Assessing Long-Term Soil Quality of a Restored Degraded Site in Illinois.

Reclaimed sites often have initial monitoring, but there is a lack of long-term assessment. During 2016 we conducted a follow-up soil quality study on a degraded site that was set up with experimental plots and treated with biosolid blends in 2011. Our goal was to complete a comprehensive soil quality assessment, looking at a broad range of physical, chemical and biological properties. These included in field and laboratory measurements such as aggregate stability, available water capacity, nutrient and metal extractions, soil respiration and potentially mineralizable nitrogen. The results of the preliminary 2011 soil quality data showed that the restoration did produce a healthy soil. By comparing these results to our data in 2016, we can determine the longevity of the changes in soil quality parameters, conclude which measurements are the most useful when conducting follow-up soil health studies, and better understand how soil quality indices can be applied to different land uses.