Exploring Bioretention Soil Media Efficacy for Native Plant Establishment with Minimal Nutrient Leaching
Conference Year
January 2022
Abstract
Bioretention systems capture and treat stormwater runoff by passing it through a vegetated filter bed including sand, soil, and organic matter (VSMM, 2017). Recently, bioretention systems with compost amended soil media are being explored for compost’s various benefits. Most compost, however, is rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, the key nutrients bioretention systems are designed to remove. In saturated systems, compost can transform an intended nutrient ‘sink’ into a ‘source’ leading to further contamination of downstream water bodies. This research aims to study the efficacy of engineered bioretention media in supporting vegetative establishment while leaching minimal nutrients.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Stephanie Hurley
Secondary Mentor Name
Paliza Shrestha
Graduate Student Mentors
Samantha Brewer
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Andrew Besette
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
Program/Major
Environmental Sciences
Primary Research Category
Food & Environment Studies
Exploring Bioretention Soil Media Efficacy for Native Plant Establishment with Minimal Nutrient Leaching
Bioretention systems capture and treat stormwater runoff by passing it through a vegetated filter bed including sand, soil, and organic matter (VSMM, 2017). Recently, bioretention systems with compost amended soil media are being explored for compost’s various benefits. Most compost, however, is rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, the key nutrients bioretention systems are designed to remove. In saturated systems, compost can transform an intended nutrient ‘sink’ into a ‘source’ leading to further contamination of downstream water bodies. This research aims to study the efficacy of engineered bioretention media in supporting vegetative establishment while leaching minimal nutrients.