During conservation and maintenance works on the N-627, N-623 and A-73 roads, performed by MATINSA in the province of Burgos, the need to find a solution for securing land on an embankment close to San Martín de Ubierna was identified. Actions to prevent the loss of soil were demanded, as the soil was coming loose, representing a risk of collapse or landslide towards the public road.

With a view to securing the soil on the embankment, ditches were dug to plant trees and shrubs. Species that take hold easily and that have deep roots were chosen, as they would prevent the movement of the soil.

Furthermore, to control the risk of landslides on the slope after the trees and shrubs were planted, an organic coconut fibre mesh was put on the slopes to minimise the surface area exposed to erosion caused by rain or wind.

This type of mesh is produced using ecological coconut fibres that, when they decompose, form part of the soil, increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil, enhancing its capacity to retain water and hold the soil.

The preparatory work ultimately performed on the embankment did not coincided with the work originally planned, due to the stony conditions of the soil and the restrictive climate. However, by installing the organic coconut fibre mesh and planting small trees and shrubs, it was possible to improve the characteristics of the soil, increasing the stability of the embankment, as well as landscaping the area. In spring, this practice will be repeated to control our objective, with a view to the bushes enhancing the strength of the embankment.