Project Number: 5310-61000-016-11
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jan 01, 2013
End Date: Jan 01, 2015

Objective:
1. Determine impact of irrigation with coal bed methane derived waters on soil physical properties and plant production. 2. Develop remediation practices for sustained use of coal bed methane derived waters. 3. Determine impact of irrigation with coal bed methane waters on soil carbon reserves.

Approach:
1. Soil structural stability will be investigated across a range of soil types, primarily using large intact soil cores, in the presence of low quality waters, and with and without rainfall simulation. 2. Evaluate the stability of soil organic carbon in situ using synchrotron – based techniques, on soil cores that were previously treated with various coal bed methane waters. 3. Conduct greenhouse studies on salt tolerance of various salt tolerant and salt sensitive plant species including specific ion effects on crop yield.