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Related Experiment Videos

Soil properties affecting wheat yields following drilling-fluid application.

T A Bauder1, K A Barbarick, J A Ippolito

  • 1Department of Soil and Crop Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.

Journal of Environmental Quality
|August 11, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Land application of waste drilling fluid from oil and gas operations is acceptable. Soil properties and winter wheat yield were not negatively impacted by water-based bentonitic drilling fluid application.

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Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science

Background:

  • Oil and gas drilling operations generate waste drilling fluid (mud).
  • Drilling fluid is often applied to cropland after well completion.
  • Assessing the environmental impact of drilling fluid land application is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of water-based, bentonitic drilling fluid application on soil properties.
  • To determine the impact of drilling fluid application on winter wheat grain yield.
  • To assess changes in soil compaction, pH, electrical conductivity (EC(e)), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and trace metal concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Field test plots received varying rates (0-94 Mg ha(-1)) of water-based, bentonitic drilling fluid.

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  • Three application methods (normal, splash-plate, spreader-bar) were tested.
  • Soil samples were analyzed for compaction, pH, EC(e), SAR, trace metals, and nutrients. Winter wheat grain yield was measured.

    • Main Results:

    • Soil SAR, EC(e), and pH increased with drilling fluid rates, but remained below detrimental levels.
    • Increased soil compaction was observed in truck travel areas, but did not affect crop yield.
    • Drilling fluid application did not significantly increase most soil trace elements or nutrient concentrations.
    • Winter wheat grain yield was not affected by drilling fluid rate or application method in three of four site years.

    Conclusions:

    • Land application of water-based bentonitic drilling fluids is an acceptable agricultural practice.
    • Controlled application rates on well-drained soils minimize negative impacts.
    • Drilling fluid application does not pose a significant risk to soil health or crop production under the studied conditions.