Amelioration of marginal soil for cultivation of Camelina sativa

There is growing interest in biofuel as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, which could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, hence climate change impacts from transport. Marginal land presents an opportunity for the production of bioenergy feedstocks while minimizing competition with food crops for productive agricultural land. Examples of marginal soils are those that have any combination of low organic matter content, poor drainage, and high salinity, sodicity, pH and clay content, which make them less suitable for conventional food crops. Some biofuel crops, such as camelina (Camelina sativa), have been shown to grow well in marginal soils with minimal fertilizer inputs. Therefore, amelioration of marginal soils has potential to enhance the yields of such crops. The overall objective of this greenhouse experiment is to investigate the potential of soil amendments to restore the productivity of a marginal soil for cultivation of camelina as a biofuel crop. Treatments will include biochar, biostimulants, and gypsum. Camelina will be grown to physiological maturity in the potted soil and assessed for total biomass and seed yields, oil content, fatty acids, and protein content. Treatment effects on nitrous oxide emission and ammonia volatilization (from urea application) will also be tested. Results will assist the partner organization formulate strategies for improved biofuel crop production on marginal land.

Faculty Supervisor:

Francis Zvomuya

Student:

Partner:

Imperial Oil Resources Ltd

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Mining

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: