Contamination from brine water drastically alters a soils structure, chemistry, and production capability. Results of brine impacts on a soil include complete plant mortality, lower infiltration rates, and a change in the amount of essential macro and micro nutrients available for plant growth. This study took place on a ranch located 14 km south of San Angelo, Texas, USA which contains a 14-acre �kill zone�. A soil analysis and geophysical survey was conducted to determine salt concentrations and delineate the salt water plume. Six halophyte species were planted in each of five zones of contamination. The species planted included Inland Saltgrass (Distichlis spicatas), Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), Common and Giant Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), Giant Sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii), and Four-winged Saltbush (Atriplex canescens). At the initiation of the study, soil analysis showed an excess in both sodium and chloride levels with averages of 2500 mg/kg and 5500 mg/kg. In addition, soil compaction exceeded 300 psi at the surface. The 2015 planting results were deemed inconclusive as most of the plants died via drought or animal destruction. In the spring of 2016, ripping and furrowing were applied in each zone of contamination along with the six plant species. �Plant mortality varied from 38% (Alkali Sacaton) to 80% (Inland Saltgrass). Both soil disturbances positively impacted plant establishment and plant height. Changes in soil compaction and soil salinity will also be discussed.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.