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De-icing salt contamination reduces urban tree performance in structural soil cells
Camilo Ordóñez-Barona1, Vadim Sabetski1, Andrew A Millward1
1Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Ryerson University, Canada.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|December 10, 2017
Summary
De-icing salts in urban areas harm trees, even in engineered soil systems. High soil salinity and alkalinity negatively impact tree health and nutrient levels, posing a challenge for urban forestry.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Forestry
- Soil Science
Background:
- De-icing salts impact water quality and vegetation in cold climates.
- Structural soil cells manage runoff and support tree growth but their salt management capacity is unknown.
- The effects of de-icing salt contamination on trees in these systems require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate de-icing salt contamination in structural soil cells.
- To assess the impact of this contamination on tree performance and health.
- To understand the relationship between soil salinity, alkalinity, and tree condition.
Main Methods:
- Field investigation in Toronto, Canada, analyzing soil chemistry and tree attributes.
- Utilized continuous soil salinity loggers to monitor salt levels.
- Examined data to correlate soil conditions with tree mortality and foliar health.
Main Results:
- Both sites exhibited high soil salinity and alkalinity, exceeding levels detrimental to trees.
- Lower soil salinity and alkalinity correlated with better tree survival and foliar condition at one site.
- High soil salinity and alkalinity were linked to reduced nutrient levels in both sites.
Conclusions:
- Structural soil cells may face a trade-off between stormwater management and urban forest function in areas using de-icing salts.
- Elevated salinity and alkalinity in structural cells negatively affect tree health and nutrient availability.
- Further long-term monitoring of soil conditions in these systems is recommended.
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