Removal of invasive flora and reuse of biomass

Dec. 21, 2022

In order to carry out the works of invasive flora removal in the stream of Ribeira Seca, on the island of São Jorge, the LIFE CLIMAZ project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change, acquired a bio shredder.

The intervention target section in the stream is mostly infested by Pittosporum undulatum, Giant reed (Arundo donax) and Australian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), and the removal of this invasive vegetation required constant displacements to deposit bulky biomass in landfills.

After its acquisition, this equipment has proven to be an asset in eliminating all branches and smaller diameter trunks, avoiding wear and tear on vehicles and unnecessary occupation of landfill space.

The crushed chips can then be used as mulch to cover the surrounding soil, thus promoting the suppression of weeds and moisture retention, which could thus benefit the species of endemic flora to be installed.