Tea Bag Fertilization Trial on Reclamation of the North East Overburden and Shallow Stripping Soil Trial

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of teabag-style fertilizer on the establishment of jackpine and white spruce seedlings on reclaimed oil sands land. This is a possible alternative to broadcast fertilization, a common industry practice that promotes competition from non-target vegetation. A Plant Root Stimulator (PRS) probe was used to estimate nitrogen release rate during the growing season. Researchers also compared the following data between fertilized and controlled plots: availability of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, tree growth parameters (height and root collar diameter), and nutrient analysis from foliar samples.

Nutrient availability in the soil stayed low throughout the growing season, nitrogen release rate from fertilizer was variable, and no trend on nitrogen availability was observed between fertilized and controlled plots. In the fertilized plots, fewer seedlings showed chlorosis, and white spruce performed better in height and root collar diameter compared to control plots. There were no differences between foliar nutrients, unit leaf area, and natural isotopic abundance between fertilized and control plots.