Curitiba tests hydroseeding to prevent riverbank erosion

The City of Curitiba is testing hydroseeding, a technique used to protect riverbanks and reduce soil erosion. The Municipal Secretariat of Public Works (Smop) has begun applying a liquid mixture of seeds, water, fertilizers, and organic matter via high-pressure jets to a 200-meter stretch of the Vila Formosa River in the Fazendinha district.

The goal of this pilot project is to establish rapid vegetation cover. The roots of the planted grasses are expected to stabilize the slopes and retain moisture, which will help prolong the effectiveness of periodic river cleaning and desilting operations. Officials expect significant vegetation coverage within approximately 90 days. Since January 2025, the municipality has already performed cleaning and desilting interventions on over 106 km of rivers in Curitiba.