Session Code: 3C

Track: CREF Research

Session Name: Compost and Soil Health

Session Time: Wednesday, February 7, 4:15 – 5:45 PM

Presentation Title: Compost Use in Stormwater Bioretention Systems

Presentation Description: The Compost Research and Education Foundation (CREF) and the University of Minnesota embarked on research to better understand the best uses of compost in stormwater bioretention media and identify compost characteristics that are most impactful to the success of these systems. It is critical for manufacturers, specifiers, end users, and regulators to understand these best uses so users can understand what performs well, suppliers can make a high-quality compost product, and designers can specify and receive a product best suited for the application. To achieve this, the University of Minnesota conducted a systematic literature review and a practitioner listening session to understand what is known, what questions the industry has, and what research is needed to fill knowledge gaps that will support industry use of compost in post-construction stormwater applications. This will improve bioretention performance and confidence from specifiers and end-users, minimize pollution potential, and ultimately increase acceptance and use of compost in critical green infrastructure stormwater best management practices.