Effects of Heat from a Pipeline on Crop Growth — Interim Results

Abstract

Few published studies have previously addressed the effects of heat from pipelines on crop growth. Consequently, Alliance commissioned a study in 2002 to assess pipeline heat effects on soil temperature and crop growth along the Alliance 36" pipeline in central Alberta. The study was designed to assess soil-heating effects on crop growth, as well as the distance downstream from compressor stations that soil-heating effects are encountered. Five locations were selected at varying distances downstream of compressor stations. Plant establishment and productivity, as well as soil moisture and temperature, were monitored to assess the influence of heating on crop production and soil properties. At each location, plant growth and soil moisture parameters were collected from replicated square meter plots along three transects within each site. Germination and seedling emergence data was collected at the beginning of the season. Soil samples for moisture analysis were collected monthly throughout the growing season. At maturity, square meter samples were harvested for yield analysis. The study was conducted over a three-year period from 2002 to 2004. Preliminary results indicate that heat from the Alliance pipeline is measurable in the top 60 cm of soil over the pipeline for a distance of 190 km downstream of compressor stations. No effects of soil heating were found on plant available water in the rooting zone or on yield of annual crops.