This study experimentally evaluated a sustainable and environmentally friendly protection of roadsides from wind erosion. The approach relies on use of lignin, a bio-polymer that is a by-product of paper mill and bio-fuel industries. Lignin is the main component of the plant cell wall that enhances its rigidity while its hydrophobic properties promote transport through vascular plant bundles. Plant skeleton is formed by lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. Lignin is naturally generated through photosynthesis resulting in 50 billion tons per year, and lignin isolated from lignocellulosic biomass is the second most abundant natural polymer next to cellulose. Lignosulfonates are produced from lignin by sulfite pulping process of the wood. They are renewable, inherently bio-degradable and non-toxic, thus offering a sustainable alternative to use of synthetic polymers for protection of near-surface soil from wind erosion.
In this study the effectiveness of lignosulfonates in protecting the near-surface soil from wind erosion was evaluated by conducting laboratory scale erosion tests in a wind tunnel. The selected silty soil was oven dried, placed loosely in a tray, and sprayed with different concentrations of lignosulfonate water solutions at different spraying rates. The trays were placed in the wind tunnel in an inclined position, and exposed to a wind duration of 15 min. The wind speeds varied between 38 and 54 km/h. Spraying the soil with lignosulfonate solutions either completely suppressed the soil erosion or significantly decreased it compared to 78 to 91% erosion of unprotected soil. Therefore, the lignosulfonate offers environmentally friendly, effective and sustainable protection of roadsides from wind erosion during the critical construction phase prior to emergence of protective vegetation.

environmentally friendly, green soil stabilization, lignin, wind roadsides erosion