Hydroseeding by helicopter in San Severino Lucano
In San Severino Lucano (Basilicata, southern Italy), the BIOVER System was applied to about 26 hectares of steep, stony slopes, approximately 19 of them by helicopter. The work is part of the project to make the Visciglie area safe, where asbestos occurs naturally in the underlying geology: the revegetation is intended to protect the surface and limit erosion.
Task
Revegetate about 260,000 m² of steep slopes, largely inaccessible from the ground, with a stony and poor substrate, and protect them from erosion.
Context: steep slopes in an area with naturally occurring asbestos
In the Visciglie area of San Severino Lucano, the underlying geology contains naturally occurring asbestos, in particular tremolite fibers. Erosion, surface runoff and ground movement can contribute to the release and transport of these fibers. For this reason, the revegetation is part of a wider safety project that includes soil bioengineering works and native vegetation. ARPAB, the regional environmental protection agency, monitors the works with environmental sampling and analysis.
The vegetation cover does not remove the asbestos: it protects the surface and limits the transport of eroded material.
The challenge: poor substrate and inaccessible surfaces
The slopes are heavily eroded, partly very steep, with a stony, biologically inactive substrate. Conventional seeding would not have been enough: rain would have washed away soil and seed before establishment. In addition, much of the area could not be reached safely with ground equipment and hoses.
The solution: BIOVER System in two applications
Full Service supplied the BIOVER System and the technical know-how for its use. The system consists of two successive applications, both containing seed:
- HYDROTER: a fully plant-based product made of wood fibers, humic substances, amino acids, biostimulants and mycorrhizae. It improves conditions for germination and root development where topsoil is missing or insufficient.
- HYDROMAT® MFL: a bonded fiber matrix made of thermally treated virgin wood fibers, organic binder, mineral activator and reinforcing fibers. It protects the surface from wash-off until vegetation is established, with a design application rate of at least approx. 450 g/m².
The green color of the second application makes it possible to check the uniformity of distribution and fades within a few days.
Execution: flight logistics and ground work
- Approx. 19 hectares treated by helicopter and approx. 7 hectares from the ground.
- Suspended bucket of approx. 700 liters with electrically controlled distribution.
- Continuous mixing on the ground with two AGROTEC hydroseeders of approx. 3,000 and 5,000 liters.
- Average flight cycle of approx. 3 minutes, 15–20 flights per hour.
- Up to approx. 15,000 m² treated per day, including both applications.
- 8 ground operators: six preparing the mixes, two refilling the bucket.
- Available water reserve of approx. 80,000 liters per day.
Project status and monitoring
The revegetation works were completed in July 2026. Long-term data on vegetation establishment and erosion control performance are not yet available. The project was covered by the German trade journal TASPO, including in print issue 40 of 2 October 2026: read the news.
Frequently asked questions about hydroseeding by helicopter
When is hydroseeding by helicopter worthwhile?
When surfaces are steep, extensive or cannot be reached safely with a hydroseeder and hoses. The choice can vary within the same site: in San Severino about 7 hectares were treated from the ground.
Why two applications?
HYDROTER improves the substrate on which vegetation must grow. HYDROMAT® MFL protects the surface from erosion until the roots take over this function.
Does revegetation remove the asbestos?
No. It is part of a safety project: it protects the surface and limits erosion and the transport of material.
How much area can be treated per day?
On this site, up to approx. 15,000 m², including both applications. The figure depends on distances, weather and ground logistics.
Assessing a solution for your slopes
The Full Service technical team assesses each case with a site visit and an analysis of the pedological, morphological and climatic conditions, to choose between ground application, helicopter application or a combination of both. Request technical advice.
Full Service can meet every request by recommending the most suitable product for each situation, after assessing the pedological, lithological, morphological and climatic conditions that determine the choice of the most suitable system and components.