Conference proceeding
Ecolotree™ cap at the Barje Landfill, Ljubljana, Slovenia, prototype demonstration
Advanced Power Assessment for Czech Lignite Task 3.6 -- Part II. Topical Report, p.283
12/01/1995
Abstract
The Ecolotree™ Buffer uses strategically planted Populus spp. (poplar) trees and forbs to prevent water pollution while growing fiber for biomass fuels, paper pulps, and construction materials. The concept, developed at the University of Iowa, uses root systems that act as a pump to predictable depths greater than 1.5 m (5 ft). The plant uptakes water, nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.), and adsorbable organics (such as herbicides) from soil. When the plant survival, growth rate, rooted soil depth, and water uptake are predictable, the site`s hydrology can be managed, and regulatory agencies are more willing to issue operating permits that include this vegetated barrier. Poplars transpire 600 to 1000 kilograms of water for every kilogram of stem dry matter (DM) growth. Measured poplar growth rates for 4-year old trees was 16,600 kg DM/hectare/yr. Conservatively, the water uptake calculated using the 600:1 water/stem growth ratio is 10,000,000 liters/hectare/yr. When transpiration exceeds rainfall, plants remove stored water from rooted soils. This dehydrating action effectively gives the soil a water storage capacity during winter dormancy. This Ecolotree™ Buffer technology develops the ability to greatly reduce water leakage without the need for membrane or clay layers in landfill cover soils. This concept is now being used to manage water at American and Slovenian landfills. In contrast with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved clay or geomembrane covers designed with slight regard for plant growth, this cover focuses on reestablishing a vigorous ecosystem. While accomplishing the primary goal of protecting groundwater purity, the Ecolotree™ Buffer grows a productive cover that stabilizes soil slopes, produces marketable crops, develops wildlife habitat, and provides a more pleasing ambiance.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Ecolotree™ cap at the Barje Landfill, Ljubljana, Slovenia, prototype demonstration
- Creators
- Louis LichtJerald Schnoor - Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (United States)
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding
- Publication Details
- Advanced Power Assessment for Czech Lignite Task 3.6 -- Part II. Topical Report, p.283
- Publisher
- North Dakota Univ.; Grand Forks, ND
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 12/01/1995
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health; Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9983997425202771
Metrics
16 Record Views