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MAcYK, T. M., PewruK, S. AND LrNosey, J. D. 1978. Relief and microclimate as related to soil properties. This study was undertaken to determine the influence of relief and microclimate on soil properties. Seven sites were chosen at different positions on the nofth-and south-facing slopes of a moderately rolling till knob. Physical, chemical and mineralogical analyses were conducted to characterize the soils at each of the sites. The vegetation of the area was described and soil temperatures and moisture were monitored at four depths. Redox potential and pH were measured to detect seasonal variations. Data for oxalate and dithionite-extractable iron and aluminum, cation exchange capacity, and X-ray diffraction showed only minor differences among the seven pedons along the slope faces. Soil temperature was higher on the south-facing slope than on the north-facing slope and air temperature was usually higher than soil temperature at the 10-cm depth. Soil moisture regime varied with position in the landscape. The soil on the nonh-facing slope was generally more moist than the soil on the south-facing slope. Redox potential varied seasonally and appeared to be related to the moisture content of the soil.

The Alberta Research Council, Inc. (ARC) has conducted a surface coal mine reclamation research program in association with the operations of Smoky River Coal Ltd. near Grande Cache, Alberta since 1971. The main objective of this long-term study was to develop and refine cost-effective methods of establishing a self-sustaining vegetation cover that is in harmony with adjacent undisturbed areas. Soil handling practice development involved the completion of soil surveys and development of soil salvage and replacement strategies in these regions where salvageable soil materials are minimal to non-existent. Plot studies to determine the suitability and adaptability of various introduced and native grasses and legumes as well as fertilization trials were established and monitored annually. In the early 1970's the lack of native seed necessitated the use of introduced species for large scale operational revegetation work in the subalpine region. Long-term monitoring results indicated that desirable introduced species will thrive and reproduce at these elevations and that native herbaceous species as well as trees and shrubs will invade the revegetated areas. Revegetation research activities in the alpine involved the use of native grasses and legumes indigenous to the area. Container and bare root conifer seedlings and cuttings of deciduous species were utilized initially to establish trees and shrubs in the subalpine. Direct seeding has also proven to be a viable method for establishment of trees and shrubs in the subalpine. Automated climate monitoring stations were installed at different elevations at three locations in the study area yielding data that support the conclusion that climate is the most limiting factor to reclamation success in the subalpine and alpine regions. Research results were transferred to the operational scale throughout the term of the study. Recommendations regarding appropriate reclamation practices for the regions including soil salvage and replacement strategies, revegetation techniques and successional processes have been developed.

The Alberta Research Council has conducted a reclamation research program near Grande Cache, Alberta in conjunction with the surface mining operations of Smoky River Coal Limited since 1972. Use of appropriate materials handling techniq~es and selection of suitable plant species combined with good management practices has resulted in the establishment of diverse plant communities that allow for different land use options. Climate was recognized as the most limiting factor to reclamation success in the region. Precipitation records were maintained on a growing season basis since the inception of the program. More recently, continuous monitoring equipment was installed to measure precipitation, air and soil temperature, wind speed and direction and relative humidity on a continuous basis. Frost-free period has ranged from 45 days to 112 days during the last five years. Soil temperatures at the 1 cm depth were found to exceed 46°C for several hours on consecutive days in areas characterized by a grass and legume cover. Measurement of the distribution and intensity of precipitation events indicates that the distribution of moisture can be somewhat less than effective for good plant establishment and growth. Prevailing winds are from the west and south. The data collected in the monitoring program are used to develop and refine operational reclamation procedures used in the area.

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.