This study measured physical properties of undisturbed and reclaimed soils to infer structure quality in reclaimed soils. Study questions were: (1) Is there a difference in soil structure between undisturbed and reclaimed soils and (2) Does soil structure change between similar young and old reclaimed sites? Research sites were chosen at three oil sands mining operations near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Soil structure was assessed using the soil physical parameters: (a) bulk density determined from cores, (b) field saturated hydraulic conductivity using the Guelph permeameter, and (c) pore size distribution using a combination of the water column method and pressure plate apparatus.

Generally no soil structure limitations in reclaimed soils were found compared to undisturbed soils. Furthermore, soil structure quality did not change as reclaimed soils aged. Thus oil sands reclamation creates soils with structure equal to that of undisturbed soils of the area, which is relatively stable with time.