ReNew™ and RxDP™ – Sodium Soil Amendment Products
The following are a few examples of case histories where ReNew™ and RxDP™ were used for the in-situ remediation of salt (sodium) soil contaminated sites. Treatments rates were based on the analytical data derived from soil samples taken at each site. For a more in-depth look at our proven results, please download our Case Studies and Case History Brochures:
Remediation of Salt Contaminated Soils – West Texas
Dawson County, Texas – In this case, salt contamination was due to an underground pipeline leak located in cotton and peanut fields. The salt affected crops were destroyed. The salt damage ranged from 1-2 ft. depths. At the time of treatment tilling of the soil was not possible. Water from an existing irrigation system was used in the application of ReNew™. Rainwater was the only source of post treatment irrigation of the treated soil. Test results are summarized below:
Sample
1
2
3
4
5
Soil Type/CEC
Clayey Loam
Clayey Loam
Clayey Loam
Clayey Loam
Clayey Loam
Na (mg/Kg)
Before
1660
750
1770
530
3370
Na (mg/Kg)
After
173
218
860
220
68
% Na Reduction
89.5
70.9
51.4
58.4
97.9
The contaminated area was completely restored and normal crop growth was observed the following growing season.
SCURRY County, Texas – In this case, salt contamination was due to an underground pipeline break located in a native grass pasture where the salt destroyed the vegetation. Total contaminated surface area was approximately 4.8 acres. Salt damage ranged in depth from surface to 18”. The contaminated area was tilled prior to treatment. Based on contamination levels, ReNew™ was applied and followed by fresh water irrigation using portable spray trailers. Rainwater was the other source of post treatment irrigation. Test results are summarized below:
Sample
1
2
3
4
5
6
Soil Type/CEC
18.4 meq/100g
28.8 meq/100g
25.9 meq/100g
23.1 meq/100g
16.3 meq/100g
23.3 meq/100g
ESP
Before
30
23.7
19
25.3
28.1
15.1
ESP
After
5.7
4.8
4.3
7.6
6.2
4.5
% ESP Reduction
81.0
79.7
77.4
69.9
77.9
70.1
Within 60 days of treatment, the site was reseeded with a combination of native grasses from the CRP program. Some vegetation including non-desirables (weeds) had covered the contaminated area within 6 months of the treatment. Within the following 12 month period, native grass from the reseeding was observed. Within 20 months of treatment full native vegetation had been established. It was noticed the area of contamination which had been treated with ReNew™ had a higher degree of vegetation coverage than the areas not contaminated.
*CEC – Cation Exchange Capacity - the total number of cations which a soil can absorb.
** SAR - Sodium Absorption Ration – the degree of saturation of the soil exchange complex with sodium
Remediation of Salt Contaminated Soils – Southern Texas
Padre island national seashore – In this case, the salt contamination occurred from an abandoned production facility located within the National Park. Total contaminated area was approximately 3/4 acres. Salt damage ranged from surface to 12”. Although the area is very sandy with low CEC values, the area of concern contained some clay that had been used in the pad site construction of the previous production facility. No vegetation existed on the site. The site was tilled deep to help blend the contaminated clays with the sandy base (soil sampling was conducted prior to tilling). Based on contamination levels, ReNew™ was applied to the affected area and was followed by fresh water irrigation using portable spray trailers. Rainwater was the only source of post treatment irrigation of the treated soil. Test results are summarized below:
Sample
1
2
Soil Type/CEC
14.3 meq/100g
12.7 meq/100g
ESP
Before
21.4
19.3
ESP
After
4.1
4.6
% ESP Reduction
80.8
76.1
The sodium contaminated area was completely restored within 30 days of treatment. Because the area is located in the Padre Island National Park seeding for new vegetation was not allowed and the site was left for natural re-vegetation.
Remediation of Salt Contaminated Soils – Southern Texas
Dewey County, oklahoma – In this case, salt contamination was due to a leaking drilling reserve pit. After drilling operations it was observed the pit had been leaking and salt water had contaminated an area adjacent to the drill site. The contaminated area was approximately 3.8 acres. Samples were taken from a depth of 24”. The site was tilled. With approval of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the attorney for the surface owner, and utilizing the laboratory analysis for treatment rates, ReNew™ was applied and followed by fresh water irrigation using portable spray trailers. Rainwater was the other source of post treatment irrigation. Representative test results are summarized below:
Sample
1
2
3
4
Soil Type/CEC
23.7 meq/100g
24.9 meq/100g
22.8 meq/100g
19.7 meq/100g
ESP
Before
78.3
89.6
65.5
35.6
ESP
After
7.2
6.4
4.3
3.7
% ESP Reduction
90.8
92.9
93.4
89.6
The site was seeded and fertilized upon recommendation of the Soil Conservation Service. A native grass mixture was used in conjunction with a nitrogen based fertilizer. Complete vegetation coverage was observed within 6 months. The site was approved and closed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
Summary
The case histories included above, represent the various geographical areas where ReNew™ and RxDP™ were used successfully to provide for on-site remediation of sodium (salt) contaminated soils. Each case was treated as site specific with regards to remediation procedures. Treatment rates of the product ReNew™ and RxDP™ were calculated based on soil analysis from each particular site. The formula used in each case is as follows:
Gallons/Acre/Ft. = (ESP – X) * CEC * 6.5
Where – ESP = Exchangeable Sodium Percentage
X = Desired ESP level in the soil (this is usually 12 or less)
CEC = Cation Exchange Capacity, meq/100g
6.5 = A constant
Please Note: Names of the Owner and/or Operator of the contaminated sites are withheld as part of a confidentiality agreement.