Site assessment, preparation, design considerations and recommendations for vegetation in stormwater management

Considerations for assessing site conditions for projects involving vegetation

Assess vegetation prior to beginning a project (native vegetation, key species, invasives) What vegetation was historically found on site? What vegetation is currently found on the site? Assess ability of soil to support vegetation (nutrients, pH, soil structure and physical properties) Testing Evaluate and identify soil and/or media mixes desired or needed to achieve objectives Consider potential vegetation effects - nitrogen-fixing, canopy interception, deep-rooting plants, carbon sequestration)

Conducting a site assessment and inventory of existing conditions related to vegetation on a proposed project where stormwater best management practices (BMP) bmps will be implemented is essential. The process and results of conducting an assessment and inventory impact the design and function of the stormwater project. Taking the time to complete a review of existing conditions early in a project can also identify challenges or obstacles that can increase the success and decrease the risk of the project.

There two areas of consideration when conducting a site assessment specifically for vegetation.

• Conducting an assessment of existing vegetation
• Assessing soil health and function (effect of vegetation on soil health)

Conducting assessment of existing vegetation

Photo of a site with vegetation prior to implementing stormwater controls. Source: Jim Nelson, Restoring the Landscape.

Assessing existing vegetation provides clues to understanding vegetation growth patterns, keys to underlying hydraulic conditions, insight into historic vegetation cover, and many more useful tools in the development of BMP design. Assessments can be completed after an inventory of existing vegetation has taken place. Often inventory and analysis provides helpful information that influences decisions and increases the likelihood of a successful project.

Completing an assessment of existing vegetation depends upon the size and conditions of the site you are assessing. To aid in the design of a vegetated stormwater feature, you will want to understand the following basic information about your site.

• What vegetation was historically found on site?
• What vegetation is currently found on the site?

These two questions will guide you in future decision-making processes and help reduce risk and increase the likelihood of long-term success.

What vegetation was historically found on site?

In the process of designing a BMP, depending upon the size, condition, and location, it is often helpful to have a reference, or index, plant community to guide plant selection using a vegetative baseline. Reference plant communities, either on-site or from nearby sites, provides a baseline indication of what vegetation or seed could be suitable for use. These baseline indices provide insight into site conditions that could impact the BMP function or design.

Below are several tools that designers can use in the inventory and analysis stages of a project to help determine reference points for determining what vegetation might have occurred naturally on a given project site. Each is discussed briefly below.

• Marschner Map of Original Vegetation
• Minnesota Historical Aerial Photographs Online (MHAPO)
• Mississippi River Commission Maps
• Other Historic Vegetation Resources

Marschner Map of Original Vegetation

Marschner Map of Original Vegetation. Source: Minnesota Historical Society

To restore a native vegetated state or plant community, it is helpful to start with a reference point or vegetation baseline that can be used as a guide in a restoration process. The presence of native vegetation on your site provides both a reference plant community as well as an indication of higher functioning biological and ecological systems. A common vegetative reference point for high-functioning ecosystems in the continental United States is that time prior to European settlement. The Marschner Map of Original Vegetation was developed from notes on pre-settlement vegetation in a Minnesota land survey completed between 1846 and 1848. These maps depict ecological communities encountered by surveyors and can be a useful tool in creating a reference vegetation community for a BMP.

To review Minnesota’s Marschner Maps or to learn more about them visit Minnesota Land Use and Cover: Historic.

Historic Aerial Photography

Another resource to help determine historic vegetation is online aerial images. Even if specific vegetative species cannot be determined from an aerial photo, it may be helpful to understand what type of plant communities were present before current day conditions. Historic imagery can give you context clues, such as whether the project site was historically a woodland, prairie, or oak savanna. Aerial imagery can also hint at hydraulic conditions, as wetlands are often easily identifiable. Below are links to historical aerial imagery.

• MHAPO (Minnesota Historical Aerial Photographs Online)
• Historical Airphoto Information, Minnesota DNR

Mississippi River Commission Maps

The Mississippi River Commission Maps show the channel of the Mississippi River and adjacent area, including 10-foot contours and river cross-sectional depth increments, as derived from a special survey completed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the late 1800’s. These historic hand-drawn maps offer both the channel and floodplain characteristics as well as vegetative cover, land ownership, and built features such as road, railroads, and buildings. Depending upon the location of the proposed BMPs, these maps can be useful tools to see how landscape has changed over time, what land uses may have occurred on the site during that period, and where remnant vegetation may be present from that time period.

• USGS Georeferenced Mississippi River Commission Maps

Other Historic Vegetation Resources

Minnesota County Biological Survey map of natural communities and rare species, Anoka and Ramsey counties, Minnesota.

The Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) Native Plant Communities and Rare Species dataset provides mapped areas of natural vegetation and general locations of existing rare and endangered species. Maps are available by county, and completed for most of the state in PDF and GIS shapefile formats. These provide a spatial resource for assessing what high-quality natural areas may be present on your site as well what adjacent areas may help inform your restoration goals.

• Minnesota Biological Survey Native Plant Community and Rare Species Maps

PLS Bearing Trees: The original Public Land Survey (PLS) for Minnesota was roughly completed between 1847 and 1908, organizing the land for sale and use. During this survey, the bearing trees were blazed and marked to be able to locate the survey corners if the wood or stone corners were lost or moved. These tree species were only captured at the corners of sections and quarter-sections, so broad translation of these as indicators of pre-settlement ecological communities should be performed with caution. Alternately, these can be used in combination with other vegetative maps such as the MCBS Native Plant Communities or Marschner Map to understand what types of trees were present and may be suitable for use.

• Original Land Survey Bearing Trees

What vegetation is currently on site?

Vegetation existing on a project site can play a significant role in the design and function of a BMP. High quality vegetation, specific vegetation communities, and key individual species may have local or national protections and potentially shift the location or design of the project. In the same manner, invasive species found within a project site may impact the function or vegetation design within a site. Additional management or restoration measures may need to be taken to increase the likelihood of vegetation establishment and success. Vegetation on site can be broken into three categories in the site assessment process.

• Native Vegetation
• Key Plant Species
• Undesirable Plants

Native Vegetation

Native Plant Communities

The Minnesota DNR defines native plant communities as, “a group of plants that interact with each other and with their environment in ways not greatly altered by modern human activity or by introduced organisms ... classified and described by considering vegetation, hydrology, landforms, soils, and natural disturbance regimes.” (MnDNR). These groups of plants form recognizable communities classified by characteristic plant species or characteristic environmental features. These plant communities developed in response to natural environmental conditions, so are often best adapted to the environmental and hydrologic conditions in site-specific BMPs.

Understanding and classifying the vegetation on your site can be a useful tool in the design of your BMP. It provides you with a list of common plant species found within a given plant community to serve as a reference in BMP vegetation selection.

To learn more about native plant communities review the DNR's classifications below.

• Minnesota's Native Plant Communities, Minnesota DNR
• Native Plant Community Classification, Minnesota DNR

Wetlands

Image showing different wetland types. Source: Virginia Tech Extension Master Gardener Program

Minnesota supports a variety of wetland types, each with greatly varying characteristics. Wetland types include shallow open water, bogs, shrub swamplands, wet meadows, floodplain forests, and many more. Wetland types and wetland delineation can vary depending on the regulatory jurisdiction. However, generally speaking wetlands are identified by soils that develop in wet conditions, the presence of water (hydrology), and the presence of water loving vegetation.

Wetlands are an important part of our ecosystem and provide a variety of benefits, including the following.

• Water Quality: Wetlands filter and absorb pollutants from surface runoff thereby protecting the water quality of downstream lakes, streams, and rivers.
• Flood Control: Wetlands slow down and retain runoff from precipitation events. Wetlands serve as holding areas and can reduce flooding and soil erosion downstream.
• Groundwater Recharge/Discharge: Some wetlands recharge groundwater by allowing surface water slowly filter into groundwater storage reserves. Other wetlands discharge groundwater to the surface and can help maintain flows in nearby rivers and streams.
• Provide Habitat: Wetland vegetation provides habitat and forage for many insects and animals
• Education, Recreation, and Commercial Benefits: Some wetlands offer opportunities for education, recreation, and can even support the production of commercial products.

Regulation is in place to protect and prevent the loss of existing wetlands so that they can continue to be a public value. Wetlands are protected by federal, state, and local regulations. Because of this regulation, it is important to have a trained wetland delineator review your site thoroughly to determine if a wetland exists on your site as early in the design process as possible.

Additional information regarding the wetland delineation process, permitting, and regulatory requirements can be found here at the following websites.

• Wetlands, Minnesota DNR
• DNR Regulations
• Delineation & Jurisdictional Determination Guidance
• NWI Wetland Finder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Information: Because of regulatory implications, it is important to have a trained wetland delineator review your site thoroughly to determine if a wetland exists on your site as early in the design process as possible

Key Species

Tree Survey

Tree surveys provide information on what mature trees are on the site. Mature trees are often required to be mitigated as part of site development. Check your local codes for the required information to be included in a tree survey. Typical information includes the tree’s trunk diameter (DBH), species, health, location, and any comments on condition or quality based on field observations. If repeat surveys are to be completed, a permanent metal tag with unique ID is often affixed to the tree to provide consistent numbering and identification. A tree survey should be completed by an arborist, ecologist, landscape architect, land surveyor, or other qualified person able to key the tree to the species level in the field.

Information: A tree survey should be completed by an arborist, ecologist, landscape architect, land surveyor, or other qualified person able to key the tree to the species level in the field

Heritage Trees

Photo of a Russian olive tree near Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is a heritage tree. Source: Minneapolis Parks

Heritage trees are very large, unique, or old trees that have cultural or ecological value. Trees may be considered for heritage status based on age, rarity, size, aesthetic, ecological, or historical value. Depending upon your location, governing bodies may have ordinances governing what can be permitted and built around a heritage tree.

To learn more about Minnesota’s heritage or landmark tree programs follow the links below:

• Heritage Tree Program - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
• Minnesota's native big tree registry | Minnesota DNR
• Landmark Tree Program | Saint Paul Minnesota

Threatened and Endangered Species

State and federal laws exist to protect endangered or threatened species throughout the state. Before beginning a design process, it is important to engage local and state natural resource managers and review the site for any potential impacts a construction project may have on threatened or endangered animals. A review of the DNR's Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) will provide information related to rare plants, animals, and native plant communities that have been identified within a particular area.

Additional information about threatened or endangered species regulation can be found at the following online resources. Minnesota's endangered, threatened, and special concern species, Minnesota DNR

Natural Heritage Information System Desirable Plants

Plants native to Minnesota are adapted to our soil and climate and are often easier to grow than non-native species. Native plants, if placed within the correct habitat, produce a significant number of ecological benefits while reducing the amount of maintenance needed on a project. Below are links to plants you may want to keep if found within a project site.

• Plants of Minnesota, Minnesota DNR
• Native plants, UMN Extension
• A guide to aquatic plants, Minnesota DNR

Undesirable Plants

Example of an alternative trunaround. This design protects the existing tree, utilizes vegetation and can incorporate permeable pavement into the design. Source: EPA

Tree Removal & Mitigation

Each jurisdiction has different regulations regarding tree protection and mitigation of removed trees during a construction project. It is important to review local ordinances to identify if tree preservation plan or mitigation requirements exist for your project area. A detailed tree preservation plan can help minimize compliance cost, protect valuable trees, and ensure your project conforms to local tree mitigation ordinances. A tree preservation and mitigation plan typically involves the following elements.

• Tree Inventory: Species identification, location, health, and size of existing trees on site. This is typically a plan figure with an associated table.
• Tree Preservation and Removal Plan: This is typically a figure showing tree protection measures (construction fence, trunk guards, etc.) for existing trees to be preserved. It should also identify trees to be removed as a result of the proposed construction or restoration. See Protection of existing trees on construction sites.
• Mitigation Plan: Tree mitigation is the act of compensating for the removal of existing healthy trees by planting a proportional number of replacement trees. Many jurisdictions have mitigation requirements based on the species and number of trees to be removed as a result of a construction project. Siting design elements and grading in ways that limits the removal of trees, especially hardwood species, can often reduce the need for replacement tree stock.

It is important to review your project location’s municipal code documents early in the design process to ensure that you are able to meet all permit requirements.

Invasive Species

In the process of completing a vegetation site assessment, it is important to understand the amount and type of invasive species pressure that may occur on or around the site. Early identification of invasive species can save you time, money, and increase the likelihood of project success. Invasive species spread rapidly, especially when a site is disturbed due to construction, and can out-compete native species and reduce quality of the BMP.

To learn more about invasive species in Minnesota visit the links below:

• Invasive terrestrial plants - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• State prohibited noxious weeds - Minnesota Department of Health
• Identify invasive and non-native species - University of Minnesota
• Invasive plants - Board of Water and Soil Resources
• Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council
• Invasive Plant Species in Minnesota – Minnesota Wildflowers

Soil heath and function (Effect of vegetation on soil health)

Planting soil quality and characteristics has a direct effect on the vegetative success within a BMP and the greater landscape ecosystem. Nutrient content, air content, texture, and other physical and chemical factors have a great ability to help or hinder plant growth and development. Review the following when considering soil suitability for your project as well as thinking about what plants would be suitable for selected soils.

Ability for soil to support vegetative growth

Planting soil or topsoil provides plants with the nutritional support for growth and development. Soil-based nutrients, specifically nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and other trace elements, provide building blocks for growing plants. Understanding the soil’s capacity to support vegetative growth is a critical step in providing for the long-term needs of plants.

For detailed discussions of soil topics, including soil characteristics, sampling, and testing, see Information on soil.

Nutrients
Plants require 18 soil-available nutrients for successful growth and development. These nutrients are categorized as either macronutrients or micronutrients. Macronutrients are those used by plants in large quantity and include carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Micronutrients are required by plants in lesser quantity and include boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), chlorine (Cl), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni).

The presence of three key nutrients, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), make up the fundamental building blocks of soil nutrients necessary for vegetative growth, development, and overall health. As such, these are the three elements most often supplied by fertilizer, where the “N-P-K Ratio” or “NPK Ratio” is the percentage, by volume, of each of these elements. This link provides a summary of each micronutrient and macronutrient, the plant uptake form or compound, identification of nutrient deficiencies in plants, and soil mobility of each nutrient.

pH

Effect of soil pH on plant nutrients. Source: University of California

pH is the measure of acidity or basicity in soil. Soils generally should be close to neutral (pH = 7.0) for the largest number of plant species requirements, although some are better suited for more acid or basic environments. A soil testing laboratory can provide you with a soil’s pH. A composite soil sample for each type of soil to be used or reused on site should be taken and tested for pH prior to use.

Bulk density
Bulk density is an indicator of soil compaction, as measured by the weight of the dry soil divided by the total soil volume. As soil compaction increases, the total soil water holding capacity and root-available moisture decreases. Compacted soils have more dry weight than uncompacted soils, thus having a higher soil bulk density. High bulk density soils are generally unable to support vegetative growth as they restrict root growth due to inhibited gas and water exchange between the soil rooting space and the atmosphere. See the General relationship of soil bulk density to root growth based on soil texture table for soil bulk density thresholds for optimal soil root development.

General relationship of soil bulk density to root growth based on soil texture
Link to this table

Soil texture	Ideal bulk densities (g/cm3)	Bulk densities that may affect plantgrowth (g/cm3)	Bulk densities that restrict root growth (g/cm3)
sands, loamy sands	<1.60	1.69	>1.80
sandy loams, loams	<1.40	1.63	>1.80
sandy clay loams, loams, clay loams	<1.40	1.60	>1.75
silts, silt loams	<1.30	1.60	>1.75
silt loams, silty clay loams	<1.40	1.55	>1.65
sandy clays, silty clays, clay loams with 35-45% clay	<1.10	1.49	>1.58
clays (>45% clay)	<1.10	1.39	>1.47

Microbial function in rhizosphere (fungi, algae, bacteria, protozoa)
Organic soils are living environments for a variety of microbes and microorganisms. Soil microbes include fungi, algae, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, all providing differing functions but all contributing to positive or negative soil health. Some beneficial functions associated with soil microorganism include nitrogen-fixing, residue and plant material decomposition, nutrient cycling for plant availability, and phosphorus solubilization. These processes enhance the quality, quantity, and gas exchange of soil organic layer.

Soil testing (existing topsoil vs borrow)

All topsoil for use in your project should be tested prior to installation to determine its value and acceptability as a growth media. The following laboratories are a few that provide soil testing to assist you in obtaining the information you need to determine the quality of your soil. Refer to each lab’s website to see which tests are offered, as not all provide comprehensive soil testing for every soil quality listed hereafter.

• University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory
• Crop Services International
• International Ag Labs
• Soil Food Web Certified Lab-Techs international listing, see map here

You may test either salvaged topsoil from your site or a prepared mix from a soil supplier. It is important to verify that salvaged topsoil is acceptable for reuse with content and quality within acceptable thresholds. For stockpiled soils, soil samples should be taken at varying depths from stockpile’s surface to base of stockpile to ensure uniform quality of the sourced soil.

Soil health indicators as they may relate to vegetation establishment and long-term planting success

Soil texture triangle showing the USDA classification system based on grain size. Click on image to enlarge.

General relationship between soil moisture and texture. Ohio Agronomy Guide, 14th edition, Bulletin 472-05.

The indicators of soil health can vary greatly across different topsoil types, parent materials, and environmental conditions. It is important to consider the soil’s capacity for what you are intending to plant when you are evaluating your topsoil. Testing your soil for the following indicators will provide you with a good foundation to evaluate your soil’s ability to grow and sustain vegetation. Additional soil health indicators not listed below should be considered if they will assist in evaluating more specialized soil conditions.

Soil texture/composition/structure
There are 12 major soil texture classifications as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. Soil texture classifications are based on the relative content, by volume, of three classes of soil particle grain sizes – sands, silts, and clays. Plant-available soil moisture is held and retained in the pore space between the individual soil particles so it is important to understand the soil water characteristics provided by the soil structure. An assessment of grain size and soil texture should be performed with a sieve analysis to assess for soil structure. A separate analysis of organic material should accompany the test for the soil texture as this is not included in the sieve analysis.

One additional way soil structure can be classified is in terms of larger soil particle aggregations. These larger aggregations of soil particles are termed “peds”. These larger peds form the soil structural unit. Retaining ped structure in the soil can assist in preserving soil biology, atmospheric gas exchange, drainage characteristics of the native soil, as well as reducing compaction relative to soils with a uniform soil texture. This page provides a summary of soil texture and structure as part of a larger discussion of soil physical properties and processes.

In general, loams or silt loams are preferred soil textures for general planting applications, whereas sandy loams and loamy sands are preferred for stormwater management vegetation growth media.

For more information, see Soil classification

Moisture content water holding capacity
Soil moisture content is critical to supporting vegetation, specifically that moisture which is root-available for use in plant growth and development. The available water holding capacity (AWC) in the soil root zone is the volumetric difference between field capacity (FC) and the permanent wilting point (PWP). This page provides a summary of the soil hydrologic properties and processes, including soil moisture content terms used hereafter. Soil moisture AWC’s vary by soil type.

In general and in terms of supporting most plants, optimal growth and development occurs when soil moisture content is between approximately 40-50% of AWC and FC. Wilting begins to occur at <40% AWC when the roots’ moisture extraction from the soil pores is inhibited as water potential increases in the roots relative to the surrounding soil. However, it is important to understand that vegetation growth and development can be arrested or mortality can occur both when soil moisture is limited (below PWP) and excessive (in saturated conditions).

Recommended values for porosity, field capacity and wilting point for different soils.¹
Link to this table.

Soil	Hydrologic soil group	Porosity 2 (volume/volume)	Field capacity (volume/volume)	Wilting point (volume/volume)	Porosity minus field capacity (volume/volume)3	Field capacity minus wilting point (volume/volume)4
Sand	A (GM, SW, or SP)	0.43	0.17	0.025 to 0.09	0.26	0.11
Loamy sand	A (GM, SW, or SP)	0.44	0.09	0.04	0.35	0.05
Sandy loam	A (GM, SW, or SP)	0.45	0.14	0.05	0.31	0.09
Loam	B (ML or OL)	0.47	0.25 to 0.32	0.09 to 0.15	0.19	0.16
Silt loam	B (ML or OL)	0.50	0.28	0.11	0.22	0.17
Sandy clay loam	C	0.4		0.07
Clay loam	D	0.46	0.32	0.15	0.14	0.17
Silty clay loam	D	0.47 to 0.51	0.30 to 0.37	0.17 to 0.22	0.16	0.14
Sandy clay	D	0.43		0.11
Silty clay	D	0.47		0.05
Clay	D	0.47	0.32	0.20	0.15	0.12

¹Sources of information include Saxton and Rawls (2006), Cornell University, USDA-NIFA, Minnesota Stormwater Manual. (See References for trees)
²Soil saturation is assumed to be equal to the porosity.
³This value may be used to represent the volume of water that will drain from a bioretention media.
⁴This value may be used to estimate the amount of water available for evapotranspiration

Cation exchange capacity (CEC)
Positively-charged particles, or cations, in the soil are often metals or other elements that are soil health indicators and responsible for plant growth and development. Some typical soil cations and their relative positive charge are magnesium (Mg+2), calcium (Ca+2), potassium (K+), ammonium (NH4+), hydrogen (H+), and sodium (Na+). Negatively-charged elements, or anions, combine with and neutralize the negative charge. Some common soil anions include compounds and elements such as sulfates (SO4-), phosphates (PO4-3), nitrates (NO3-), and chlorine (Cl-).

Clays and organic material in the soil generally have a weakly negative charge and hold onto cations. The weak association makes these cations able to be exchanged or replaced by other cations. The total number of cations a soil can hold is therefore equivalent to its total negative charge. This is referred to as the soil’s cation exchange capacity (CEC).

As the majority of the trace elements necessary for plant growth and development are positively-charged particles, the cation exchange capacity of the soil is critical to supporting and sustaining root development and plant growth. If the CEC is low, cations (e.g. nutrients) leach out with water infiltration through the soil. Low-CEC soils may require additional support via fertilizers or liming to provide a higher CEC environment and prevent leaching. Soil testing labs can provide support on which types, application rate, and the application time of year for fertilizers that will best support sustainable soil CEC conditions and reduce leaching.

Infiltration Rates
Infiltration varies by soil type as discussed on this page. For plants, higher soil infiltration rates may actually inhibit growth and development with lower field capacity and soil-available moisture than ones with lower rates. In general, infiltration rates in the range of 0.3 – 1.1 inches per hour will support good soil water conditions for plants. Lower infiltration rate soils should be avoided in stormwater applications as they tend not to drain in the required time as well as provide saturated soil conditions uninhabitable to many plants.

Bulk density
Bulk density is the relationship of a soil’s weight relative to volume after water has been removed. This page provides a larger discussion of soil bulk density. Ideal soil bulk density ranges by soil texture, as do thresholds where plant growth becomes restricted. Lower bulk density is beneficial for root growth and development, as it is generally a measure of lower compaction rates, higher pore volume, and better soil moisture and atmospheric gas exchange conditions. Coarser soils can support relatively higher bulk densities without becoming compacted and restricting plant root development. Bulk density can be lowered by addition of compost or other organic material, as well as the development of roots.

Compaction
Compaction is directly related to bulk density, as a soil’s weight relative to volume increases when the soil particles are compressed or decreases when they are loosened. This page links to further information on compaction. Similar to bulk density, compaction tolerances for plant growth and development vary by soil type. Coarser grained, gap-graded, and higher organic material soils tend to resist compaction and maintain better soil pore conditions.

A penetrometer can provide a field assessment of placed soils to ensure they are not over-compacted when placed. Compaction is generally measured in terms of standard proctor density. Standard proctor density (S.P.D.) is a measure of the maximum weight per unit volume achieved under optimal soil moisture conditions. In general, plant root growth and development is restricted at compaction levels of 80% of S.P.D. and above.

Compaction cannot be adjusted by watering. Compacted soils must be tilled or otherwise mechanically loosened to recreate pore space between soil particles that was reduced during the compaction process. Addition of compost or other amendment that reduces bulk density after mechanical loosening will assist in providing soil pore space and supporting regeneration of soil biology. This page provides a discussion on methods to adjust compaction.

Nutrient and organic matter content
Organic material provides a number of soil functions as discussed herein, specifically providing nutrients and supporting optimal soil bulk density. In general, organic material content in the soil should range between 5 -15%, by volume. Prepared and salvaged soils are generally deficient in organic material and can be amended via addition of compost or other amendments. Organic material can break down over time so it is recommended to amend soils that have lower amounts of the organic materials content. See this page for typical organic materials and their soil properties.

Soluble salts
Soluble salts, specifically chlorides, nitrates, and sulfates – are often found in soils due to contamination from road maintenance activities, fertilization, industrial activities, and soil amendment applications. In general, acceptable soils should have very low concentrations of these for plant growth. Often this is measured on soil tests in terms of electrical conductivity. In general, soluble salt concentration should be < 10 deciSiemen per meter.

Metals and minerals
A full panel of metals and minerals should be provided with soil tests to understand which ones are present in the soil and in what quantity. At minimum, a soil test should include a full panel of macronutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S)), as well as a micronutrients or trace elements to evaluate any soil deficiencies that should be corrected with soil amendments prior to placing the soils on site.

pH
Soil pH should generally be neutral (~7.0) in topsoil. Different soil parent materials such as limestone can elevate the pH above 7.0 (basic soils). Some soil additives or amendments such as peat may lower the pH below 7.0 (acidic soils). A pH test should be provided to understand if agricultural lime or other soil amendments such as compost are necessary prior to placing on the site.

Soil biotic assessment
A soil biotic assessment will provide you with the types and concentrations of the microbial content of your soil, as well as the composition of positive or negative microorganisms. A composite soil sample from each borrow area should be tested at a specialized laboratory that performs soil biology testing. The result will provide you with a summary report as well as the concentration of positive and negative species and recommendations for support or soil treatment.

Understanding soil test results

Most laboratory soil tests will provide you with an analysis of the results to provide you with a fundamental understanding of your soil. These will also provide with recommendations for optimizing the soil for planting conditions. After you read your results, you can select the appropriate soil amendments to get your soil into acceptable range. Often this will be a range since soil conditions vary and plants have inherent flexibility to thrive in a range of soil conditions.

Design considerations
Understand what soil amendments are required based on the guidance provided by the laboratory testing reports. Match plants to soil types and other design parameters such as hydrology, inundation period, soluble salt concentrations and regimes. Account for variation in soil and seasonal moisture conditions. Account for amendments to get soil into optimal range. Add compost or other amendments to adjust.

Ability to support vegetative growth and a fully-functioning soil ecology
The ability to support vegetative growth is tied directly to the soil ecology itself, therefore it is important to get each soil into an optimal range of soil health parameters. In short, “If you build it, they will come”; soil organisms will establish and thrive given the appropriate set of soil environmental conditions. Soils stockpiled for too long tend to be deficient in biology. Do not reuse soils stockpiled under saturated conditions. Creating the right soil environment and vegetative growth will support a functional soil ecology.

Supporting hydraulic/hydrologic function (bulk density, structure, texture)
Permeability/infiltration rate, soil water holding capacity, CEC, bulk density to support gas exchange, etc. Make amendments – compost for bulk density, sand for texture, etc. – as necessary to support the soil to open up the surface and promote water infiltration and gas exchange.

Amending soils based on results for plant establishment (i.e. changing pH or adding certain minerals)

Soils can be amended based on the desired vegetation, soil type, texture, and other design conditions and physical parameters. Review the soil test recommendations to work with your soil to achieve the desired conditions for your vegetation. Links to additional information:

• https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Assessing_soil_health_and_function
• https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/compost-and-soil-organic-matter-more-merrier
• https://extension.umn.edu/manage-soil-nutrients/quick-guide-fertilizing-plants
• https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/choosing-a-soil-amendment/
• https://www.bachmans.com/information/care-advice/managing-garden-soil-nutrients

Organic Amendments
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the organic compounds that you can use to amend the soil. Most commercial and natural fertilizers report these in terms of the N-P-K ratio. Review the soil test recommendations to address recommended deficiencies. Apply organic amendments only during the time periods specified by the soil test report. Organic soil amendments address moisture content, CEC, pH, and bulk density, as well as support soil biology and provide critical trace elements.

Inorganic Amendments
Minerals, pH adjustments such as lime, sand, iron, and others can be added as recommended. Review whether or not each amendment is mobile within the soil to ensure it is incorporated or applied throughout the soil profile.

Soil loosening or stabilization techniques
Soil loosening should be performed on over-compacted soils or those with relatively high bulk densities. Bulking agents such as mulch or other soil amendments can be added when performing soil loosening to further reduce compaction and hold open soils for atmospheric gas and water exchange.

Soil Mixes selected for certain design conditions (e.g. low organic media, salt tolerance, high iron, etc.)

It is important that you select a soil that matches your hydrologic regime and design conditions with your plant selection. Not all soils are appropriate for all BMPs. For example, tighter soils with lower infiltration rates in a rainy year may tend to become waterlogged and anoxic, reducing or eliminating growth of upland vegetation therein. However, certain wetland vegetation or that tolerant of inundated soils may thrive in that design condition.

The following links provide a variety of mix designs for different BMPs and design conditions, as well as a comparison of where these soils would be best applied to support plant growth and development. Consult a landscape architect or landscape ecologist for additional assistance and recommendations for plant selection for your specific BMP and site conditions.

• https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Engineered_(bioretention)_media_mixes_for_stormwater_applications
• https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Comparison_of_pros_and_cons_of_bioretention_soil_mixes

Reuse on site – topsoil preservation
Native soils are preferred media for reuse on site as they developed under the site’s conditions and are therefore best matched to the individual site pressures. Often these will need to be amended prior to reuse. Review the guidance provided by soil tests for amending soils and provide the nutrients in the recommended quantities. All soil amendments that are not mobile within the soil profile should be mixed to a uniform texture prior to placing the soils in your BMP or tilled to full depth to incorporate. Soil amendments that are mobile within the soil profile may be applied as recommended. All soils for reuse on site should meet the thresholds of a similar engineered bioretention mix and the BMP design parameters.

Individual vegetation effects (e.g., N-fixers, deep rooters effect on hydrology, etc.)

Essentially, a balanced soil-vegetation ecosystem both sustains and regenerates itself, as the vegetation and soil biology are matched to the environmental conditions and pressures in which they have developed. Some positive effects of vegetation on sustaining soils include:

• Nitrogen-fixing. Mutualistic associations of soil bacteria with roots transform atmospheric nitrogen into plant-supporting compounds such as ammonia which are added back into the soil.
• Pipeflow. Residual roots in the soil are left in situ after plants die. The inner portion of the roots decompose but the outer portion is left in place much like a straw. This structure provides pathways for deep soil infiltration and gas exchange referred to as pipeflow. The deeper water and atmospheric gas exchange create a thicker organic layer and soil ecology.
• Vegetative Carbon Sequestration. Vegetation assists in capturing and storing carbon. This is mainly achieved by harvesting it from the air as carbon dioxide as part of the photosynthesis process. Carbon sequestration decreases atmospheric carbon levels as well as regenerating the carbon into a form that is beneficial and able to be utilized by plants.
• Canopy interception and shading. Soil detachment and erosional forces are lessened with vegetative cover. Vegetive canopy intercepts and stores rainwater that would otherwise turn into runoff. It also provides shading to decrease thermal effects on soil biological organisms.