Reclamation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils in central Alberta using compost, fertilizer and native species

A two year field experiment was implemented to evaluate amendment (municipal solid waste and sewage biosolid compost, inorganic fertilizer, compost and fertilizer blend) and seeding (native grass mix) effects on reclamation of diesel fuel and crude oil contaminated soils in central Alberta. Contaminated soils amended with compost or compost-fertilizer had the highest vegetation cover and biomass and the lowest concentration of hydrocarbons at the end of the study. Fertilizer treatments had poor vegetation cover and hydrocarbon concentrations were similar to the unamended treatment. Seeding increased the cover of perennial, native grasses in all amendment treatments, with the greatest cover found in compost and compost-fertilizer amended soils. Total canopy cover and final hydrocarbon concentrations did not differ between seeded and unseeded treatments. Overall, compost appears to be an effective amendment for reclamation of diesel fuel and crude oil contaminated soils and seeding is beneficial for reducing cover of exotic forbs.