Kajima Construction Company of Japan has developed concrete on which plants can grow. Using this new type of concrete to construct seawalls and river embankments can play a role in protecting the ecological environment. This kind of water-absorbing concrete is mixed with plant fibers, which can absorb up to 35% of its own weight and has a high degree of permeability. Although the price of new concrete is 10% higher than that of ordinary concrete, its strength remains unchanged and its weight is reduced by about 30%. Researchers used the concrete to build embankments for experiments, and two months later found that weeds and aquatic plants grew on the surface of the concrete, as well as crabs and other aquatic organisms.
According to the company, concrete, which can protect the ecological environment, can be used not only to build seawalls and river embankments, but also to build walls and roof greening facilities, and has broad application prospects in urban greening.