Effects of Cropping Sequence, Ripping, and Manure on Pipeline Reclamation in Western North Dakota.

Soil disturbance during the construction of pipelines, roadways, and well pads has become a serious issue in western North Dakota. Within cropland, soil health and yields need to be restored during the reclamation process. Reclamation of pipelines in a cropland setting has not been extensively researched and little is known about the best management practices for restoring crop yields. During the spring of the 2015, installation of a 36” water pipeline was completed at the Williston-REC. We took advantage of this opportunity by planting a long-term experiment with five annual crop rotations and two perennial covers in pipeline, roadway, and undisturbed (control) areas. In addition to cropping sequence, ripping/manure is being tested as the subplot in a split plot design in efforts to decrease compaction and add organic matter. This study is designed to address barriers to successful pipeline reclamation. More specifically, this study aims to provide long-term management strategies for landowners to restore productivity to cropland. If economical reclamation options are available to stakeholders, more effective reclamation plans can be composed and more efficient pipeline installations will be possible. Preliminary results indicate soil compaction and crop yields are significantly different between disturbance areas. Additional soil and plant data collection will determine differences between ripping, ripping/manure, and no-till subplots.