Cumulative soil chemistry changes from land application of saline-sodic waters
Journal Article
·
· Journal of Environmental Quality
- University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (United States). Department for Renewable Resources
Management of large volumes (60,000 ha-m) of co-production water associated with coal bed natural gas (CBNG) water extraction is a potential concern in the Powder River Basin (PRB) of Wyoming and Montana due to elevated water salinity and sodicity levels. Land application of saline-sodic CBNG water is a common water management method being practiced in the PRB, which can result in deterioration in soil quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects from 1 to 4 yr of land application with CBNG water on soil chemical properties at six study sites (fine to loamy, mixed to smectitic, mesic, Ustic Ardisols and Entisols) in the Wyoming PRB region. Changes in chemistry of soils collected from six depths irrigated with CBNG water were compared with representative non-irrigated soils. Applications of CBNG water significantly increased soil EC, SAR, and ESP values (up to 21, 74, and 24 times, respectively) compared with non-irrigated soils. Differences in soil chemical properties between an irrigated and non-irrigated coarse-textured soil were less than that of fine-textured soils, emphasizing texture as an important factor for salinity buildup. Pretreatment of CBNG water using a sulfur burner and application of gypsum and elemental S soil amendments reduced soil pH but did not prevent the build-up of salts and sodium. Study results suggest that current CBNG water management strategies are not as effective as projected. Additional research is needed to develop management strategies appropriate for mitigating adverse effects of CBNG water irrigation.
- OSTI ID:
- 21107514
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Environmental Quality, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Quality Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 37; ISSN JEVQAA; ISSN 0047-2425
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Soil and plant responses from land application of saline-sodic waters: Implications of management
Soil chemical changes resulting from irrigation with water co-produced with coalbed natural gas
Saline and sodic spoils: what are they and how are they reclaimed
Journal Article
·
Mon Sep 15 00:00:00 EDT 2008
· Journal of Environmental Quality
·
OSTI ID:21107515
Soil chemical changes resulting from irrigation with water co-produced with coalbed natural gas
Journal Article
·
Wed Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 2005
· Journal of Environmental Quality
·
OSTI ID:20688451
Saline and sodic spoils: what are they and how are they reclaimed
Journal Article
·
Thu Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1976
· Min. Congr. J.; (United States)
·
OSTI ID:7146856