Reconstructed Soils in Alberta Oil Sands Limit Fine Root Growth of Trees

Authors
Sarah Boon
Matthew Pyper
Resource Date:
2014
Page Length
1

At the tailings sand sites, fine root biomass decreased with depth and proximity to the textural interface. The low water holding capacity and low water availability of the tailings sand led to a shortage of water and associated nutrients (both cations and nitrogen), reducing fine root and tree growth.

At the overburden sites, fine root biomass decreased abruptly at the textural interface, while electrical conductivity increased. This was associated with compaction and higher salinity levels in the overburden layer. The compaction reduced  the ability of roots to penetrate the soils, while the saline soils caused salinity stress – both of which could reduce both nutrient uptake and fine root biomass.