Evaluation of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) and vegetation interaction for soil rehabilitation
Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a form of biomediated geotechnical soil improvement that has been proposed to enhance the strength and hydraulic conductivity characteristics of soils and has been considered for a range of geotechnical applications (DeJong et al.
2006; 2014; 2022).
MICP enhances geotechnical properties through the bacterial precipitation of calcite, which can act as a binding agent between particles in a soil mass.
Although lab and field scale research has increasingly shown potential positive impact on engineering properties and applications, little is known about the interaction of an MICP-treated soil mass with vegetation and vegetative regrowth, which are important aspects for usability and sustainability of soil improvement techniques on many flood control infrastructure projects.
Prior research has shown that MICP treated soils exhibited seedling growth but heavily treated MICP soils exhibited sparse vegetation growth (Ghasemi & Montoya, 2022).
These findings suggest that a balance is needed between the biomediation to increase engineering properties and the concentration of MICP that inhibits vegetation growth.
Understanding this balance is important for informing the potential for MICP implementation, particularly in light of the increasing importance of nature-based engineering solutions and ensuring that engineered infrastructure is nature-inclusive.
2006; 2014; 2022).
MICP enhances geotechnical properties through the bacterial precipitation of calcite, which can act as a binding agent between particles in a soil mass.
Although lab and field scale research has increasingly shown potential positive impact on engineering properties and applications, little is known about the interaction of an MICP-treated soil mass with vegetation and vegetative regrowth, which are important aspects for usability and sustainability of soil improvement techniques on many flood control infrastructure projects.
Prior research has shown that MICP treated soils exhibited seedling growth but heavily treated MICP soils exhibited sparse vegetation growth (Ghasemi & Montoya, 2022).
These findings suggest that a balance is needed between the biomediation to increase engineering properties and the concentration of MICP that inhibits vegetation growth.
Understanding this balance is important for informing the potential for MICP implementation, particularly in light of the increasing importance of nature-based engineering solutions and ensuring that engineered infrastructure is nature-inclusive.
Related Programs
Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering
Department Of Defense
Agency: Department of Defense
Office: Engineer Research and Development Center
Estimated Funding: $170,000
Office: Engineer Research and Development Center
Estimated Funding: $170,000
Obtain Full Opportunity Text:
N/A
Additional Information of Eligibility:
This opportunity is restricted to non-federal partners of the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU).
Full Opportunity Web Address:
N/A
Contact:
Agency Email Description:
Kisha M. Craig
Agency Email:
Date Posted:
2023-06-13
Application Due Date:
Archive Date:
2023-09-13
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
Rwanda as Social Entrepreneur Fund Beneficiary
The Republic of Rwanda has been picked as one of the six African countries as beneficiaries for a new fellowship fund program designed at supporting social entrepreneurs in tackling issues on food security.
Learn How to Identify and Avoid Grant Scams
