Potential ecosystem services provided by constructed Technosols

Abstract : Waste generation and management is a global issue receiving increasing attention. Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris generate high percentages of a country’s total solid waste, and has been estimated to contribute to 35% of the solid waste generated worldwide. Construction of Technosols is an innovative process based on the association of organic and mineral wastes to construct fertile soils that are favorable environment for plant growth. Such an approach could be a relevant solution to recycle significant amount of C&D materials as these waste could provide valuable properties such as bearing and drainage capacities and buffer capacity to the constructed Technosols. Technosols in various situations around the world are discussed as well as the actual and potential ecosystem services provided by such artificial soils. The presentation focuses on their designs and biotic choice. We explain and predict the assembly and function of Technosols under varieties of environmental conditions. Humans have total control over such soils and play a dominant role on every aspect and stages, providing a lot of opportunities. However, wrong choices can have tremendously negative consequences: every action should be weighted and evaluated carefully when manipulating these systems, to maximize Technosols ecological benefits while minimizing the ecological risk.