Dual Microcapillary Barriers in Conjunction with Water Harvesting Can Increase Reclamation Success in the Wamsutter Natural Gas Production Area.

Low annual precipitation and soil crusting due to salt content significantly impede successful reclamation of disturbed in the Wamsutter natural gas production area. By utilizing a microcapillary barrier of sand above and below a native topsoil seed mix, and situating this inside a water harvesting geometry available soil moisture would be captured and retained for an extended period of time potentially increasing emergence and establishment. The bottom sand layer would prevent the upward movement of salts into the germination zone, and the top sand layer would be largely free of salts and prevent soil crusting. HYDRUS 1D software was used to model transport, flow and evaporation of water during and after precipitation events to inform the design dual microcapillary barrier water harvesting structure. Gravimetric tests will be used to verify HYDRUS data. 24 plots were tested on two field sites in the fall of 2013 in a randomized block design for a total of 48 test plots. Plots included one broadcast seeding (control), one water harvesting geometry, one sand mulch, one capillary barrier, one dual sand barrier and one dual sand barrier with clay wicks to consolidate water.