Soil Analysis and Potential Soil Amendments Best Management Practices on Naturalization Sites within the City of Edmonton

For nearly three decades, Edmonton has been a pioneer in urban sustainability, implementing naturalization projects that revert sections of maintained City green space to a more native and ecologically balanced state. These efforts span diverse urban areas, including roadways, storm water ponds, park spaces, and communities. The City’s Naturalization program strategically plants trees, shrubs, and wildflowers in selected sites to create more biodiverse areas throughout the city. Understanding the intricate relationship between soil characteristics and plant growth is critical for the success of these naturalization initiatives. The naturalization sites present an opportunity to explore how soil attributes influence plant performance. This project aims to assist the Naturalization Team in addressing the challenges of urban soils by conducting soil analysis and identifying best management practices for soil amendments on naturalization sites. The insights gained from this research will enable the City to make informed decisions about which soil amendments could be used to solve common urban soil issues like compaction and salt contamination.

Faculty Supervisor:

Robert Summers

Student:

Partner:

City of Edmonton

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services; Public administration

University:

University of Alberta

Program: