Changes in Soil Nutrient and Physical Status Following Exposure to Elevated Temperatures.

Soils temperatures can become elevated due to a number of events including forest, grassland and structure fires. Additionally, thermal desorption is a process in which soil temperatures are elevated to both combust and vaporize petroleum substances in the process of remediating soils exposed to spills and or/other contaminations events. Common concern has historically been expressed over the affect of fire and elevated temperatures on the soil’s ability to sustain plant growth following the event. This laboratory and seedling germination study was undertaking to document potential remediation needs following the commercial use of thermal desorption on a kaolinite dominate soil. Three soils were exposed to dry heat ranging from 350-800C prior laboratory analyses. The soils were evaluated for changes in soil test nutrient levels, pH, salinity, water holding capacity, texture and changes in mineralogy. The soils underwent a series of wetting and drying events to determine if observed changes were temporary or permanent. Oat and soybean were also seeded into each soil and temperature treatment. The results of the changes in soil test properties and impact of treatments on root and shoot develop of seedlings will be presented.