The geotextiles produced from meandrically arranged Kemafil ropes were prepared. The ropes were produced from textile waste materials: woollen nonwoven and nonwoven from the blend of recycled fibres. The ropes were arranged into segments which were used for the protection of the bank of the deep drainage ditch and reinforcement of shallow roadside ditch in the clay ground. The geotextiles were installed in the ground and their behaviour during one vegetation season was observed. It was stated that during heavy rains the meandrically arranged ropes form a system of micro-dams which slow down the stream of water flowing down on the surface of the ditch bank as well as the stream flowing along the ditch. The geotextiles installed on the ditch banks eliminate the formation of erosive channels and protect the banks against sliding. The geotextiles absorb water what ensures retention of water flowing along the ditch. Due to enhanced soil and water holding capacity geotextiles protect grass seeds from being washed out and facilitate the development of protective vegetation. Materials used for the production of the ropes reveal sufficient resistance to biological degradation. Slow biodegradation of the materials enable keeping the protective potential of geotextiles for at least one vegetation season. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.