Applying ground cover in gardens is essential for several reasons. It helps conserve soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent irrigation, while controlling weed growth by blocking the sunlight necessary for germination. It also helps regulate soil temperature, keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and prevents erosion caused by wind and rain. In addition, it reduces soil compaction, facilitates root growth, improves water infiltration, and provides an aesthetic finish to the landscape.
In Renca, a municipality of Santiago characterized by an arid climate, finding ways to combat soil aridity is crucial for urban renovations aimed at improving thermal comfort in streets and public spaces. To address this, Cerámica Santiago, in collaboration with the Municipality of Renca, has developed a pioneering project to revitalize urban spaces using clay brick gravel. This material, called Princesa Brick Gravel, is a byproduct of brick manufacturing and has proven to be an effective solution for creating low-water gardens, transforming degraded sites into sustainable green spaces.
The project began with a donation of 60 tons of material by Cerámica Santiago, which will be used to revitalize several degraded areas in the municipality. According to Luis Doyhamberry, the company's Head of Engineering and Production, "Princesa Brick Gravel is a ceramic byproduct of an industrialized process; they are small, highly durable pieces of fired clay installed as a protective layer over the ground. We extrude it under high pressure and an extremely high vacuum, resulting in a material with very high mechanical strength and durability. This layer allows water to drain into the ground, conserves soil moisture, and prevents weeds from growing, making it an ideal product for low-water gardens and urban landscaping."
