RECOVERY OF PRODUCTIVITY OF ONTARIO SOILS DISTURBED BY AN OIL PIPELINE INSTALLATION

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Abstract
Measurement of soil properties and field-crop yields on cropland traversed by the Sarnia-Montreal oil pipeline indicated that pipeline isntallation detrimentally affected both crop yields and soil physical-chemical properties in the first year after construction. After 5 yr, relative yields improved although reductions still persisted at most row-cropped sites. However, alfalfa yields at two sites appeared to be unaffected by pipeline construction. Soil mixing and compaction on the right-of-way were most prevalent on medium- to fine-textured soils. Compaction did not appear to be a problem at a coarse-textured site. Soil chemical data indicated that spoil (subsoil) materials from the trench were spread across the right-of-way at most sites. Diluted soil organic matter levels in the right-of-way adversely affected nitrogen status. Medium- to fine-textured right-of-way soils had reduced porosities and hydraulic conductivities, but increased strengths compared with undisturbed adjacent soils.

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