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Oil Sands Environmental Management Bibliography

The Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA)partnered with the Oil Sands Research and Information Network (OSRIN) to create the new Oil Sands Environmental Management Bibliography, which includes documents relevant to the environmental management of oil sands development in Alberta. The majority of the documents focus on the mineable oil sands in the Athabasca deposit, though some documents relate to in-situ developments. This bibliography was last updated in November 2014.

Responses of boreal plants to high salinity oil sands tailings water

Authors Renault, S., Paton E., Nilsson G., Zwiazek J. J., & MacKinnon M.
Year of Publication: 1999

Abstract:
In the extraction of bitumen from oil sands ore, large volumes of railings water (CT water) containing elevated levels of Na, sulfate, bicarbonate and chloride are produced. High salinity process waters will probably affect terrestrial reclamation options. The present study tested the impact of tailings waters on boreal forest species including aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), buffalo berry [Sheperdia canadensis (L.) Nutt], northwest hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides × Populus balsamifera), dogwood (Cornus stolonifera Michx.), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), and white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss]. Seedlings were grown in solution culture containing mineral nutrients and different dilutions of CT water, with and without supplemental salts (Na2SO4 and NaCl). After 4 wk of treatment, dogwood, hybrid poplar, and buffalo berry showed relatively high resistance to saline CT waters. Conifer seedlings developed leaf necrosis in all treatments, while aspen seedlings rapidly lost their foliage and produced new leaves. In comparison to the controls, elevated Na levels were measured in plant tissue of all species grown in CT water. However, some differences between species were observed, with jack pine seedlings showing much higher Na content than aspen, dogwood, or hybrid poplar. In hybrid poplar, the accumulation of Na was accompanied by a significant reduction in K, Mg, Ca, and P. Buffalo berry, aspen, jack pine, and white spruce showed elevated levels of S after growth in the sulfate-enriched CT waters. High tissue Na content did not induce leaf injury in dogwood, hybrid poplar and buffalo berry, suggesting possible Na resistance.

Citation:
Renault, S., Paton E., Nilsson G., Zwiazek J. J., & MacKinnon M. (1999).  Responses of boreal plants to high salinity oil sands tailings water. 28(6), 5 pages. Abstract
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Responses of red-osier dogwood to oil sands tailings treated with gypsum or alum

Authors Redfield, E., Croser C., Zwiazek J. J., MacKinnon M. D., & Qualizza C.
Year of Publication: 2003

Abstract:
The application of composite or consolidated tailings (CT) technology provides Alberta's oil sands industry with a means of reducing the volume of the fines fraction in extraction tailings and allows for faster reclamation and revegetation of mining sites. This study examined the effects of coagulant aids (gypsum and alum), used in the production of CT, on the ion content, growth, and survival of greenhouse-grown red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea L. subsp. sericea). Seedlings were planted in gypsum-CT and alum-CT substrates, and compared with those planted in reclamation material (salvaged peat and till). The seedlings were bottom-watered with one of the following: (i) Hoagland mineral solution prepared in deionized water (Epstein, 1972); (ii) Hoagland solution in gypsum-based CT release water; or (iii) Hoagland solution in alum-based CT release water. Pore water of CT substrates and CT release waters had similar chemical characteristics, including salinity levels. However, plants in CT substrates had higher concentrations of ions (particularly Na and B), reduced growth, and higher mortality than plants in reclamation material and treated with CT waters. The presence of H2S indicated low-oxygen conditions in the CT substrates, while in the reclamation materials with CT release water treatments, no evidence of sulfides was observed. Low-oxygen conditions in the CT substrate treatments may have interfered with plant exclusion mechanisms for Na and B. Therefore, substrate properties may modify responses of reclamation plants to pore water chemistry due to the effects on oxygen availability to roots.

Citation:
Redfield, E., Croser C., Zwiazek J. J., MacKinnon M. D., & Qualizza C. (2003).  Responses of red-osier dogwood to oil sands tailings treated with gypsum or alum. 32, 6 pages . Abstract
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Responses of wheatgrass species to composite/consolidated oil sands tailings

Authors Wu, S., Sego D., Naeth A., & Wang B.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
A greenhouse study was carried out to assess the responses of two wheatgrass species: Northern wheatgrass and Slender wheatgrass to composite/consolidated tailings (CT) discharged from Alberta oil sands mine. Plant emergence, early growth and survival of selected species directly seeded using 3 seeding techniques (6 treatments in this study) were monitored. The effect of fertilizer on seed emergence and early plant growth were assessed. Results showed that Northern wheatgrass and Slender wheatgrass survived in CT and performed well during this fifteen week experiment. Slender wheatgrass and Northern wheatgrass produced significant biomass and leaf area which could provide dewatering capacity. Slurry seeding and hydro-seeding with mulch techniques are applicable for early stage of reclamation of CT deposits.

Citation:
Wu, S., Sego D., Naeth A., & Wang B. (2011).  Responses of wheatgrass species to composite/consolidated oil sands tailings. 11 pages . Abstract
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Responsible action? An assessment of Alberta's greenhouse gas policies

Authors Bramley, M., Huot M., Dyer S., & Horne M.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Reducing the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions enough to prevent a potentially disastrous level of climate change is a huge challenge. National governments worldwide have unanimously accepted the need to limit average global warming to 2°C (relative to pre-industrial temperatures), based on a large and longstanding body of science. G8 governments (including Canada’s) have accepted that developed countries’ contribution should be to reduce their combined emissions by at least 80 per cent below recent levels by 2050. This requires nothing less than a complete transformation of our energy system to one in which most energy is emissions-free, and used much more efficiently than now. Starting the transformation is urgent because it will take decades. It will only happen if governments move quickly to implement policies strong enough to shift the bulk of energy investments from high- emitting fossil fuel-based energy to zero-emission options. There isn’t time for governments to wait for full international agreement on who will do exactly what, because such an agreement is not currently in sight. Pointing fingers and waiting for others to move is simply a recipe for uncontrolled and costly4 global warming. What the world currently needs most is for jurisdictions with the greatest resources and energy expertise to start making the necessary changes, which will encourage others to follow. Alberta is under a spotlight when it comes to climate change because its GHG emissions, on a per capita basis, are extraordinarily high. If Alberta were a country, it would have the joint- highest per capita GHG emissions in the world (along with Qatar).5 Even on an absolute basis, it would be the world’s 30th top emitter despite having a population of less than four million (Canada as a whole is 8th in absolute terms and 10th per capita).6 The main sources of Alberta’s emissions, and of their recent growth, are shown in Table 1. There is, of course, an obvious geographical and economic reason for Alberta’s unusually high GHG emissions: the province sits atop vast fossil fuel resources which bring significant economic benefits. If the province used those resources only for its own needs, its emissions would be high, but they are about 40 per cent higher still7 as a result of producing large volumes of fossil energy for export — particularly from the oilsands. This creates an extra and important constituency that cares about what the province is doing about GHGs, and whose displeasure could be a problem: the jurisdictions that buy Alberta’s energy. What Alberta does about its GHG emissions matters a lot to Canada because the province’s emissions are a third of Canada’s total and heading sharply upwards. What Alberta does or does not do could therefore be critical to whether Canada meets its international commitments and responsibilities. In theory Canada can meet its commitments regardless of Alberta policy, because the federal government has the constitutional authority to regulate harmful emissions, as well as extensive taxation and spending powers. But in practice the Alberta government has resisted federal regulation of emissions. Instead it has adopted its own GHG targets and created an expectation that it will take the necessary actions to meet them.

Citation:
Bramley, M., Huot M., Dyer S., & Horne M. (2011).  Responsible action? An assessment of Alberta's greenhouse gas policies. 61 pages . Abstract
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Responsible actions, responsible oil

Authors
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
The Government of Alberta’s 20-year strategic plan for the oil sands ensures that this extraordinary resource will provide secure, reliable energy to North America and beyond for decades to come, by balancing the environmental, social and economic impacts of oil sands development. In response to the world’s growing energy demand, over $2 trillion estimated investments, reinvestments and revenues will come from new oil sands projects by 2035, according to analysis by the Canadian Energy Research Institute. The economic benefits of this investment are felt across Canada and the U.S. However, rapid oil sands development in recent years has generated challenges and growth pressures. Responsible Actions: A Plan for Alberta’s Oil Sands is the Government of Alberta’s 20-year strategic plan to balance development with environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic success. The plan establishes six concrete strategies to support responsible oil sands development. Over 50 projects and initiatives are reflected in the strategic plan. Many have already made significant progress. The strategic plan is closely linked with Alberta’s Energy Strategy and the Land-use Framework.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2011).  Responsible actions, responsible oil. Abstract
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Responsible actions: A plan for Alberta's oil sands

Authors
Year of Publication: 2009

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2009).  Responsible actions: A plan for Alberta's oil sands. (Alberta Treasury Board, Ed.). 48 pages.
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Responsible actions: A plan for Alberta's oil sands - progress report 2010

Authors
Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2011).  Responsible actions: A plan for Alberta's oil sands - progress report 2010. (Alberta Treasury Board, Ed.). 27 pages .
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Responsible actions: Annual progress report 2009

Authors
Year of Publication: 2010

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2010).  Responsible actions: Annual progress report 2009. (Alberta Treasury Board, Ed.). 15 pages .
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Responsible management of peatlands in Canada from peat industry to oil sands

Authors Rochefort, L.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Canada harbors one third of the peat resources of the world. Peat is an accumulated organic matter composed of dead and partly decomposed plant material, forming huge deposit through time in wetlands like peatlands and boreal coniferous swamps. Peat is a valuable resource as a growing media and soil amendments, an eco-friendly absorbent, also used as biofilters, for body care and for wastewater treatment. Peatlands also offer valuable ecological services : for example, they are the most efficient terrestrial ecosystem to store carbon on a long-term basis. Their ability to "cool off" the planet warrants a good look at their management. The horticultural peat industry of Canada has invested 22 years in R&D in habitat restoration and is now a strong leader in managing industrial peatlands in a sustainable way. The oil sand industry, which is strongly impacting the wetland landscapes of northern Canada, does realize that it has to reduce its ecological footprint, which is heavily criticized around the world. Decommissioned open mines near Fort McMurray have already begun recreating peatland ecosystems, and some restoration attempts of former oil pads are underway in the Peace River region. But the restoration of the largely disturbed wetland landscape of the oil sands is commanding innovative solutions.

Citation:
Rochefort, L. (2013).  Responsible management of peatlands in Canada from peat industry to oil sands. 1 page . Abstract
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Restoration and reclamation of boreal ecosystems: Attaining sustainable development

Authors Vitt, D. H., & Bhatti J. S.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
This book is composed of chapters that reveal our current state of knowledge on reclamation and restoration of these boreal ecosystems. The boreal forest, or taiga, is a mosaic of lakes, peatlands, and upland forests, all placed on a mostly topographically flat, featureless landscape having strong hydrological connectivity. The climate is harsh, with long, cold winters and fairly dry, cool summers. Water is at a premium and species diversity is low. Community succession is largely driven by disturbance, especially wildfire; however, in recent decades anthropogenic disturbances have become increasingly prevalent. Disturbances related to resource development such as forestry practices, reservoir creation, peat harvesting, and oil and gas production most recently from bitumen extraction from oil sands are especially frequent. Both open-pit and steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) drilling operations produce either large scale or frequent disturbances and the science of reclaiming these areas is still in its infancy. Although much of the material presented in the chapters relates directly to oil and gas activities in Alberta Canada, however, it is very appropriate for the entire boreal subarctic regions of the world. The chapters in this book emphasize the use of natural regimes as models for reclamation and present the resulting challenges of reclaiming boreal ecosystems. In addition, the importance of the boreal forest as a carbon store has implications for global climate and several chapters focus on this global concern.

Citation:
Vitt, D. H., & Bhatti J. S. (2012).  Restoration and reclamation of boreal ecosystems: Attaining sustainable development. 405 pages . Abstract
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Restoration of fungal activity in tailing sand (oil sands)

Authors Parkinson, D., Visser S., Danielson R. M., & Zak J.
Year of Publication: 1980

Citation:
Parkinson, D., Visser S., Danielson R. M., & Zak J. (1980).  Restoration of fungal activity in tailing sand (oil sands). 8 pages .
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Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2007)

Authors
Year of Publication: 2008

Abstract:
For soils, this report is a compilation of all data collected in 2007; it includes 21 re-sampled plots and one new plot. For vegetation, this report contains 20 re-sampled sites and one new plot from 2007, integrated with previous year's plot data.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2008).  Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2007). (Paragon Soil and Environmental Consulting Inc., Jacques Whitford AXYS Ltd., Ed.). 59 pages . Abstract
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Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2008)

Authors
Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
In 2000, a program to develop a protocol and establish long term soil and vegetation monitoring plots throughout the oil sands region was initiated. The program is guided and funded by CEMA.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2009).  Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2008). (Paragon Soil and Environmental Consulting Inc., Jacques Whitford - AXYS Environmental, Ed.). 35 pages . Abstract
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Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2008): Vegetation component

Authors
Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
This report is a compilation of all data collected in 2008 and a comparison of re-sampled data to original data from all re-sampled plots in 2005. Vegetation results include two re-sampled plots and four new plots.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2009).  Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2008): Vegetation component. (Stantec Consulting Ltd., Ed.). Abstract
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Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2009): Soils component

Authors
Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
This report is a compilation of data collected in 2009 and a comparison of re-sampled data to original data from all re-sampled reclaimed plots since 2005. Results for 2009 include three re-sampled plots and eight new plots.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2010).  Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2009): Soils component. (Paragon Soil and Environmental Consulting Inc., Ed.). 37 pages . Abstract
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Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2010) - vegetation component

Authors
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
In this assessment, characteristic species were summarized from vegetation data collected on an individual single 400 m2 plot and compared with threshold values presented in Table 5-3 of the Revegetation Manual (Alberta Environment 2010) for exploratory purposes only. As this is not the intended use of that table, no real conclusions can be made about the number of characteristic species with respect to Table 5-3. The three primary indices (species richness, diversity and evenness) were relatively easy to calculate for each plot and were compared over time by site type, age class, reclamation treatment. Nothing out of the ordinary was observed; however, it was recommended that the percent cover estimate protocols be changed to assign each plant in the 1 x 4 m and 2 x 20 m subplots a cover class, instead of simply indicating its presence. Percent cover can always be converted to presence but not the other way around. Abundance is the fourth community composition index listed in the Revegetation Manual that was summarized for a variety of assessment groups. In this report, characteristic species cover was summarized by plots re- measured in 2010 to show plant community change over time and ordinations were used to illustrate structural and compositional relationships among reclaimed and natural sites. This was the first year where the CCA ordination technique was used and it proved useful in express site, soils and vegetation data together to achieve a more holistic analytical approach. NMS ordinations in this report showed a clear vegetation gradient from reclaimed sites of various treatments without canopy to those with a canopy and their relationship to natural regeneration and mature stands. Specific trajectories or pathways may be further explored as more species cover data are collected. It was recommended that the TSG continue to explore the integration of natural regeneration stands less than 40 years old into the monitoring program. Some discussion has started around this idea but a concentrated sampling effort is needed to fill this data gap within the plot network program. It was also recommended that the TSG continues to monitor (re-measure) sites in reclaimed areas to supplement knowledge in this area and continue to develop the classification of reclaimed sites using site, soil and vegetation characteristics as more data become available.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2011).  Results from long term soil and vegetation plots established in the oil sands region (2010) - vegetation component. (Stantec Consulting Ltd., Ed.). Abstract
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Results of bald eagle osprey and great blue heron nest site surveys near Fort MacKay Alberta (July 1995)

Authors Strom, K., & Belagus P.
Year of Publication: 1996

Citation:
Strom, K., & Belagus P. (1996).  Results of bald eagle osprey and great blue heron nest site surveys near Fort MacKay Alberta (July 1995). 14 pages .
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Results of ground checking of vegetation maps in the AOSERP Study Area: A pilot study

Authors Steen, O. A.
Year of Publication: 1979

Abstract:
Vegetation maps at a scale of 1:50 000 have been prepared for the AOSERP study area by Intera Environmental Consultants Ltd. The purpose of this report is to provide background information for discussions relating to methodologies for enhancing the vegetation detail on Intera's maps. This report is based on the results of a brief field survey and ground checking of the maps in the Fort MacKay area (T94R10W4 and T94R11W4). A very preliminary vegetation classification which is more detailed than that described by Stringer (1976) is described as an example of how vegetation community information could be documented for inclusion on map units. The specific objectives of this report are to: 1) describe a preliminary vegetation community classification based on a brief survey of vegetation types in the Fort MacKay area, 2) describe the results of a ground check of Intera's vegetation maps in the Fort MacKay area, 3) provide recommendations based on the field survey and ground checking, for developing methodologies to enhance the detail on Intera's vegetation maps.

Citation:
Steen, O. A. (1979).  Results of ground checking of vegetation maps in the AOSERP Study Area: A pilot study. 27 pages . Abstract
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Results of laboratory and pilot testing by CanadianOxy of fine tails for development of a process for bitumen extraction and disposal of a compacted solids

Authors Hamshar, J. A., Gregoli A. A., Rimmer D. P., & Yildrim E.
Year of Publication: 1993

Citation:
Hamshar, J. A., Gregoli A. A., Rimmer D. P., & Yildrim E. (1993).  Results of laboratory and pilot testing by CanadianOxy of fine tails for development of a process for bitumen extraction and disposal of a compacted solids. 18 pages .
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Retrospective stem analysis and site index project

Authors Daniels, M.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
From a forest growth and yield perspective, site index is the most common metric for assessing and quantifying forest land productivity. Site index is also one of the most important independent variables in currently available growth models which may be available for forecasting the growth of the reclaimed forest in the mineable oil sands area. Comparing natural stand (fire origin) site index with post reclamation site index will likely be an important component of demonstrating equivalent land capability for reclaimed land classified for commercial forest end land use. For those reasons, the FPTG is proposing to conduct a retrospective stem analysis site index project to address the following objectives: -Quantify observed juvenile tree height age trajectories, and projected site index estimates for commercial forest tree species growing on reclaimed oil sands sites. -Quantify observed tree height age trajectories, and realized site index, for commercial tree species growing on natural (fire origin) forest sites that are typical for the mineable oil sands area. -Compare natural and reclaimed tree height age trajectories (and site indices) with a view to assessing natural versus reclaimed forest productivity. This work will be conducted over two years. The scope of work in 2012 and described in this Request for 2012 and described in this Request for Proposal is the first phase of work and includes the field work to collect tree sections on reclaimed sites in 2012. The tree sections will be collected by the contractor and the contractor will coordinate shipment of the samples from the leases to the Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre, 5320 122 St Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 4T6. The contractor will submit a field report and digital spreadsheet summarizing the Site Number, Stand Number, Plot Number, Tree Number, Cookie Height, and Cookie Number for each top height tree that was stem sectioned.

Citation:
Daniels, M. (2012).  Retrospective stem analysis and site index project. 12 pages . Abstract
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Revegetation and management of tailings sand slopes from tar sands extraction: 1978 results

Authors Rowell, M. J.
Year of Publication: 1979

Citation:
Rowell, M. J. (1979).  Revegetation and management of tailings sand slopes from tar sands extraction: 1978 results. 131 pp..
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Revegetation and management of tailings sand slopes: 1977 results

Authors Rowell, M. J.
Year of Publication: 1978

Abstract:
The tailings sand slope that was seeded in July, 1976, was considered completely stable in 1977. No wind or water erosion or movement of soil particulates was detected in 1977. Of the fourteen species seeded in 1976, only Lupine and the oat cover crop did not grow in 1977. A comparison of fall seeding versus spring seeding indicated that fall seeding could be successfully used but that poor distribution of seed resulted from seed wash-off during snow melt in the spring. The yield of above ground vegetation was related to the amount of fertilizer added rather than to the use of peat or overburden soil amendments. The yield of plant roots was less affected by fertilization although the uptake of nitrogen and potassium was increased. Incorporation of peat or peat and overburden to a depth of 30 cm rather than 15 cm resulted in deeper root penetration and an overall increase in root yield. Long term management studies were continued on a six year old vegetated area of the tailings dike.

Citation:
Rowell, M. J. (1978).  Revegetation and management of tailings sand slopes: 1977 results. 126 pages . Abstract
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Revegetation and reclamation of oil sands process-affected material using Frankia-inoculated alders: Field and greenhouse trials.

Authors Lefrançois, E.
Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
Canada's oil sand industry produces substantial quantities of oil sands process-affected material (OSPM) including composite tailings (CT) and tailings sands (TS) that need to be reclaimed on site. This work evaluated the establishment of a pioneer plant species, alder, inoculated with a nitrogen-fixing actinomycete, Frankia. The main objectives were to evaluate alder performance in OSPM and its impact on soil characteristics and microbial community structure and function. This project was divided into two phases: a field study and a greenhouse trial. The greenhouse trial tested 2 alder species, Alnus glutinosa and A. crispa, in CT and TS. In addition to Frankia inoculation, a tripartite association with a mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus intraradices was evaluated. The field study consisted of a 2 year monitoring of Frankia-inoculated alders (A. crispa (Ait.) Pursh.) planted in TS capped with overburden material and peat moss. The parameters tested were the following: plant biomass and nitrogen content; soil chemical characteristics; microbial biomass; microbial petroleum hydrocarbon mineralization capability; and microbial community diversity and composition using the molecular techniques, PCR and DGGE. Alders performed well in OSPM and Frankia inoculation improved biomass acquisition. Frankia-alders improved a number of soil quality parameters such as pH, sodium content, and CEC. Frankia-alders presence modified soil microbial activity and diversity. Alder rhizosphere sustained more microbial biomass than unplanted soil, whereas the tripartite association did not provide additional benefits. Overall, Frankia-inoculated alders are an interesting biotechnological approach for the reclamation and revegetation of oil sand process-affected materials. Abbreviation: PCR (polymerase chain reaction), DGGE (Denaturating Gradient Gel Electrophoresis), CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), TS (Tailings Sands), CT (Composite

Citation:
Lefrançois, E. (2009).  Revegetation and reclamation of oil sands process-affected material using Frankia-inoculated alders: Field and greenhouse trials.. 70 pages . Abstract
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Revegetation field trials of shrub and grass species and seed production technology. Growth chamber and greenhouse studies

Authors Vaartnou, H.
Year of Publication: 1976

Citation:
Vaartnou, H. (1976).  Revegetation field trials of shrub and grass species and seed production technology. Growth chamber and greenhouse studies. 13 pages .
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Revegetation of oil sands tailings: Growth improvement of silver-berry and buffalo-berry by inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi and N2 fixing bacteria

Authors Visser, S., & Danielson R. M.
Year of Publication: 1988

Abstract:
The ability of actinorhizal shrubs to tolerate inhospitable conditions while improving soil fertility and organic matter status has led to increased usage of these plants for land reclamation and amenity planting purposes. Silver-berry and buffalo-berry are two such shrubs which are being tested as potential candidates for the revegetation of the oil sands tailings in northeastern Alberta. Associated with the roots of silver-berry and buffalo-berry are two symbionts the N2-fixing actinomycete, Frankia, and the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi. Numerous studies have demonstrated that, particularly in nutrient limited conditions, mycorrhization and nodulation can result in significantly better plant performance as a consequence of improved N and P nutrition. The benefits conferred on the host by the symbionts may assume even greater importance in the revegetation of mine tailings which are notoriously nutrient-poor. In addition to reducing soil fertility, the upheaval and mixing of soil during the mining process can lower Frankia and VAM inoculum levels. Both soil fertility and symbiont inoculum potential can be improved by introducing an organic amendment to the minespoil. Soil reconstruction on the oil sands tailings is facilitated by the application of muskeg peat which is stockpiled on the site for reclamation purposes. Alternatively, if woody plants are raised as containerized seedlings they can be inoculated with both their N2-fixing and mycorrhizal symbionts prior to being outplanted. However, before embarking on a large-scale inoculation program which will ultimately raise the cost of producing a seedling, factors such as plant dependency on the symbionts, the level of and mycorrhizal inoculums in the outplanting soil and the nodule/mycorrhizal status of containerized seedlings leaving commercial greenhouses should be considered.

Citation:
Visser, S., & Danielson R. M. (1988).  Revegetation of oil sands tailings: Growth improvement of silver-berry and buffalo-berry by inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi and N2 fixing bacteria. 98 pages . Abstract
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