Kiesbett

Kiesbett is a German term meaning “gravel bed” and denotes a layer or accumulation of gravel used to provide drainage, filtration, or substrate in various contexts. In civil engineering and construction, a kiesbett is a coarse, well-sorted gravel layer placed beneath or around structures to aid drainage, reduce pore-water pressures, and help filter sediments. In wastewater treatment and constructed wetlands, gravel beds serve as a medium for filtration and biofilm growth, helping remove particulates and certain nutrients.

In horticulture and gardening, a kiesbett refers to a drainage layer at the bottom of pots, troughs, and raised beds. It prevents soil from clogging the drainage system, improves aeration, and helps regulate moisture around plant roots. In aquarium keeping, a kiesbett is the gravel substrate used for rooting plants, providing a surface for beneficial bacteria and contributing to the overall appearance of the setup, with grain sizes chosen to suit the inhabitants.

In geology and sedimentology, kiesbett describes a bed of coarse gravels within a stratigraphic sequence, often deposited by rivers, glacial outwash, or alluvial processes. Such gravels are typically well rounded and poorly sorted, reflecting transport by moving water or ice.

Materials commonly used for kiesbetten include quartz and other natural gravels, sometimes processed to remove sharp edges. Maintenance considerations include preventing excessive fine sediment accumulation, avoiding compaction, and replacing layers that lose drainage efficiency over time.