Biological characteristics of the species Hedera helix L. and its use in controlling erosion in shady places

Abstract

Controlling erosion in shady places is among the most serious problems of environment protection, one that requires persistent and strenuous efforts. Ivy (Hedera helix L.) is exceptionally shade-tolerant, covers the ground surface nicely, and is easy to cultivate. For these reasons, it can be used more successfully than any other ground cover to control erosion in shady places. Hardening of ivy cuttings is accomplished with semi-lignified and lignified cuttings. In hardening of cuttings in plastic containers, a substrate composed of garden soil and peat proved to be the most effective. Even when the percentage of ivy cuttings that take is low in shady places subject to erosion, the significance of their presence is great in subsequent years, when the ivy spreads over the ground, covering it and retarding erosion of the soil.