Reclaiming a 36" Pipeline with Cropping Rotations
- Pipeline Reclamation
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Reclaiming a 36” Pipeline with Cropping Rotations
Soil disturbance during the construction of pipelines, roadways, and well pads has become a serious issue in western North Dakota. Within cropland, soil health and yields need to be restored during the reclamation process. Reclamation of pipelines in a cropland setting has not been extensively researched and little is known about the best management practices for restoring crop yields.
During the spring of the 2015, installation of a 36” water pipeline was completed at the Williston-REC. The pipeline extended 1.25 mi., running north to south, entirely across cropland. Soil disturbance occurred 100 ft. on the east and west sides of the pipeline. We took advantage of this research opportunity by selecting several cropping rotations and perennial covers to evaluate as long-term reclamation techniques.
