INTERNSHIP REPORT
Work completed at
Soil Physics Research Program
LAND RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE
NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL REASERCH CENTRE ISLAMABAD
Relationship of Soil Physical & Chemical Properties with Aggregate Stability in Rice-Wheat Soil
INTERNSHIP REPORT
Work completed at
Soil Physics Research Program
LAND RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE
NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL REASERCH CENTRE ISLAMABAD
Relationship of Soil Physical & Chemical Properties with Aggregate Stability in Rice-Wheat Soil
Impact of Land Use Systems and Parent Materials on Soil Quality Indicators in...BRNSS Publication Hub
A study on the impact of parent materials and land use on soil quality indicators in soils of Akwa Ibom State was conducted. The aim was to evaluate the impact of parent materials and land use systems on soil quality indicators. Three parent materials (coastal plain sand, sandstone/shale, and beach ridge sand) and three land use types (cultivated land, fallow land of 3–5 years, and oil palm plantation) were selected for the study. In each land use type per parent material, six composite soil samples were collected from the representative location within the three land use types using soil auger within 0–30 cm soil depth. Undisturbed core samples were also collected for bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity determinations. A total of 52 soil samples were generated for laboratory analysis. Results showed that among the parent materials, coastal plain sand soil had the highest silt + clay fraction, organic matter, total N, available P, and exchangeable K, followed by sandstone/shale while beach ridge sand soil had the least. Among the land use types, oil palm plantation had the highest silt + clay fraction, organic matter, exchangeable Ca and K, followed by fallow land while cultivated land had the least. The combination of parent material and land use indicated that cultivated, fallow and oil palm plantation of coastal plain sand soils had the highest water and nutrient holding capacity, high rooting volume, good aeration status, less erosion threat, higher exchange sites, more available nutrients for plant uptake, more biological activity, etc., followed by sandstone/shale while beach ridge sand had the least in the study area. The application of more organic and less inorganic fertilizers will improve the soil quality of the study area.
Vegetation diversity on coal mine spoil heapshow important is the texture of ...EdytaSierka
Biologia, 2019
The relationship between the size of the particle fractions of the soil substrate and the diversity of the spontaneously developing vegetation was investigated on coal mine spoil heaps in Upper Silesia (Southern Poland). The analyses were based on 2567 research plots of developed spontaneous vegetation and their associated soil substrate samples collected from 112 coal mine spoil heaps. For each research plot the prevailing particle size fraction was determined (stones, gravel, sand, silt), the species composition and abundance was recorded and the species richness (S), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′), Simpson (C) and Evenness (E) indices were used to determine species diversity. From a total of 119 research plots (in all particle size fraction categories), the values of 15 physicochemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, moisture, carbon content, total N, available P, Mg and exchange cations Ca, Mg, K, Na, fine particles (%), gravel (%), stone (%)) were obtained to asses their impact on the floristic composition of vegetation patches using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Additionally, functional traits of the dominant species of each vegetation patch (life forms, life strategies and socio-ecological groups), were selected to analyse their relation to substrate texture. It was shown that the highest species richness and the highest values for Shannon-Wiener diversity index, as well as Simpson and Evenness indices, were obtained in plots formed on stones. Moreover, the greatest variation in the participation of species representing different habitats, life forms, and life strategies was found on gravelly substrates. Contrary to our expectations, the vegetation diversity (in terms of both species and their functional traits) was not highest in habitats with a high composition of fine size particles.
Engineering Advantages of Vegetation on Slope Stabilizationijtsrd
"There are various conventional methods used to improve stability of slope and surface erosion. They all have merits and demerits, but the use of vegetation has many advantages such as root does not corrode, they are self repairing, regenerating and environmental friendly. This discipline has gained a global recognition for a long time and has been addressed as a new entity, “Ecological Engineering†which is defined as the design of sustainable ecosystem that integrates human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both. This paper considers the potential engineering influences of vegetation and how it can be characterized on site within a geotechnical framework for stability assessment. To gain more understanding on its soil root interaction and effects on slope stabilization, the mechanical and hydrological effect of vegetation would be combined and their overall effect on slope stabilization and slope stability analyses would be evaluated. The results obtained for the Vetiver Grass and Lime Tree will be considered. In overall the results show the considerable improvement in the slope stability by applying vegetation on finite slope depending to their location on slope. The results also indicate that Vetiver Grass can cause significant improvement in the slope stability compare to the Lime Tree even when it is located at the crest of slope due to its roots geometry and lower weight. Farshchi Iman ""Engineering Advantages of Vegetation on Slope Stabilization"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Special Issue | International Conference on Advanced Engineering and Information Technology , November 2018, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd19139.pdf
Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/other/19139/engineering-advantages-of-vegetation-on-slope-stabilization/farshchi-iman"
VAST: A Framework for Assessing the Transformation of Native Vegetation Richard Thackway
The VAST framework was developed for assessing and reporting on the degree of modification of plant communities modified by land management regimes and production systems. Modification is assessed using criteria and indicators of ecological function, structure and composition. Depending of the need VAST can operate at spatial and temporal scales. The framework is outlined showing how the degradation and restoration of forest/vegetation types relates to deliberate and unintentional land management decisions. A case study of the Cumberland State Forest, Pennant Hills, New South Wales is presented. Users of the framework consider four key issues; 1) Must differentiate severe natural disturbance events from impacts of land management regimes; 2) Must define reference state using the same indicators of ecological function, structure and composition; 3) Must understand stable condition states and multiple benefits (ecosystem services); and 4) Must understand interactions between patterns of rainfall and land management regimes.
Like all civil engineering projects, landfill construction projects have fundamental requirements
related to strength, safety and economic concerns. There are precautions that must be taken in the planning
period of a sanitary landfill project, at every step of the construction and after the completion of waste
deposition at the site. The objective is to provide long term stability, environmental protection, ensure
regulatory compliance and achieve cost effective utilization of manpower, equipment and space. This paper
discusses the criteria for site selection, possible soil problems and their effects on safety and necessary
precautions. Studies have shown that the major possible soil deformation modes are landfall, overturn, sliding,
lateral deformation and outflow.
Impact of Land Use Systems and Parent Materials on Soil Quality Indicators in...BRNSS Publication Hub
A study on the impact of parent materials and land use on soil quality indicators in soils of Akwa Ibom State was conducted. The aim was to evaluate the impact of parent materials and land use systems on soil quality indicators. Three parent materials (coastal plain sand, sandstone/shale, and beach ridge sand) and three land use types (cultivated land, fallow land of 3–5 years, and oil palm plantation) were selected for the study. In each land use type per parent material, six composite soil samples were collected from the representative location within the three land use types using soil auger within 0–30 cm soil depth. Undisturbed core samples were also collected for bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity determinations. A total of 52 soil samples were generated for laboratory analysis. Results showed that among the parent materials, coastal plain sand soil had the highest silt + clay fraction, organic matter, total N, available P, and exchangeable K, followed by sandstone/shale while beach ridge sand soil had the least. Among the land use types, oil palm plantation had the highest silt + clay fraction, organic matter, exchangeable Ca and K, followed by fallow land while cultivated land had the least. The combination of parent material and land use indicated that cultivated, fallow and oil palm plantation of coastal plain sand soils had the highest water and nutrient holding capacity, high rooting volume, good aeration status, less erosion threat, higher exchange sites, more available nutrients for plant uptake, more biological activity, etc., followed by sandstone/shale while beach ridge sand had the least in the study area. The application of more organic and less inorganic fertilizers will improve the soil quality of the study area.
Vegetation diversity on coal mine spoil heapshow important is the texture of ...EdytaSierka
Biologia, 2019
The relationship between the size of the particle fractions of the soil substrate and the diversity of the spontaneously developing vegetation was investigated on coal mine spoil heaps in Upper Silesia (Southern Poland). The analyses were based on 2567 research plots of developed spontaneous vegetation and their associated soil substrate samples collected from 112 coal mine spoil heaps. For each research plot the prevailing particle size fraction was determined (stones, gravel, sand, silt), the species composition and abundance was recorded and the species richness (S), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′), Simpson (C) and Evenness (E) indices were used to determine species diversity. From a total of 119 research plots (in all particle size fraction categories), the values of 15 physicochemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, moisture, carbon content, total N, available P, Mg and exchange cations Ca, Mg, K, Na, fine particles (%), gravel (%), stone (%)) were obtained to asses their impact on the floristic composition of vegetation patches using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Additionally, functional traits of the dominant species of each vegetation patch (life forms, life strategies and socio-ecological groups), were selected to analyse their relation to substrate texture. It was shown that the highest species richness and the highest values for Shannon-Wiener diversity index, as well as Simpson and Evenness indices, were obtained in plots formed on stones. Moreover, the greatest variation in the participation of species representing different habitats, life forms, and life strategies was found on gravelly substrates. Contrary to our expectations, the vegetation diversity (in terms of both species and their functional traits) was not highest in habitats with a high composition of fine size particles.
Engineering Advantages of Vegetation on Slope Stabilizationijtsrd
"There are various conventional methods used to improve stability of slope and surface erosion. They all have merits and demerits, but the use of vegetation has many advantages such as root does not corrode, they are self repairing, regenerating and environmental friendly. This discipline has gained a global recognition for a long time and has been addressed as a new entity, “Ecological Engineering†which is defined as the design of sustainable ecosystem that integrates human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both. This paper considers the potential engineering influences of vegetation and how it can be characterized on site within a geotechnical framework for stability assessment. To gain more understanding on its soil root interaction and effects on slope stabilization, the mechanical and hydrological effect of vegetation would be combined and their overall effect on slope stabilization and slope stability analyses would be evaluated. The results obtained for the Vetiver Grass and Lime Tree will be considered. In overall the results show the considerable improvement in the slope stability by applying vegetation on finite slope depending to their location on slope. The results also indicate that Vetiver Grass can cause significant improvement in the slope stability compare to the Lime Tree even when it is located at the crest of slope due to its roots geometry and lower weight. Farshchi Iman ""Engineering Advantages of Vegetation on Slope Stabilization"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Special Issue | International Conference on Advanced Engineering and Information Technology , November 2018, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd19139.pdf
Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/other/19139/engineering-advantages-of-vegetation-on-slope-stabilization/farshchi-iman"
VAST: A Framework for Assessing the Transformation of Native Vegetation Richard Thackway
The VAST framework was developed for assessing and reporting on the degree of modification of plant communities modified by land management regimes and production systems. Modification is assessed using criteria and indicators of ecological function, structure and composition. Depending of the need VAST can operate at spatial and temporal scales. The framework is outlined showing how the degradation and restoration of forest/vegetation types relates to deliberate and unintentional land management decisions. A case study of the Cumberland State Forest, Pennant Hills, New South Wales is presented. Users of the framework consider four key issues; 1) Must differentiate severe natural disturbance events from impacts of land management regimes; 2) Must define reference state using the same indicators of ecological function, structure and composition; 3) Must understand stable condition states and multiple benefits (ecosystem services); and 4) Must understand interactions between patterns of rainfall and land management regimes.
Like all civil engineering projects, landfill construction projects have fundamental requirements
related to strength, safety and economic concerns. There are precautions that must be taken in the planning
period of a sanitary landfill project, at every step of the construction and after the completion of waste
deposition at the site. The objective is to provide long term stability, environmental protection, ensure
regulatory compliance and achieve cost effective utilization of manpower, equipment and space. This paper
discusses the criteria for site selection, possible soil problems and their effects on safety and necessary
precautions. Studies have shown that the major possible soil deformation modes are landfall, overturn, sliding,
lateral deformation and outflow.
What should be the priorities in the life of a christian? Give God the first part of each day. Give God the first day of each week. Give God the first portion of your pay. Give God the first consideration in every decision. Give God the first place in your heart.
A comparison of Israel from bondage in Egypt to crossing over Jordan into Canaan and mankind from bondage to sin to entering the church and ultimately heaven.
Trouble shooting an Horizontal Shaft Impactor .Tomaso Veneroso
Why blow bars break ? Is it always a blow bar fault ? The answer is no. Blow bars are integral parts of the crushers. This power point will explain some of the most common issues when it comes to blow bars breakage or anomalous wear .
Oracle R-12 Procure To Pay | Oracle R-12 Procure To Pay TrainingOracleTrainings
Oracle R-12 Procure To Pay enable the integration of purchasing department with account payables linking procurement process. Join for demo at Oracle Trainings.
The Green Fuse: Using Plants to Provide Ecosystem Services
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Soil Health definition and relationship to soil biology
Characteristics of healthy soil
Assessment of soil health
Framework for evaluating soil health
Indicators
Types of indicators
Biological indicators
Role of biological indicators
A framework for assessing and reporting resilience of native vegetationRichard Thackway
Land management practices are used for a wide range of purposes to modify and fragment native vegetation at sites and to transform vegetated landscapes. Land management targets indicators of vegetation structure, species composition and regenerative capacity. A framework is presented enabling the gains and losses of native vegetation to be tracked over time at site and landscape scales.
The Land- Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS): mobile apps and collaboration...Greenapps&web
Jeffrey E. Herrick et al CC BY 4.0
Massive investments in climate change mitigation and adaptation are projected during coming decades. Many of these investments will seek to modify how land is managed. The return on both types of investments can be increased through an understanding of land potential: the potential of the land to support primary production and ecosystem services, and its resilience. A Land-Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS) is being developed and implemented to provide individual users with point-based estimates of land potential based on the integration of simple, geo-tagged user inputs with cloud-based information and knowledge. This system will rely on mobile phones for knowledge and information exchange, and use cloud computing to integrate, interpret, and access relevant knowledge and information, including local knowledge about land with similar potential. The system will initially provide management options based on long-term land potential, which depends on climate, topography, and relatively static soil properties, such as soil texture, depth, and mineralogy. Future modules will provide more specific management information based on the status of relatively dynamic soil properties such as organic matter and nutrient content, and of weather. The paper includes a discussion of how this system can be used to help distinguish between meteorological and edaphic drought.
Effect of different Grass Species on Soil Loss, and Runoff at Assosa, Benisha...BRNSSPublicationHubI
Land degradation is a severe environmental problem across sub-Saharan Africa, and Ethiopia is among the most affected countries. This study aimed to know the potential of different grasses for soil and water conservation. Three different grasses were used to evaluate their potential for conserving the soil and water on the farmland, with three replications each for 2 consecutive years. Vetiver, Desho, and elephant grass had deposited 10 and 7 ton/he of soil relative to a plot without any grass control. Furthermore, they had increased the soil water by 22.6% as compared to a plot without any grass. Thus, the study revealed the best potential of Vetiver, and Desho grass to conserve both the soil and water. Therefore, the study revealed the best and most promising potential for treating degraded land with biological measures.
Systematic framework to assess restoration actions and outcomes based on meas...Richard Thackway
A unifying framework is presented for tracking the outcomes of intentional and unintentional land management practices on the condition components of plant communities. The framework is based on 22 indicators hierarchically organised into 10 functional, structural and compositional criteria. Changes in the values of criteria and indicators over time track the response of a plant community to land management practices. This involves a twostep process. First develop a systematic and comprehensive site-based chronology of land management practices over time. Second fully integrate relevant data and information on the responses of the plant community into the chronology of practices, actions and interventions. How, and to what degree, the practices effect the indicators is also recorded, including deliberate and/or inadvertent actions and outcomes. Data and information on the outcomes of actions is compiled from various sources including; direct measures of field-based attributes, estimates of attributes derived from expert elicitation, environmental histories, interviews with skilled subject specials and relevant metrics derived from multi-spatial and multi-temporal remote sensing datasets. Provided a competent ecologist has access to key resources, a preliminary assessment can be completed in three days. Indicators are scored separately using a metric 0-1, based on the response of the plant community’s indicator assessed relative to the indicator in the reference state. Indicator scores are aggregated and weighted separately for three components; functional (55%), structural (27%) and compositional (18%). The reference state is assigned 100%. This framework has been widely applied across major climate zones in Australia to track and explain observed decadal spatial and temporal changes in the condition of plant communities including changes due to restoration activities. Examples will be provided in how applications of this framework also provide insights in plant community resilience, possible system trajectories and future management options.
Systematic framework to assess restoration actions and outcomes based on meas...
Baker_Sussman_Report
1. From Design to Construction: Lessons Learned about Bioretention Performance
The Edna Bailey Sussman Foundation Internship Report
December 2015
Tom Baker, MLA Candidate
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Department of Landscape Architecture
Background
Bioretention systems have become one of the most widely used stormwater best
management practices (BMP) since its development in the early 1990’s in Prince George’s
County, Maryland. Their implementation is critical for urban environments as studies have
shown their effectiveness in stormwater and combined sewer overflow management (Patwardhan
et al. 2005; Zhen et al. 2006). As such, they are encouraged by many state and local governments
through incentives and are sometimes required through stormwater management ordinances. As
bioretention systems increase visibility in the urban environment and become permanent urban
infrastructure, proper procedure in maintaining visually appealing systems is necessary.
Research, both of field and laboratory studies, have shown the effectiveness of
bioretention systems on reducing stormwater runoff quantity (Chapman and Horner 2010;
Zimmer et al. 2007) and removal of heavy metals and pollutants (Davis et al. 2001; Davis et al.
2003). Further, research has highlighted the importance of vegetation and appropriate plant
selection as a parameter in pollutant/nutrient removal (Lucas and Greenway 2008) and water
absorbing capacity for runoff retention (Bratieres et al. 2008). Though research has shown the
importance of vegetation on bioretention system performance, little research has been conducted
on overall planting success. There remains limited literature available to designers regarding
specific planting recommendations based on bioretention vegetation survivorship.
However, as bioretention systems become more widely used, poor and variable design,
construction, and maintenance practices remain a concern. Improper soil mixture selection and
placement have resulted in poor infiltration rates (Cosgrove and Bergstrom 2003) and unequal
ponding (Carpenter and Hallam 2010). As maintenance practices evolve, researchers have called
for an emphasis on maintenance recommendations (Davis et al. 2009).
2. In order for bioretention systems to be successful close coordination from design to
construction to maintenance and monitoring needs to be practiced. Lack of communication
between designers and contractors can lead to specifications that call for materials that are
unavailable (e.g. filter media, plant species) and poor oversight of the installation process.
Further, lack of coordination can lead to improper maintenance protocol and poor success of
vegetation.
To understand the relationship between design, construction, and maintenance of
bioretention systems, this study focused on bioretention cells designed and installed under
Onondaga County’s Save the Rain program in central New York. Save the Rain is a
comprehensive stormwater program implemented to reduce pollution into Onondaga Lake and
its tributaries. The program has implemented 175+ green infrastructure projects to reduce
overflow of the combined sewer system during extreme rain events. Over 30 of the projects
include bioretention as the focus of reducing stormwater runoff (Save the Rain).
Study Objectives
Save the Rain provided an opportunity to study the inconsistencies from design,
construction, and maintenance of bioretention systems and how these variables impact vegetation
success. This study was intended to specifically address the following questions: (1) Are soils
installed accurate to the designer’s original specifications?, (2) Do more detailed planting plans
lead to more successful plantings?, and (3) Does a higher maintenance level positively impact
vegetation performance?
Methods
Site Selection
Ten bioretention cells were surveyed in Syracuse, NY during June and July 2015. Save
the Rain program requirements called for soils at all sites to follow the same specifications, so
contractors were varied between sites to understand if soils were installed differently than
specified. Sites were all constructed three to four years prior to this study and varying sizes and
contexts were included to introduce variables in planting design and site conditions.
3. Field Data Collection and Analysis
To test the soils, all existing mulch and sediment was removed to gain access to the S1
(plant root growing medium) soil layer. The first six inches of the S1 soil was collected, using a
core soil sampler at each site’s inflow, emergency overflow, and two places near the center. At
five sites there were several inflow points and/or emergency overflow locations, so it was
assumed any single point would be characteristic of the drainage area. Soils were air-dried at
room temperature.
Soil samples were analyzed for organic matter, pH, phosphorus, nitrogen, and texture
(sand, silt, clay) at SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Forest Soils
Research Laboratory. Soil analyses were compared to the specified ranges provided by
Onondaga County’s Save the Rain technical documents.
Vegetation assessments were conducted visually at a single point in time for each species
providing an indicator of overall vigor, branch and foliage density, leaf shape and condition. An
additional metric, survivability, was needed for perennials and grasses to measure the planting
success of groups. Survivability was assessed visually to compare observed establishment to
what was intended from planting plans. Separate assessments were completed for species that
had two or more separate and distinct planting groups at a site. Time of year observed, age of
plantings, and initial planting size/age were taken into account for vegetation assessments.
Original planting specifications were reviewed for base information. Trees and ground cover
were not included in the analysis because of small sample sizes.
Maintenance
Maintenance was assessed using Save the Rain maintenance protocol and comparing the
protocol to observable practices at each site. Discussing maintenance practices with Save the
Rain personnel was an objective to understand specific maintenance concerns/successes at
specific sites. Attempts to contact administration personnel responsible for overseeing
maintenance was unsuccessful. Administration was willing to send maintenance technical
documents but was unable to discuss specific maintenance practices.
4. Results
Site Parameters
Sites were constructed in 2011 (n=3) and 2012 (n=7), varied in area from 63 m2
to 858
m2
, owned by City of Syracuse, and included five different contractors. Contextual land use
included paved (n=6), grass (n=3), and paved/grass (n=1). Seven sites included detailed planting
plans (i.e. single plant species identified to specific planting location) and three sites had
nondetailed planting plans (i.e. two or more species assigned to a specific planting location via
hatching) (Table 1). All sites had at least one runoff entry point (inflow) and one emergency
overflow.
Table 1. Study sites and parameters including year completed, area, land use type, planting plan
specifications, and contractor.
Site Year Completed
Area (sq.
meters)
Land Use
Planting
Plans
Contractor
Barker 2012 138 Grass Non-detailed John R. Dudley Construction
Genesee Estimated 2011 49 Paved Detailed Barrett Paving Materials
Hazard 1 2012 72 Paved Detailed Davis Wallbridge
Hazard 2 2012 35 Paved Detailed Davis Wallbridge
Leavenworth 1 2012 63 Paved Detailed John R. Dudley Construction
Leavenworth 2 2012 59 Paved Detailed John R. Dudley Construction
Pass 1 2011 226 Grass Detailed Economy Paving
Pass 2 2011 858 Grass Detailed Economy Paving
South State 2012 43 Paved Non-detailed Davis Wallbridge
Sunnycrest 2012 533 Paved/Grass Non-detailed ACTS II Construction
Soil Analysis
Organic matter, pH, phosphorus, and texture were found to range from 1-3%, 7.9-8.7,
035ppm, and 83-88% (sand), 7-10% (silt), and 5-7% (clay), respectively; compared to specified
ranges of 2-4%, 5.5-6.5, 20-100ppm, and 78-89% (sand), 6-12% (silt), and 3-6% (clay),
respectively (Table 2).
5. Table 2. Study sites, original soil specifications, and analyzed soil ranges.
Organic
Matter
(%)
pH
Phosphorus
(ppm)
Sand
(%)
Silt
(%)
Clay
(%)
Specified Range 2-4 5.5-6.5 20-100 83-88 6-12 3-6
Barker 2 8.1 0.00 88 7 5
Genesee 3 8.0 34.51 85 9 6
Hazard 1 2 8.1 0.00 86 8 6
Hazard 2 2 8.1 0.00 86 8 6
Leavenworth 1 2 7.9 0.01 86 9 5
Leavenworth 2 2 8.1 0.00 86 8 6
Pass 1 1 8.1 6.29 86 8 7
Pass 2 2 8.1 11.88 87 7 7
South State 2 8.7 0.19 84 10 6
Sunnycrest 2 7.9 14.09 88 7 5
Vegetation Assessments
At the ten sites, a total of 49 nursery stock species were originally planted including six
species of trees, 10 species of small trees/shrubs, 17 species of perennials, 12 species of grasses,
and four species of groundcover. Vegetation vigor and survivability varied between sites (Figure
1, Figure 2, Figure 3). Of the originally planted nursery stock, six were not observed at the time
of the study, due to either lack of surviving or not being planted. Total species per site ranged
from two to 15. Two species were common among six sites, one common among five sites, four
common among four sites, four common among three sites, 12 common among ten sites, and 26
found only at one site.
6. Figure 1. Average vigor and survivorship of grasses among sites.
Figure 2. Average vigor and survivorship of perennials among sites.
Figure 3. Average vigor small trees/shrubs among sites.
7. Discussion
Soils
Installed soils were generally similar to original specifications. Clay content and organic
matter differed from specified ranges by no more than 1%. Measured soil phosphorus ranged
from 0.00 – 34.51 ppm, well below what was originally specified. It is assumed original
phosphorus levels were higher. Soil pH also varied from original specifications, measuring from
7.9 to 8.7. There was a discrepancy between supplied soil and specific soil. Reviewing soil sign
off sheets revealed that the soil supplied had considerably higher pH than specified.
The planting design and species selection seems appropriate for the original soil
specifications, though much variation in plant vigor and survivability was observed among sites.
Variation in plant performance can be attributed, in part, to the original high soil pH as well as
local conditions that exacerbate salt and pH issues.
Vegetation and maintenance/construction
Vegetation survivability and vigor varied, with all sites exhibiting some poor
performance, and with low survivability and vigor commonly associated with edge plantings at
all sites, except Sunnycrest. Edge plantings, regardless of species, showed diminished growth,
low branch/foliage density, and low group survivability when compared to inner region
plantings. Poor performance of edge plantings may be attributed to higher stress environments
related to heat, compaction, and salt, specifically when planted adjacent to hardscapes.
Similar to Cosgrove and Bergstrom (2003) and Chavez et al. (2015), vegetation
survivability varied in relation to maintenance and design specifications. Among sites with poor
maintenance and inadequate site design, species survivability and distribution was low when
compared to original planting specifications. East Genesee and South State showed a lack of post
installation maintenance, specifically in regards to removal of sediment build up. Large amounts
of sediment buildup were evident across the surface East Genesee and South State and around
emergency overflows (Figure 4, Figure 5). Three of seven nursery stock species were observed at
East Genesee including two woody plants (V. angustifolium ‘Top Hat’ and C. caroliniana), with
8. Figure 4. Lack of sediment removal from South State resulting in homogenous topography and sediment
build-up around site emergency overflow.
Figure 5. Sediment build-up around the inlet of East Genesee, resulting in poor vegetation establishment and
a compacted surface layer.
V. angustifolium ‘Top Hat’ standing but dead, and one grass (S. scoparium). C. caroliniana and
S. scoparium were in very poor health and only one individual of S. scoparium was observed.
The rest of East Genesee was established with volunteer species. Chavez et al. (2015) showed
similar results when reviewing vegetation survivorshop within seven bioretention cells in
Oklahoma. Their 2015 study showed an overall decline in nursery stock species which gave way
to volunteer species recruitment. South State showed consistently low plant vigor and
survivability, which can in part be attributed to sediment build up. South State shows evidence of
9. water transporting mulch and sediment throughout the site, specifically built up around the
emergency overflow, which created a topographically homogenous site.
Pass 1 and Pass 2 showed low vegetation survivability around inlets and areas of high
erosion. Both sites showed evidence of high water velocity entering the site through inlets and
creating surface preferential flow paths and soil and mulch erosion around inlets (Figure 6,
Figure 7). Pass 2 also exhibited erosion on banks (Figure 8). The cause of erosion was
identifiable to water velocity near inlets, but the cause of erosion on the slopes was unclear. Due
to a serious lack of vegetation and severe displacement of soil, erosion on the slopes was likely
occurring well before the start of this study.
Figure 6. Erosion and preferential surface flow path from inlet at Pass 1, resulting in poor vegetation vigor
and survivability.
Figure 7. Erosion surrounding inlet from Pass 2, resulting in poor vegetation vigor and survivability.
10. Figure 8. Erosion on bank of Pass 2, resulting in poor vegetation vigor and survivability.
Vegetation survivability and vigor was considerably higher at Sunnycrest than any other
site. Most notably, I. verticillata, which was planted on a hillex in the center of the Sunnycrest
cell, had excellent overall vigor while I. verticillata had poor vigor where found at four other
sites. Vegetation success can in part be attributed to proper planting locations based on individual
species needs.
Maintenance practices were assessed with limited available resources. Overall,
maintenance was poor, specifically in regards to sediment removal, erosion management, and
replacement of large swaths of dead vegetation.
Conclusion
Variable design, construction, and maintenance practices related to overall vegetative
success. Specifically, poor practices were observed in regards to inlet design, vegetation
placement, and removal of sediment. In the case of this study, initial vegetation survivability was
poorly considered with installed soil pH considerably higher than species needs. The findings of
this study call for increased coordination through the phases of design, construction, and
maintenance. Further, concern of low maintenance resources calls for more consideration of less
complex planting designs (fewer number of plant species, ease of maintenance). In regards to
sedimentation, designs should consider more aggressive weir structures to capture inflow of
sedimentation. Such structures will reduce sedimentation buildup in the cells while making
sedimentation removal easier.
11. Overall, this study shows that lack of coordination between design, construction, and
maintenance exists and negatively impacts the success of vegetation. There is a need for
increased literature for designers regarding proper planting specifications in bioretention
systems.
Further Studies
Further studies will be required to better establish bioretention design, construction, and
maintenance recommendations. Specific studies should address dynamics of filter media
chemistry/composition over time and its impact on vegetation performance, varying maintenance
practices impacts on vegetation performance, and comparisons of vigor and survivorshop
between types of plantings (e.g. grasses vs. perennials).
Acknowledgements
Many thanks go to the Edna Bailey Sussman Foundation as this research would not have
been possible without them. I would also like to thank my major professor, Tim Toland, for his
continued guidance and support through this project. I also thank Mark Burger from Onondaga
County Soil and Water Conservation District for his sponsorship and support through the project.
12. References
Bratieres, Katia, Tim Fletcher, Ana Deletic, and Yaron Zinger. 2008. Nutrient and Sediment
Removal by Stormwater Biofilters: A Large-scale Design Optimisation Study. Water
Research. 42: 3930-3940.
Carpenter, D.D., and Laura Hallam. 2010. Influence of Planting Soil Mix Characteristics on
Bioretention Cell Design and Performance. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering.
15:40416.
Chapman, Cameron, and Richard R. Horner. 2010. Performance Assessment of a StreetDrainage
Bioretention System. Water Environment Research. 82:109-119.
Chavez, Rebecca A., Glenn O. Brown, Reid R. Coffman, and Dan E. Storm. 2015. Design,
Construction and Lessons Learned From Oklahoma Bioretention Cell Demonstration
Project. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 31:63-71.
Cosgrove, James F. Jr., and Jeremiah D. Bergstrom. 2003. Design and Construction of
Biofiltration Basins: Lessons Learned. World Water & Environmental Resources
Congress 2003. n. pag.
Davis, Allen P., Mohammad Shokouhian, Himanshu Sharma, and Christi Minami. 2001.
Laboratory Study of Biological Retention for Urban Stormwater Management. Water
Environment Research. 73:5-14.
Davis, Allen P., Mohammad Shokouhian, Himanshu Sharma, Christi Minami, and Derek
Winogradoff. 2003. Water Quality Improvement through Bioretention: Lead, Copper, and
Zinc Removal.” Water Environment Research. 75:73-82.
Davis, Allen P., William F Hunt, Robert G. Traver, and Michael Clar. 2009. Bioretention
Technology: Overview of Current Practice and Future Needs. Journal of Environmental
Engineering. 135:109-117.
Lucas, William C., and Margaret Greenway. 2008. Nutrient Retention in Vegetated and
Nonvegetated Bioretention Mesocosms. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering.
134:613-623.
Patwardhan, Avinash S., J Timothy Hare, Thomas Jobes, and Daniel Medina. 2005. Analyzing
Potential Benefits of Low Impact Development in Reducing Combined Sewers
Overflows. Impacts of Global Climate Change. n. pag.
Save the Rain. Save the Rain: About. (Accessed: May 11, 2015).
Zhen, Jenny, Leslie Shoemaker, John Riverson, Khalid Alvi, and Mow-Soung Cheng. 2006.
BMP Analysis System for Watershed-Based Stormwater Management. Journal of
Environmental Science and Health, Part A. 41:1391-1403.
13. Zimmer, C.A., I.W. Heathcote, H.R. Whiteley, and H. Schroter. 2007. Low-Impact-Development
Practices for Stormwater: Implications for Urban Hydrology. Canadian Water Resources
Journal. 32:193-212.