The use of peat applications and Carex aquatilis for peatland reclamation on post mined landscapes in northern Alberta, Canada

• Author / Creator

  Hazell, Mallory

• I investigated peatland reclamation factors in a wetland built on a former open-pit oil sands mine in northern Alberta, Canada. The primary research objectives were to investigate the persistence of peat placed in a newly constructed wetland, the survival and establishment of Carex aquatilis (water sedge), and if transplanting C. aquatilis produced quicker establishment than natural recruitment and broadcast seeding. The research was located in Syncrude Canada’s reclaimed Sandhill Fen.

  I examined influences of “initial peat thickness” (0, 5, or 30 cm), and “position relative to the water table” (measured as low, intermediate, and high), on peat’s persistence, and the survival and establishment of C. aquatilis over two years. Low plots were submersed at the start of the study, intermediate plots were located very near to, or just above, the water table, and high plots were situated entirely above the water table. The study was replicated on four, specially designed, clay islands within the Sandhill Fen, and unplanted control plots were established beside each treatment plot.

  Change in peat (measured as reduction in thickness) was dependent on both initial peat thickness, and position relative to the water table. Peat thickness did not increase under any combination of treatments. Peat reductions differed by elevation; however, peat located at intermediate positions reduced the least, suggesting that intermediate moisture conditions may minimize peat reductions and/or losses.

  Carex aquatilis survival and establishment was dependent on position relative to the water table, but not initial peat thickness, suggesting that substrate type may not be important. Transplanting mature C. aquatilis plants appears to be a viable option for peatland reclamation, but maintaining an appropriate water table is critical. Carex aquatilis establishment through natural recruitment and broadcast seeding lagged in comparison to transplanting; therefore, transplanting C. aquatilis to a constructed peatland may contribute to quicker establishment of the species, thereby reducing potential colonization by unwanted species and contributing to accelerated development of peatland conditions.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Fen
  • Oil sands
  • Peatland
  • Peat
  • Reclamation
  • Carex aquatilis
  • Mining

• Graduation date

  Fall 2018

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3VT1H573

• License

  Permission is hereby granted to the University of Alberta Libraries to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, the University of Alberta will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms. The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author's prior written permission.