Ecological slope protection combines the benefits of slope safety and ecological restoration

presenting a promising and promotable method for slope protection. The ecological substrate

as the core structural layer of ecological slope protection technology

must exhibit both mechanical strength and vegetative support (mechanical-vegetative performance). The mechanical-vegetative performance of existing ecological substrates requires further improvement

highlighting the necessity for developing new ecological substrates. Nano-SiO₂ (NS) and basalt fiber (BF) demonstrate excellent performance in enhancing the mechanical properties of slope soil. However

research on their vegetative effects and erosion resistance are relatively limited. To address these issues

this study modified clay using two cement contents

four Nano-SiO₂ contents

and three fiber contents. Mechanical

vegetative

and erosion-resistant properties were investigated through unconfined compressive strength tests

direct shear tests

cracking tests

scanning electron microscopy analysis

as well as vegetative growth and erosion resistance tests. The results indicate that adding NS and BF together effectively enhances compressive and residual strength

with the greatest relative improvement at a combination ratio of 5% cement + 0.9% BF + 1.5% NS

achieving a 133.05% increase compared to ordinary cement soil. Additionally

NS and BF significantly improve the cohesion and shear strength of the cement soil. Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) enhances the mechanical interlocking between hydration products and BF by encapsulating the fibers

thereby improving soil strength

crack resistance

and erosion resistance. The pozzolanic reaction and nucleation effect of NS further amplify this improvement. Furthermore

the ecological substrate cement soils with composite ratios of 3% cement + 0.3% BF + 1.5% NS and 5% cement + 0.9% BF + 1.5% NS both achieve germination rate over 80%

meeting planting requirements with good plant growth performance. In the erosion tests

erosion resistance is significantly enhanced

with erosion rates of only 10.24% and 3.60% under the synergistic effect of vegetation.