How Pine Slash is Utilized in a Study to Enhance Soil

A recent study conducted by the University of Canterbury and ESR suggests a novel solution to the problem of pine slash, a byproduct of commercial forestry, which poses a major issue in the aftermath of flooding events. The research indicates that chipping and utilizing pine slash could help in rehabilitating silt-covered soils.

Mingyuan (Kathy) Liu, a Master’s student at the University of Canterbury, has been investigating the use of pine waste mixed with urea fertilizer on silt-covered soils from Canterbury and Gisborne. Her findings reveal that combining pine waste with urea is the most effective method for promoting plant growth, surpassing the results obtained from using urea alone or other organic matter.

Liu emphasizes the significance of this study, highlighting the increasing frequency of flooding and its associated challenges. By utilizing pine slash as a solution for silt-covered soils, the research addresses two waste problems simultaneously.

“We have explored the blending of pine waste into finer sawdust particles and incorporating them with soil and fertilizer to enhance soil porosity, which facilitates water drainage and plant growth,” explains Liu. The experiments conducted in a campus greenhouse have shown a considerable improvement in soil fertility, warranting further field testing.

The study employed oats as a test crop in the soil treated with pine sawdust and fertilizer. Oats are known for their ability to enhance soil texture and increase organic matter content.

“Oats play a significant role in stabilizing soil structure,” notes Liu. “The difference in crop growth between pine sawdust-treated soil and untreated soil was immediately noticeable.”

Professor Brett Robinson, Liu’s supervisor at the University of Canterbury, expresses excitement over the preliminary results of the study.

“Pine slash is a pressing issue in New Zealand and globally. To our knowledge, no previous studies have explored the rehabilitation of flood-deposited sediment using pine waste. We aim to proceed to the next phase, which involves conducting field testing,” states Robinson.

The field testing will be carried out in collaboration with Dr. Maria Jesus Gutierrez-Gines, a science leader at ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research), who has co-supervised Liu’s research. ESR has supported the study by providing technical expertise, analysis, and facilitating the delivery of sediment from flood-affected Gisborne.

Professor Robinson explains that pine contains substances known to inhibit plant growth. However, when applied in the trials to address sediment structure, it enhances the soil’s nutrient retention capacity and acts as a sponge that eventually breaks down into beneficial humus.

Liu’s groundbreaking research holds promise for addressing environmental challenges and unlocking the full potential of pine waste in soil rehabilitation.

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