Which component improves slope stability using natural vegetation?

Soil bioengineering is a strategy that integrates the use of living plant materials, such as shrubs, grasses, and trees, to stabilize slopes and enhance soil stability. This approach relies on the natural properties of vegetation, which contributes to slope stability in several ways.

Roots of these plants help to bind soil particles together, reducing erosion by adding tensile strength to the slope. Additionally, the plants' ability to absorb water mitigates the risk of soil saturation, which can lead to landslides or slumping. The ground cover provided by vegetation also reduces the impact of raindrops on the soil surface, thereby preventing surface erosion.

In contrast, other options do not employ natural vegetation or do not focus on enhancing slope stability. Retaining walls offer structural support but do not stabilize slopes through natural processes. Geotextiles primarily serve as a synthetic solution to manage soil movement, drainage, and erosion, but they do not incorporate living systems. Seed mats are helpful in establishing vegetation quickly but do not perform the long-term stabilization functions that soil bioengineering provides through established root systems and ongoing plant growth.