads in marsh wetlands includes:

[0007] An inclined slope is constructed on one side of the patrol roadbed; the slope consists of a layer of original soil, a layer of gabion, and a layer of planting soil.

[0008] Planting holes are made in the planting soil layer. Two-year-old three-stamen willow branches with a diameter at breast height of 2cm to 2.5cm and a length of 70cm are inserted into each planting hole. The planting holes are backfilled with soil and compacted before being covered with soil on the surface.

[0009] This invention, through long-term research, has discovered that the type of plant used for cuttings, as well as the length and thickness of the branches, directly affect the stability and ecological function of slope protection. Experiments show that compared to other tree species (such as weeping willow), *Salix triflora* has a higher survival rate and superior slope stabilization effect on slopes along patrol roads in marshy wetlands. Furthermore, this invention optimizes and adjusts the length and thickness of *Salix triflora* branches, ultimately selecting branches with moderate diameter at breast height (DBH) and suitable length (2-2.5 cm DBH and 70 cm length) for cuttings, significantly improving the survival rate and slope stabilization effect.

[0010] To ensure the long-term effectiveness of ecological restoration, this method also places special emphasis on the post-planting monitoring and maintenance of vegetation. Regular assessments of plant growth status, root development, and slope stability allow for the timely identification and resolution of potential problems. Simultaneously, by appropriately supplementing water and nutrients according to the natural conditions of the wetland, a favorable growth environment is provided for the plants. This comprehensive technical approach not only strengthens the structural stability of the slope protection but also promotes the self-repair capacity of the wetland ecosystem, providing a reliable guarantee for the sustainable management of slopes along marsh wetland patrol routes. Experiments show that…

[0011] In some implementations, the slope inclination angle is 20° to 30°; specifically, it can be 20°, 25° or 30°.

[0012] In some implementations, the thickness of the gabion layer is 20-30cm; specifically, it can be 20cm, 25cm or 30cm.

[0013] In some implementation schemes, the thickness of the planting soil layer is 10 cm, and the soil temperature is maintained above 10°C.

[0014] In some implementation schemes, the gabion layer uses galvanized wire mesh boxes with a mesh size of 8cm × 10cm, filled with stones with a particle size of 20-30cm. The gabion layer can effectively enhance the overall stability of the slope, prevent stone displacement and soil erosion, while providing support space for plant root growth and promoting the synergistic slope stabilization of vegetation and structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the planting holes are circular, spaced 50cm apart. The holes have a diameter of 5cm and a depth of 60cm. Deep drilling ensures that the willow branches' taproots penetrate the gaps in the gabion layers and anchor themselves in the underlying soil, creating a deep anchoring effect and enhancing pull-out resistance. Simultaneously, dense lateral roots extend laterally between the planting soil layer and the gabion openings, interlocking with the stones to construct a root-soil-stone composite, significantly improving overall shear strength. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the planting holes are obtained by drilling vertically into the soil using a 5cm diameter drilling and piling machine.

[0016] In some implementation schemes, the branch is 70cm long and has a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 2.0cm. The above-ground portion of the branch after cutting is 10cm long. Compared to the traditional 20cm branch cuttings, 70cm long branch cuttings significantly increase root development depth and biomass accumulation, enhance stress resistance, and improve survival rate. This effectively prevents willow branches from lodging and dying due to shallow cuttings, ensuring stable growth in marshy wetland environments with fluctuating water levels. This technology has already been applied in the Qixinghe National Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang Province, with a seedling survival rate exceeding 85%.

[0017] In some implementations, the cuttings are taken in bundles, with each bundle consisting of three branches arranged at a 120° azimuth angle, meaning that the azimuth angle between any two adjacent branches is 120°. The main branches are perpendicular to the slope surface of the retaining wall. This method of cutting creates a stable triangular support structure, effectively dispersing the scouring force of slope runoff.

[0018] This invention provides an ecological restoration method for slopes along patrol roads in marshy wetlands. Experiments show that compared to other tree species (such as weeping willow), *Salix triflora* has a higher survival rate and superior slope stabilization effect on slopes along patrol roads in marshy wetlands. Furthermore, this invention optimizes and adjusts the length and thickness of *Salix triflora* branches, ultimately selecting branches with moderate diameter at breast height and suitable length for cuttings, significantly improving the survival rate (over 91%) and slope stabilization effect. This method not only effectively reduces soil erosion but also forms stable vegetation cover in a relatively short time, providing reliable technical support for the ecological restoration of slopes along patrol roads in marshy wetlands. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A comparison chart showing the changes in the survival rate of willow cuttings over 12 months;

[0020] Figure 2 A comparison chart of the average height of willow cuttings over 12 months;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the main restoration work on the slope of the patrol road in the marshland wetland.

[0022] Figure 4 To restore the schematic diagram of the main body's vertical cross-sectional structure;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the planting of Salix triflora;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the implantation hole. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This invention provides an ecological restoration method for slopes along patrol roads in marsh wetlands. Those skilled in the art can refer to this document and appropriately modify the process parameters to achieve the desired result. It should be particularly noted that all similar substitutions and modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art and are considered to be included in this invention. The method and application of this invention have been described through preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can clearly modify or appropriately change and combine the method and application described herein without departing from the content, spirit, and scope of this invention to implement and apply the technology of this invention.

[0026] The test materials used in this invention are all common commercial products and can be purchased on the market.

[0027] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the embodiments:

[0028] Example 1

[0029] Preliminary Experiment: The experiment used *Salix triflora* as the material, selecting two-year-old lignified branches. Cuttings of 50cm, 60cm, 70cm, and 80cm in length were taken and categorized into three diameter grades (±0.2cm): 1.5cm, 2cm, and 2.5cm. A control of 50cm in length and 1.5cm in diameter was used. The cut branches were soaked in clean water for 24 hours. Three branches were bundled together and planted, with 10 bundles per group, spaced 50cm apart. Three replicates were set up. The survival rate of the *Salix triflora* cuttings is as follows:

[0030] Table 1. Effects of different cutting lengths and thicknesses on the survival rate of *Salix trifoliata*.

[0031]

[0032] Note: Different letters indicate significant differences (P < 0.05); the same letter indicates no significant differences (P > 0.05).

[0033] As shown in Table 2, the length and thickness of the cuttings have a significant impact on the survival rate of *Salix trifoliata*. Compared with other sizes of cuttings, the survival rate is significantly higher, exceeding 91%, when the cuttings are 70cm × 2~2.5cm, and the slope stabilization effect is also more significant. Among them, the cuttings with a length of 70cm and a thickness of 2.0cm have the best effect, with a survival rate as high as 94%.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] This embodiment selects the Qixinghe National Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang Province as the study area, with an experimental transect length of 10 kilometers. The specific steps are as follows:

[0036] Step 1: Comparative Experiment

[0037] Objective: To compare the survival rate and growth (plant height) of conventionally propagated weeping willow (20 cm, control) and three-stamen willow (70 cm, experimental group) after deep hole propagation over time (3, 6, 9, 12 months) to evaluate the effect of the method of the present invention on the restoration and stability of slope vegetation.

[0038] Control group: Three 20cm long weeping willow branches were bundled together and inserted into the original wetland patrol roadside slope that had not been constructed, with an insertion depth of 10cm.

[0039] Experimental group: 70cm long three-stamen willow branches (3 branches bundled together) were inserted into the wetland patrol roadside slope with gabion layer, with an insertion depth of 60cm.

[0040] Two-year-old lignified branches with a diameter of 2cm (±0.2cm) were selected and soaked in clean water for 24 hours. Three branches were bundled together and planted, with 30 bundles per group, spaced 50cm apart. Three replicates were set up. Planting began in early April, and survival rate and plant height were recorded every three months. Monitoring results showed that the average survival rate of the experimental group of *Salix triflora* reached 85% after 12 months, significantly higher than the 48% of the control group. Figure 1 Regarding plant height growth, the average plant height in the experimental group was 108cm, a significant increase compared to the 52cm in the control group. Figure 2 ).

[0041] Step 2: Restore planting areas:

[0042] Based on the research results of the previous step, this study selected 70cm long and 2cm diameter branches of Willow simonii as materials for ecological restoration of riparian vegetation.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 A gabion layer is constructed on top of the existing slope protection soil structure, and then soil is placed on top of this layer to ensure a tight bond between the soil and the gabion layer, forming a stable planting base. According to... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, plant the selected three-stamen willow branches evenly at 50cm intervals, ensuring that each branch penetrates 60cm into the soil. After planting, backfill the soil and compact it to ensure that the roots are in full contact with the soil.

[0044] Reference Figure 4The gabion layer is 30cm high, and then 10cm of soil is added on top. Using a 5cm diameter drill bit, a planting drilling and piling machine is used to drill into the soil-gabion-soil structure at a depth of about 60cm perpendicular to the slope to form planting holes. The branches of the three-stamen willow are planted 60cm deep into the soil. After planting, the soil is backfilled and compacted to ensure that the roots are in full contact with the soil.

[0045] Reference Figure 5 The branches of the three-stamen willow are 70cm long and 10cm above the ground, ensuring that the tips of the branches are exposed to facilitate photosynthesis.

[0046] refer to Figure 6 The planting hole is 5cm in diameter. Three branches of the three-stamen willow are bundled together in the planting hole at an azimuth angle of 120° and each branch is 2cm in diameter.

[0047] Step 3: Post-continuation vegetation monitoring and maintenance

[0048] Regularly monitor the growth of the three-petaled willow, including its height, foliage density, and root expansion. Record the occurrence of pests and diseases and their control measures to ensure the healthy and stable development of the vegetation. Conduct a comprehensive assessment every quarter and adjust maintenance strategies based on monitoring data to ensure the continuous optimization of ecological restoration effects.

[0049] Step 4: Evaluation of Results

[0050] This method was demonstrated and applied in the wetland riparian zone of the Qixinghe National Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang Province. The restoration zone was 10 km long. Surveys of the restored area showed that *Salix trifoliata* had rapidly established itself and grown significantly, with a survival rate exceeding 85%, demonstrating excellent restoration results. This approach not only meets the needs of ecological restoration but also provides important technical support for the sustainable development and rational utilization of wetland resources.

[0051] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for ecological restoration of a slope of a patrol road in a marshy wetland, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a kind of slope protection structures for roadbed, comprising: Build inclined slope protection on the side of patrol roadbed;The slope protection comprises in turn original soil layer, stone cage layer and planting soil layer; Planting hole is set on planting soil layer, 2-year-old Salix variegata branchlet with 2cm~2.5cm diameter at breast height and 70cm length is cut in each planting hole, and after backfilling soil and compacting of planting hole, surface soil is covered.

2. The ecological restoration method of claim 1, wherein, The slope protection is inclined at an angle of 20°~30°.

3. The ecological restoration method of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the stone cage layer is 20~30cm.

4. The ecological restoration method of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the planting soil layer is 10cm, and the ground temperature is kept above 10℃.

5. The ecological restoration method of claim 1, wherein, The stone cage layer adopts galvanized iron wire mesh box, and the mesh size is 8cm×10cm, which is filled with block stone with a particle size of 30~50cm.

6. The ecological restoration method of claim 1, wherein, The planting hole is a circular planting hole, and the spacing of the planting hole is 50cm.

7. The ecological restoration method of claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the planting hole is 5cm, and the depth is 60cm.

8. The ecological restoration method of claim 1, wherein, The cutting is bundle cutting, wherein each bundle includes three branches, and the azimuth angle between every two branches is 120°, and the main branch is perpendicular to the slope surface.

9. The ecological restoration method of claim 1, wherein, The length of the branch is 70cm, and the diameter at breast height is 2.0cm.

10. The ecological restoration method of claim 1, wherein, The length of the aboveground part of the cutting branch is 10cm.

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