Current Research
Current research addresses emerging challenges in erosion, sediment, stormwater, soil restoration, and water quality across North Carolina.
Research Priorities
Our research program focuses on applied questions that can improve erosion and sediment control, restore disturbed soils, reduce pollutant transport, and strengthen water quality management. Projects range from controlled experiments at SECREF to field studies conducted with agency, industry, and university partners across North Carolina.
Current Research Projects
Biological Soil Amendments for Post-Construction Soils
This project evaluates compost application methods, compost characteristics, and other biological soil amendments for improving vegetation establishment, infiltration, water retention, and drought tolerance in disturbed and roadside soils. Greenhouse, laboratory, and field studies compare compost with amendments such as biochar, biostimulants, and microbial inoculants to identify effective, practical soil-improvement strategies.
Funded by: North Carolina Department of Transportation
NCDOT Research Project: 2025-04
Onsite Management of Diamond Grinding Slurry Wastewater
This project evaluates whether wastewater generated after settling diamond grinding slurry in sediment basins can be beneficially reused onsite. Greenhouse and field studies are testing wastewater application as irrigation to determine effects on vegetation establishment, plant growth, soil properties, and potential environmental impacts, with the goal of informing future DGS management and permitting decisions.
Funded by: North Carolina Department of Transportation
NCDOT Research Project: 2025-02
Calibration and Feasibility of Rapid Soil Acidity and Lime-rate Tool (R-SALT)
Developing a field-deployable method and calculation tool to rapidly estimate soil lime requirements, helping improve vegetation establishment while reducing under- or over-application of lime on disturbed sites.
Funded by: North Carolina Department of Transportation
NCDOT Research Project: 2027-037
Extreme Rainfall & Resilient ESC
Research examining how rainfall intensity, storm sequencing, antecedent moisture, and soil properties influence erosion, runoff, sediment transport, and the performance limits of erosion and sediment control practices.
Partner With Us
We collaborate with state and federal agencies, municipalities, industry, researchers, and other organizations on applied research addressing erosion, sediment, stormwater, and water quality challenges.