Effect of subsoiling and injection of pelletized organic matter on soil quality and productivity

Abstract

Leskiw, L. A., Welsh, C. M. and Zeleke, T. B. 2012. Effect of subsoiling and injection of pelletized organic matter on soil quality and productivity. Can. J. Soil Sci. 92: 269–276. Subsoil compaction is a widespread problem in most reclamation and other industrial operations. The objective of our research was to evaluate effectiveness of coupling deep subsoiling with injection of 20 Mg ha−1 organic matter pellets. Research was conducted at seven sites on a pipeline right-of-way in central Alberta. Treatments were subsoiling, subsoiling with pellets and a compacted right-of-way (control), established in spring and fall 2009. Treatment effects on soil physical properties and nutrient status were assessed in fall 2009 for spring-established sites and on all sites in fall 2010. Density and height of canola plants were determined in late summer 2010. Relative to the control, subsoiling with pellet treatments had lower bulk density in the 20- to 40-cm depth interval (up to 40%) in 2010, particularly in clay-loam soils. This treatment often had higher available phosphorus and total organic carbon in 2010, and total nitrogen in spring treated sites in 2009. Relative to the control, subsoiling with pellets had 46% higher canola plant density in clay loam soils of fall-treated sites. Subsoiling with pellets is recommended on heavy-textured, compacted soils to alleviate compaction and increase plant productivity.