The objective of this project is to demonstrate deployment of viable, bio-inspired technologies for soil crust formation and restoration through enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) and engineered biocrust restoration (EBR) to suppress fugitive dust formation and enhance soil resistance to wind- and water-induced erosion on Department of Defense (DoD) lands. 

EICP is a catalytic process that uses the urease enzyme to promote the hydrolysis of urea, resulting in the precipitation of calcium carbonate in the presence of calcium ions. This reaction quickly forms a durable crust atop the soil, offering immediate erosion resistance. This method is highly adaptable, allowing for the tailoring of treatment to specific soil conditions and environmental needs while minimizing ecological impact. EBR focuses on re-establishing the soil’s natural microbial ecosystem by accelerating the restoration of natural soil crust ecosystems, enhancing soil stability and supporting long-term ecological resilience. Combining these two technologies leverages EICP’s immediate effectiveness with EBR’s long-term protection to provide an innovative and groundbreaking nature-based approach to mitigation of fugitive dust and soil erosion. 

The combination of EICP and EBR offers the potential for a transformative impact on disturbed arid landscapes, promising immediate and lasting ecological stabilization. Benefits to DoD include reduced costs for erosion control, reduced maintenance costs for operating equipment, and restoration of the natural ecosystems in a manner capable of enduring landscape changes. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2028)