The Oil Sands mining industry in northern Alberta has made a commitment to return previously mined areas to functional forest ecosystems with a capability equivalent to the pre-mining condition. Successfully reclaiming Oil Sands mine spoil requires the construction of soil covers that provide a substrate to support the growth and development of self-sufficient forest ecosystems. Considerable empirical information has been acquired on moisture dynamics and nutrient content in capping materials. This empirical work is necessary to verify that ecosystem patterns and processes are consistent with anticipated outcomes but on their own, these studies are not sufficient to guide reclamation planning. There is recognition that reclamation needs to be guided by model- based projections of future performance in conjunction with empirical data.
For modeling tools to be useful in assessing the efficacy of different reclamation covers in achieving end land-use objectives, they need to be capable of representing how soil moisture influences nutrient cycling, how moisture and nutrient availability limits vegetation growth, and how ecosystem development can change nutrient cycles and moisture dynamics. Furthermore, to assess the risks of climate variability and possible changes in climate on reclamation success, these tools must also consider how patterns of ecosystem development are influenced by extreme climate events and gradual shifts in the climate regime. This report has four main sections that reflect the key objectives addressed in the project.