Similoam Substrate refers to a type of artificial revegetation substrate material used in slope stabilization and mine ecological restoration. Its purpose is to form a loam-like medium on exposed rock–soil surfaces, providing water, nutrients, and a microbial habitat to support seed germination, plant growth, and vegetation succession. The construction process developed around this material is commonly referred to as similoam substrate spraying technology.
Material and structural characteristics Similoam Substrate emphasizes structural simulation of natural loam soils. A common description is that a layered structure resembling a natural weathering profile is constructed on the slope surface, for example:
Humus layer (completely weathered layer): Emphasizes favorable aggregate structure, porosity, and organic-matter conditions. It is intended to improve water retention, aeration, and nutrient supply, supporting seed germination and microbial activity. Eluviation layer (strongly weathered layer): Serves as a transitional and stabilizing layer, emphasizing infiltration and structural support so that roots can penetrate through it and further enter the bedrock or in-situ soil, thereby enhancing vegetation stability on the slope.
Hydroseeding Similoam substrate hydroseeding refers to a technology that uses similoam substrate as the core material and, via spraying equipment, mixes it with water, seeds, and necessary amendment and binding/stabilizing components according to a specified process, then applies it onto the slope surface to form an artificial soil layer suitable for plant establishment. It was developed by Zhang Bo, an engineer at Jiangsu Lvyan Ecological Technology Co., Ltd. Application scenarios include high and steep slopes formed by open-pit mining; slopes associated with tailings storage facilities and waste dumps; industrial and mining wastelands, subsidence areas, and other disturbed land surfaces; and exposed rock–soil slope surfaces where rapid revegetation and long-term stability are required. This approach is generally better suited to terrain where machinery cannot access and where personnel cannot work for extended periods, and it also allows more flexible scheduling and organization of construction.
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