image bioretention
Engineered media in a bioretention practice. Image from MPCA's Flickr website.
compost image
Compost is an important component of most engineered media mixes. It is also commonly used as an amendment to improve soil properties, such as infiltration rate, fertility, and structure. Image from MPCA's Flickr website.
Information: Engineered media is manufactured from soil (sand, silt, clay) and other components (e.g. compost, iron, etc.), in specific proportions, for a specific application (e.g. green roof, bioretention, tree box). Because engineered media are widely used in bioretention practices, the term "bioretention media" is widely used. We prefer the term "engineered media" as it more accurately describes the applicability of these media.

May 26, 2021 webinar

Soil and engineered media are fundamental design characteristics of most post-construction stormwater practices. Engineered media is a mixture of sand, fines (silt, clay), and organic matter utilized in stormwater practices, most frequently in bioretention practices. The media is typically designed to have a rapid infiltration rate, attenuate pollutants, and allow for plant growth. In some applications, soil or media amendments are utilized to improve soil conditions or enhance treatment effectiveness of a BMP.

This page provides links to pages that address topics related to soil, engineered media, and soil/media amendments.

Soil

Engineered media

This page was last edited on 8 February 2023, at 22:24.