Evaluation of engineered soils for bioretention areas containing dredged Illinois River sand, compost, biosolids, and pyrolyzed biosolids

Abstract Dredged Illinois River sand is nutrient poor and has low cation exchange capacity. Engineering this soil by adding amendments to increase retention may help sustain plant growth absorb contaminants when the used in bioslopes, bioswales, rain gardens. The objectives of study were compare physical chemical properties engineered soils derived from dredged combined with mixtures a locally produced compost, dried Class B biosolids Greater Peoria Sanitary District (GPSD), pyrolyzed GPSD biosolids, their effect on grass mixture designed for chronically wet areas, such as bioslopes and/or bioswales along Department Transportation (IDOT) highways. Dry bulk densities increased increasing levels both biosolids. Soils containing higher compost linked CEC, soluble salts, porosity, moisture. Shoot root lengths, fresh dry tissue mass highest levels. These results indicate that addition be required adequate these saturated water. use either or sources need supplemented growth.