A Comparison of Soil Treatments and Amendments for Forest Re-establishment on Oil Sands Leases

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Sandy soil poses challenges for reclamation professionals due to wind erosion, low organic matter content and low water holding capacity. In Canada's boreal forest, reclamation efforts involving sandy soil are further exacerbated by length of growing season and impact of soil disturbance on saprobic and symbiotic elements of the microbial community. Disruption of this living component reduces the soil's ability to decompose litter and translocate nutrients, minerals, and water to newly established plants. For Alberta and Saskatchewan's oil sands sector, these challenges have contributed to mixed success regarding reclamation efforts while engendering significant expenditures in manpower and equipment. From 2015 to 2017, the oil industry experienced a 49% decrease in capital investments and a $19 billion loss in revenue. Advances in reclamation science leading to improved reforestation success appear more in demand than ever, particularly if they can be achieved at reduced cost. Saskatchewan Polytechnic, in association with Reclaimit Ltd., aims to address this need through a series of research trials to identify soil treatments and amendments that offer enhanced prospects for jack pine (Pinus banksiana) establishment and growth. The research will focus on organic content, microbial community development, and plant growth. The proposed setting for this research will be Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Hanin Creek Education and Research Facility (HCEARF) in the Mid-boreal Upland Ecoregion of north central Saskatchewan. This ecological setting is consistent with many oil sands developments in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Our objective is to identify the ideal soil treatment for ecologically sustainable forest reclamation on coarse-textured soils. Results will be compared to reference ecosystems. These advancements in reclamation science should prove beneficial for carbon sequestration as well.