Laboratory-based nitrogen mineralization and biogeochemistry of two soils used in oil sands reclamation

Abstract

MacKenzie, M. D. and Quideau, S. A. 2012. Laboratory-based nitrogen mineralization and biogeochemistry of two soils used in oil sands reclamation. Can. J. Soil Sci. 92: 131-142. In the Athabasca oil sands region of Alberta, Canada, peat mineral and upland forest floor mineral soils are salvaged and stockpiled for reclamation. Previous work showed that sites reclaimed with forest floor mineral soil had better understory regeneration and nitrogen dynamics more similar to naturally disturbed ecosystems. Both soils and a mixture of the two were compared in laboratory incubations by examining nitrogen mineralization (over 45 wk) and factorial fertility additions (4 wk trial with NPK) on microbial community structure and nutrient availability. Nitrogen mineralization indicated forest floor mineral soil had lower release rates and a higher estimated labile nitrogen pool than peat mineral soil. Nitrogen mineralization in mixed soil started like peat mineral soil and finished like forest floor mineral soil. Fertil...