13/11/2008 (Bernama), Penang - The humble oil palm tree may just hold the key to preventing landslides and protecting slopes.

Laboratory tests have revealed that bio-geomart, a type of fibre made from the oil palm husk, was easily absorbed in soil and strengthens its structure.

A lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) School of Civil Engineering, Prof Dr Fauziah Ahmad, headed the study on the use of bio-geomart in preventing landslides.

She said that during the two-year study, they identified five main functions of bio-geomart, among them as a drainage system in soil.

"The material can become a good water drainage system in soil, whereby water trapped, especially during monsoon season, can flow out and lessen the risk of landslides," she said at a news conference where the material was introduced here Thursday.

Other functions of the fibre include as a separator, reinforcement, protective layer and bonding agent for soil.

"When the material is left to mix with a layer of soil for a long period of time, it will rot and eventually bond with the soil structure, making it stronger," she said.

Dr Fauziah, who is on the advisory panel of the Penang Government Hill Development Committee, said the fibre could also be used in the home.

"The fibre is also suitable for plants or vegetables because of its high absorbency and does not obstruct the movement of roots," she said.

She added that so far, bio-geomart was only produced in the laboratory, but hoped that by next year, the material could be manufactured and commercialised for current use.

"When compared with other synthetic material, bio-geomart is cheaper to produce and the material is easy to obtain as Malaysia produces palm oil," she said.