Engineered (bioretention) media organic material properties and specifications.
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Property Biochar Coir Compost Peat Wood chips
Phosphorus leaching No No to slight
Phosphorus retention No to slight No
Handling concerns Potential explosive concerns in closed space situations; volatile compounds (depending on pyrolysis temperature) Dust
Soil hydraulic properties Significant improvement Significant improvement
Soil physical properties Significant improvement Moderate improvement
Plant effects Beneficial but varies with feedstock Beneficial
Availability Multiple distributors Widely available
Specifications available Limited due to variability with feedstocks Yes
Cost
Research needs Feedstocks suitable for stormwater applications Phosphorus fate in stormwater applications
Applications [1] [2]
Chemical and physical properties [3] [4]
Sustainability Sustainable, but has current market constraints Sustainable
Potential contaminants Minor risk - metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Low risk - possible chloride depending on preparation method
Test methods Not standardized but International Biochar Initiative widely used [5] Not standardized but multiple methods available [6]
Effects of aging/Life expectancy Varies with production method [7] Decomposes slowly unless nutrients are added [8]
Notes Characteristics vary with feedstock and pyrolysis temperature Coir must be composted or incorporated with compost, lime, fertilizer, and/or microbes