<title-small />
<!-- table at top of page with logo, picture, Application level, Management level, and input-output tables -->
{|width="100%"
|[[Image:Planted_drying_beds.png |right|300px]]
|}
<br>----<br> [[Image:Icon_planted_drying_beds.png |right|95px80px]]
'''A Planted Drying Bed is similar to an [[Unplanted Drying Beds|Unplanted Drying Bed]] with the benefit of increased transpiration. The key feature is that the filters do not need to be desludged after each feeding/drying cycle. Fresh sludge can be applied directly onto the previous layer; it is the plants and their root systems that maintain the porosity of the filter.'''
<br>
This technology has the benefit of dewatering as well as stabilizing the sludge. Also, the roots of the plants create pathways through the thickening sludge to allow water to escape more easily.
Sludge should be applied in layers between 75 to 100mm and should be reapplied every 3 to 7 days depending on the sludge characteristics, the environment and operating constraints. Sludge application rates of up to 250kg/m2/year have been reported. The sludge can be removed after 2 to 3 years (although the degree of hygienization will vary with climate) and used for agriculture.
<br>
{{procontable | pro=
- Can handle high loading. <br> - Fruit or forage growing can generate income. <br> - Can be built and repaired with locally available materials. <br> - Low capital cost; low operating cost. <br> - Potential for local job creation and income generation. <br> - No electrical energy required. | con=
}}
===Adequacy===
This is an effective technology at decreasing sludge volume (down to 50%) through decomposition and drying, which is especially important when the sludge needs to be transported elsewhere for direct use, [[Co-composting]], or disposal. Planted drying beds are appropriate for small to medium communities with populations up to 100,000 people.
Trained staff for operation and maintenance is required to ensure proper functioning.
===Health Aspects/Acceptance===
Because of the pleasing aesthetics, there should be few problems with acceptance, especially if located away dense housing. Faecal sludge is hazardous and anyone working with it should wear protective clothing, boots and gloves.
===Maintenance===
The drains must be maintained and the effluent must be properly collected and disposed of. The plants should be periodically thinned and/or harvested.
==Acknowledgements=={{:Acknowledgements Sanitation}} ==References and external links===
* Crites, R. and Tchobanoglous, G. (1998). Small and Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems. WCB and McGraw-Hill, New York, USA.
* Kengne Noumsi, IM. (2008). Potentials of Sludge drying beds vegetated with Cyperus papyrus L. and Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam.) Hitchc. & Chase for faecal Sludge treatment in tropical regions. [PhD dissertation]. Yaounde (Cameroon): University of Yaounde. Available: http://www.nccr-north-south.unibe.ch
===Acknowledgements===
{{:Acknowledgements Sanitation}}