Zettl, J. D., Barbour, S. L., Huang, M., Si, B. C. and Leskiw, L. A. 2011. Influence of textural layering on field capacity of coarse soils. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 133–147. The current method of designing reclamation covers for land disturbed by oil sands mining in northern Alberta, Canada, relies on an estimate of the field capacity (FC) of both natural soils and reclamation soil prescriptions. The objective of this research was to examine the influence of layered, textural heterogeneity on FC. Field testing was performed on seven natural sites with coarse-textured soils that support a range of ecosite classes. Double-ring infiltration and drainage tests with real time monitoring of water content were undertaken along with test pit excavation and detailed profile sampling. The measured water storage at FC following drainage demonstrated that higher water storage at FC values are associated with increased textural heterogeneity, and these sites reflected more productive ecosite class. Rigorous, physically based modeling illustrated that a texturally heterogeneous site can have water storage at FC within 1 m profile that is between 110 to 330 mm higher than a homogeneous profile with the same average texture. These higher values of water storage at FC in texturally heterogeneous sites could account for the differences in observed ecosite productivity. This work highlights the importance of textural layering in designing reclamation covers in coarse-textured soils to maximize FC.

Moskal, T. D., Leskiw, L., Naeth, M. A. and Chanasyk, D. S. 2001. Effect of organic carbon (peat) on moisture retention of peat:mineral mixes. Can. J. Soil Sci. 81: 205-211. Quantification of the effects of organic carbon (OC) addition to reclaimed soils is an important reclamation issue. Such effects on soil texture, field capacity (FC), wilting point (PWP) and water-holding capacity (WHC), all expressed both on a gravimetric and volumetric basis, were quantified using both in situ soil samples and laboratory-prepared peat:mineral mixes. Soil samples were collected from both natural and reclaimed areas within the Oil Sands region of Alberta; peat was obtained from the same area. Organic carbon was determined for laboratory-created mixtures and expressed as volume ratios; for the in situ samples it was expressed as % OC. Bulk density, an important factor in the effects of OC on water retention, was measured in situ.Water retention parameters of in situ samples on a gravimetric basis were significantly related to % OC, but those on a volume basis were not. Trends in volumetric WHC for in situ, coarse-textured samples were similar to those for gravimeteric WHC, due to similar bulk densities ranging from 1.30 to 1.40 Mg m -3 . However, for in situ peaty soils, trends in volumetric water retention did not mimic those expressed on a gravimetric basis due to low and irregular bulk densities. For laboratory-constructed peat:mineral mixes, FC and WHC were significantly impacted by % OC, however, PWP was not.The addition of peat material resulted in minor textural changes for sand and loamy sand; hence, the change in texture could not be responsible for the increases in WHC as the result of peat additions. The results for sandy loam were variable. Les échantillons venaient de sols naturels et de sols restaurés dans la région des sables bitumineux de l'Alberta; la tourbe a été prélevée aux mêmes endroits. On a calculé la quantité de carbone organique (CO) des mélanges préparés en laboratoire et on l'a exprimée sous forme de rapport volumique; la concentration de CO des échantillons prélevés in situ a pour sa part été exprimée en pourcentage de carbone organique. La densité apparente, facteur important dans l'étude des effets du CO sur la rétention de l'eau, a été établie in situ.Les paramètres de la rétention d'eau des échantillons prélevés in situ présentent une relation significative avec le pourcentage de CO sur le plan gravimétrique, mais pas au niveau volumétrique. La CRE des échantillons à texture grossière prélevés in situ suit la même tendance pour la volumétrie et la gravimétrie à cause d'une densité apparente analogue, variant de 1,3 à 1,4 mg/m 3 . Dans les sols tourbeux prélevés in situ cependant, la tendance volumétrique de la rétention d'eau n'imite pas la tendance gravimétrique en raison de la densité apparente faible et irrégulière des échantillons. Les valeurs CC et CRE des mélanges préparés en laboratoire étaient sensiblement affectées par le pourcentage de carbone organique, ce qui n'était pas le cas pou...

Long‐term stockpiling of soil salvaged from oil sands operations often leads to the deterioration of soil quality and poor reclamation results for disturbed land. This study assessed the efficacy of organic amendments in improving the quality and productivity of long‐term stockpiled salvaged soil in Canada's Alberta oil sands region (AOSR). Dry soil samples (4.2 kg) from a 24‐yr‐old stockpile were placed into 5‐L pots and amended with biochar, humalite, peat, and 50:50 mixtures of biochar and peat (BCP) and biochar and humalite (BCH) at rates corresponding to 0, 6.55, 13.1, and 26.2 g C kg−1 soil. The pots were seeded with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), fertilized, and placed in a growth chamber. Plants were allowed to grow for three crop cycles of 45 to 59 d each and harvested at the end of each cycle. Results showed that biochar and peat increased dry matter yield (DMY) by 38 and 40%, respectively, compared with the unamended soil. Humalite produced the highest N and P concentrations in plant tissue, but this did not translate to an increase in DMY. Biochar and peat offer the greatest promise for improving the productivity of long‐term stockpiled salvaged soil, thereby enhancing the success of reclamation of disturbed sites.

This paper highlights major activities and achievements in soil science by professors at the University of Alberta (U of A), which provide incredible benefits to society, provincially, nationally, and globally. Evolution of the soils profession in Alberta commenced in 1919 with the hiring of FA Wyatt who developed the Department of Soil Science (DSS) and initiated a soil survey program in Alberta. JD Newton joined the department in 1922, teaching and supporting soil surveys that led to a fertilizer program greatly benefitting agriculture. With time, opportunities and problems were encountered with utilization of soils. U of A soil scientists conducted inventories, conducted innovative research, developed superior management techniques, and through evolving education and extension, continuously helped bring improvements to how we utilized and managed soil resources. The DSS 100 year evolution is chronicled under the themes of pedology (including soil survey), soil fertility, soil sustainability (conservation, land reclamation, contaminant remediation) with embedded specialized studies within these themes.

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