Remediation of an oilfield brine spoil for establishment of Southern pine

Field and greenhouse studies were conducted to monitor and assess physico-chemical properties most limiting to Southern pine survival and growth on a partially remediated oilfield brine spoil in Webster Parish, Louisiana. The field study monitored changes in selected soil physico-chemical properties resulting from incorporation of woody organic matter, gypsum and commercial fertilizer and seeding of herbaceous vegetation. Significant decreases in electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio and bulk density on the site occurred following amendment application. Infiltration rates and organic matter content were significantly increased as a result of amendment incorporation. The companion greenhouse study was conducted on potted brine spoil to determine micronutrient needs of 1-0 bareroot loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii E.) seedling based on survival and height and diameter growth. No significant differences in survival or height and diameter growth were detected in either species fertilized with micronutrients. The results of the companion field and greenhouse studies together suggest that physico-chemical properties of the brine spoil have most likely been adequately remediated for the establishment of Southern pine.