Development of Machinery Systems for Urban Land Care

Jonathan Chaplin, Associate Professor
John Nieber, Professor
John Baker, USDA
Leo Holm, Minnesota Department of Transportation
Dwayne Stenlund, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Funding Source

Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station

Objective

This is a broad-based project that has been initiated to address the need of urban land care, specifically dealing with compaction, drainage, and plant husbandry issues on construction sites. Sites may be state, residential, or commercial.

Need or Impact

Building development or inner city redevelopment necessitates the disturbance of soil. The soil is often relocated and in the course of the construction project may become compacted. The soils are often layered so that drainage is impaired. Plant establishment on construction sites is often difficult due to the poor condition of the soil and its drainage characteristics. This project will investigate soil drainage in urban settings and solutions using tillage and other mechanisms that will result in improved infiltration and reduced soil erosion.

Project Status

In progress.