The role of organic amendments in soil reclamation: A review

May combine two claims.

The intrinsic water-holding capacity of organic amendments is greater than that of most mineral soils, so degraded soils with organic amendments can show an immediate increase in water-holding capacity.

“The intrinsic water-holding capacity of organic amendments is greater than that of most mineral soils (Camberato et al. 2006), so degraded soils with organic amendments can show an immediate increase in waterholding capacity (Fierro et al. 1999).”

• cites Camberato et al. 2006 sourcePartly supported

  The Soil Water Holding Capacity section says deinking paper mill sludge holds more water than most mineral soils. Camberato et al. support that comparison for this specific amendment, but the clause citing them generalizes it to organic amendments as a whole. The separate claim about an immediate increase is attributed to Fierro et al., not Camberato et al. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Fierro et al. 1999 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Soil organic carbon increased rapidly with application of biosolids, whereas it fluctuated slightly in fertilizer controls.

“Soil organic carbon increased rapidly with application of biosolids, whereas it fluctuated slightly in fertilizer controls.”

• cites Tian et al. 2009 sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Biosolids are characterized by higher nitrogen concentrations and hence a low C:N ratio compared with organic amendments from agricultural sources.

“Biosolids are characterized by higher nitrogen concentrations and hence a low C:N ratio compared with organic amendments from agricultural sources.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Using organic amendments for reclamation is mutually beneficial wherein waste products from agriculture, forestry and urban areas help other sectors meet their land reclamation goals.

“Using organic amendments for reclamation is mutually beneficial wherein waste products from agriculture, forestry and urban areas help other sectors meet their land reclamation goals.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Humans have been recycling organic matter through soils for centuries, with beneficial effects on soil fertility and crop yield.

“Humans have been recycling organic matter (livestock manure, human waste) through soils for centuries (Montgomery 2007), with beneficial effects on soil fertility and crop yield, so the idea is not new.”

• cites Montgomery 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Readily decomposable organic amendments may provide immediate, but transient, effects, whereas stable, less decomposable materials may provide longer-lasting effects.

“Readily decomposable organic amendments may provide immediate, but transient, effects, whereas stable, less decomposable materials may provide longer-lasting effects.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Organic amendments are often negatively viewed as waste products with undesirable features such as odour, excessive nitrogen and phosphorus, heavy metals, pathogens, toxins and other contaminants, which are potentially transportable to surface or ground waters by runoff or leaching.

“However, organic amendments are often negatively viewed as waste products with undesirable features such as odour, excessive nitrogen and phosphorus, heavy metals, pathogens, toxins and other contaminants, which are potentially transportable to surface or ground waters by runoff or leaching (Larney et al. 2011).”

• cites Larney et al. 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Single large applications of organic amendments can accelerate initial reclamation and lead to self-sustaining net primary productivity.

“Single large applications of organic amendments can accelerate initial reclamation and lead to self-sustaining net primary productivity.”

May combine two claims.

Nitrogen is usually present in organic form but in particular cases, such as liquid animal manures, the majority is in mineral form (ammonia) and is readily available for plant uptake.

“Nitrogen is usually present in organic form but in particular cases, such as liquid animal manures, the majority is in mineral form (ammonia) and is readily available for plant uptake (Chantigny et al. 2001).”

• cites Chantigny et al. 2001 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The impact of organic amendments on water content is likely to be of greater significance in degraded sandy soils than finer-textured soils, the latter having greater intrinsic water-holding capacity.

“The impact of organic amendments on water content is likely to be of greater significance in degraded sandy soils than finer-textured soils, the latter having greater intrinsic water-holding capacity.”

May combine two claims.

Manure was much better at restoring productivity than fertilizer phosphorus (even at rates up to 400 kg ha-1) after topsoil removal to simulate erosion, because fertilizer phosphorus was likely immobilized by high levels of calcium carbonate in the exposed soil surfaces.

“Larney and Janzen (1997) showed that manure was much better at restoring productivity than fertilizer phosphorus (even at rates up to 400 kg ha (1 ), after topsoil removal to simulate erosion, because fertilizer phosphorus was likely immobilized by high levels of calcium carbonate in the exposed soil surfaces.”

• cites Larney and Janzen 1997 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Wet aggregate stabilities of crop residue amended soils were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those soils treated with animal manures, largely due to the higher freshness factor of the added carbon.

“Similarly, on a desurfaced soil in southern Alberta, Sun et al. (1995) found that wet aggregate stabilities of crop residue amended soils [barley straw, alfalfa hay and pea (Pisum sativum L.) hay] were significantly higher (P B0.01) than those soils treated with animal manures (cattle, hog, poultry), largely due to the higher freshness factor of the added carbon.”

• cites Sun et al. 1995 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Soils are resilient and can benefit from organic amendments mainly via their role in improving soil organic matter.

“Soils are resilient and can benefit from these products mainly via their role in improving soil organic matter.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Manure phosphorus can be mixed and dispersed throughout the surface soil layer without affecting its availability, and can resist the mechanisms that remove fertilizer phosphorus from solution in calcareous soils.

“Abbott and Tucker (1973) suggested that manure phosphorus can be mixed and dispersed throughout the surface soil layer without affecting its availability, and can resist the mechanisms that remove fertilizer phosphorus from solution in calcareous soils.”

• cites Abbott and Tucker 1973 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Organic amendments may or may not increase available water.

“Organic amendments may (e.g., Zibilske et al. 2000) or may not (e.g., Gupta et al. 1977) increase available water.”

• cites Zibilske et al. 2000 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Gupta et al. 1977 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Lashermes et al. (2010) developed a typology based on chemical and biochemical composition of organic amendments to predict their potential nitrogen mineralization, with six proposed classes ranging from high mineralization potential to risk of induced immobilization.

“Lashermes et al. (2010) recently developed a typology based on chemical and biochemical composition of organic amendments to predict their potential nitrogen mineralization.Six proposed classes ranged from high mineralization potential to risk of induced immobilization in soil after amendment application.”

• cites Lashermes et al. 2010Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Formation of slaking resistant macroaggregates (!2 mm) was most rapid with green plant material, wheat and alfalfa, while the stubbles were markedly slower in reaching the equivalent level of aggregation.

“Formation of slaking resistant macroaggregates (!2 mm) was most rapid with green plant material, wheat and alfalfa, while the stubbles were markedly slower in reaching the equivalent level of aggregation.”

• cites Clark et al. 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The intrinsic density of organic material is much lower than mineral soils, so soils receiving organic amendments will show a decrease in dry bulk density (increased total porosity), which may be longlasting if application rates are high.

“The intrinsic density of organic material is much lower than mineral soils, so soils receiving organic amendments will show a decrease in dry bulk density (increased total porosity), which may be longlasting if application rates are high (e.g., Fierro et al. 1999).”

• cites Fierro et al. 1999 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Organic amendments add nutrients plus organic matter, offering many more opportunities for improvement of soil physical, chemical and biological properties, important for success of soil reclamation initiatives.

“Organic amendments add nutrients plus organic matter, offering many more opportunities for improvement of soil physical, chemical and biological properties, important for success of soil reclamation initiatives.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The area where microbial activity is induced by organic amendments is very localized and is referred to as the detritusphere.

“The area where microbial activity is induced by the organic amendments is very localized and is referred to as the detritusphere (Gaillard et al. 1999) by analogy to the rhizosphere.”

• cites Gaillard et al. 1999 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The gypsum amendment was not capable of forming large, slaking resistant aggregates, which may be attributed to the inability of gypsum to stimulate soil biological processes.

“The gypsum amendment was not capable of forming large, slaking resistant aggregates, which may be attributed to the inability of gypsum to stimulate soil biological processes.”

• cites Clark et al. 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The intrinsic cation exchange capacity of organic amendments can vary widely, and their application to soils will often increase cation exchange capacity, particularly in the case of degraded sandy soils.

“The intrinsic cation exchange capacity of organic amendments can vary widely, and their application to soils will often increase cation exchange capacity, particularly in the case of degraded sandy soils (Fierro et al. 1999;Kasongo et al. 2011).”

• cites Fierro et al. 1999 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Kasongo et al. 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Composting mineralizes labile carbon forms such that the remaining carbon is more stable and results in greater increases in soil organic matter per unit of carbon applied than fresh plant materials in the long term.

“If the latter, it will undergo decomposition (mineralization and transformation) that will modify its properties, more so during composting, where labile carbon forms are mineralized such that the remaining carbon is more stable and results in greater increases in soil organic matter per unit of carbon applied than fresh plant materials in the long term (Lashermes et al. 2009).”

• cites Lashermes et al. 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Higher C:N ratios usually denote more recalcitrant carbon, such as cellulose or lignin, whereas lower C:N ratios imply more stable materials.

“Higher C:N ratios usually denote more recalcitrant carbon, such as cellulose or lignin, whereas lower C:N ratios imply more stable materials, for example, composted manures have lower ratios than fresh manures from the same source.”

May combine two claims.

Water infiltration rates in the amended soils were initially increased by stimulation of microbial activity, which increased soil aggregate stability.

“Water infiltration rates in the amended soils were initially increased by stimulation of microbial activity, which increased soil aggregate stability.”

• cites Martens and Frankenberger 1992Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Incorporating organic amendments will usually increase saturated hydraulic conductivity although contrasting and inconclusive results have often been reported.

“Incorporating organic amendments will usually increase saturated hydraulic conductivity (Gupta et al. 1977;Leroy et al. 2008a) although contrasting and inconclusive results have often been reported (Khaleel et al. 1981;Zebarth et al. 1999;Schneider et al. 2009).”

• cites Gupta et al. 1977 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Leroy et al. 2008aNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Khaleel et al. 1981 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Compost maintained plant species diversity and richness and significantly boosted metabolic activity in the edaphic flora of a lignite mine in Spain.

“However, Pedrol et al. (2010) reported that unlike nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium fertilizer, compost maintained plant species diversity and richness and significantly boosted metabolic activity in the edaphic flora of a lignite mine in Spain.”

• cites Pedrol et al. 2010 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The reduced litter decomposition from yard waste compost resulted in continued accrual of soil organic matter, which helped meet the reclamation goal of establishing self-sustaining native plant communities on tailings deposits.

“This resulted in the continued accrual of soil organic matter, which helped meet the reclamation goal of establishment of self-sustaining native plant communities on tailings deposits.”

• cites Noyd et al. 1997 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Sludge application resulted in increased water retention and cation exchange capacities, and increased pH and bulk density of sand pit mine soil.

“Sludge application resulted in increased water retention and cation exchange capacities, and increased pH and bulk density of sand pit mine soil, all of which may have accounted for the significant improvement in plant responses.”

• cites Fierro et al. 1999 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Composting is a means of eliminating many of the undesirable features of raw livestock manure including pathogens such as Escherichia coli, parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, weed seeds, antibiotics and pesticide residues.

“As well as stabilizing nutrients and allowing their more economical transportation, composting is a means of eliminating many of the undesirable features of raw livestock manure including pathogens such as Escherichia coli (Larney et al. 2003b), parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium (Van Herk et al. 2004), weed seeds (Larney and Blackshaw 2003), antibiotics (Cessna et al. 2011) and pestic”

• cites Larney et al. 2003bNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Van Herk et al. 2004 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Larney and Blackshaw 2003 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

After 5 years, soil organic carbon accumulation rates ranged from 0.6 to 2.8 Mg carbon per hectare per year, with the highest rates in manure-treated plots, at three reclaimed coal mine sites in eastern Ohio.

“After 5 yr, soil organic carbon accumulation rates ranged from 0.6 to 2.8 Mg carbon ha (1 yr (1 , with the highest rates recorded in manuretreated plots.”

• cites Shrestha et al. 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Yard waste compost addition increased plant biomass production and reduced litter decomposition rates in taconite tailings in Minnesota.

“Noyd et al. (1997) found that as well as increasing plant biomass production, yard waste compost addition (44.8 Mg ha (1 ) reduced litter decom-position rates in taconite tailings in Minnesota.”

• cites Noyd et al. 1997 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

If less compost was applied together with lignocellulose paper mill waste, its negative effect on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was substantially reduced, whereas the positive effect on plant growth was maintained.

“However, if less compost was applied together with lignocellulose paper mill waste, its negative effect on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was substantially reduced, whereas the positive effect on plant growth was maintained.”

• cites Gryndler et al. 2008 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Nitrate nitrogen concentration in the 0 to 60 cm soil depth explained 71% of the variation in restorative ability (based on average plant dry matter yield) of the amendments, while extractable phosphorus concentrations in the 0 to 15 cm depth explained 16% of this variation.

“Nitrate nitrogen concentration in the 0 to 60 cm soil depth explained 71% of the variation in restorative ability (based on average plant dry matter yield) of the amendments, while extractable phosphorus concentrations in the 0 to 15 cm depth explained 16% of this variation.”

• cites Larney and Janzen 1996 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

In the absence of topsoil (0% topsoil replacement depth), manure had a reclamation capacity of 99% of the baseline (100% topsoil replacement depth-check), compost 95%, and alfalfa 91%.

“In the absence of topsoil (0% topsoil replacement depth), manure had a reclamation capacity of 99% of the baseline (100% topsoil replacement depth-check) while compost was 95% and alfalfa, 91%.”

• cites Larney et al. 2003aNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Crop yield response to manure was of the order severe erosion > moderate erosion > non-eroded, which suggests greatest benefits are achieved by applying manure to the most severely degraded areas of the landscape.

“Crop yield response to manure was of the order severe erosion !moderate erosion !non-eroded, which suggests greatest benefits are achieved by applying manure to the most severely degraded areas of the landscape.”

• cites Larney and Janzen 1997 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

By natural succession, nature can achieve restoration unaided, and develop fully functioning soils.

“Bradshaw (1997) pointed out that by natural succession, nature can achieve restoration unaided, and develop fully functioning soils.”

• cites Bradshaw 1997 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Addition of compost had a strong negative impact on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and almost eliminated mycorrhizal colonization of roots in spoil bank clays.

“Their study showed that addition of compost had a strong negative impact on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and almost eliminated mycorrhizal colonization of roots.”

• cites Gryndler et al. 2008 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

In disturbed soils, certain extreme conditions may inhibit plant growth, particularly soil physical limitations, gross lack of certain nutrients and toxicity, and natural succession may take too long.

“In disturbed soils, however, certain extreme conditions may inhibit plant growth, particularly soil physical limitations, gross lack of certain nutrients and toxicity, and natural succession may take too long.”

May combine two claims.

Above-ground biomass production, biomass nitrogen, soil nitrogen and soil organic carbon pools were significantly higher in manure and chiselling treatments.

“Above-ground biomass production, biomass nitrogen, soil nitrogen and soil organic carbon pools were significantly higher in manure and chiselling treatments, probably due to greater exploration of the soil volume by plant roots and more efficient uptake of water and available nutrients.”

• cites Shrestha et al. 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Incorporation of organic matter significantly increased above-ground biomass in reclamation of a high elevation gold mine in Colorado, with mushroom compost more effective than biosolids.

“Winter Sydnor and Redente (2002) found that incorporation of organic matter significantly increased above-ground biomass, in reclamation of a high elevation gold mine in Colorado, with mushroom compost being more effective than biosolids.”

• cites Winter Sydnor and Redente 2002 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

There is the potential for organic amendments to become more available in the future as demand for food, fuel and fibre increases, for example biosolids from urban areas or manure from intensive livestock operations.

“With world population forecasts showing increased growth until later this century, there is the potential for organic amendments to become more available in the future as demand for food, fuel and fibre increases; for example, biosolids from urban areas or manure from intensive livestock operations.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: World population will increase until later this century, and demand for food, fuel and fibre will increase.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

There will be an increased reliance on soils to act as recipients of organic amendments.

“There will be an increased reliance on soils to act as recipients of such materials.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Although increases in soil organic matter were observed as a result of organic matter application, accumulation rates differed widely and no general relationship was found between amount of organic matter applied per unit time and accumulation rate.

“However, Vetterlein and Hu¨ttl (1999) cautioned that although increases in soil organic matter were observed as a result of organic matter application, accumulation rates differed widely and no general relationship was found between amount of organic matter applied per unit time and accumulation rate.”

• cites Vetterlein and Hu¨ttl 1999Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

More decomposable organic amendments may have more intense but shorter-term effects, while recalcitrant materials may be less intense but longer lasting.

“More decomposable organic amendments may have more intense but shorter-term effects, while recalcitrant materials may be less intense but longer lasting.”

May combine two claims.

While manure was the best amendment for enhancing soil productivity after topsoil removal, the magnitude of its effect on yield depended on organic carbon content of the recipient soil.

“For example, while manure was the best amendment for enhancing soil productivity after topsoil removal, the magnitude of its effect on yield depended on organic carbon content of the recipient soil (Larney et al. 2000a).”

• cites Larney et al. 2000aNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The potential of coal combustion by-products in sequestering carbon and reclaiming degraded lands may be most fully realized when applied in conjunction with organic amendments such as mulch from biomass, biosolids or pulp and paper sludge.

“In a review on the use of coal combustion by-products (fly ash, flue gas desulfurization by-product) in sequestering carbon and reclaiming degraded lands, Palumbo et al. (2004) indicated that their potential may be most fully realized when these inorganic by-products are applied in conjunction with organic amendments such as mulch from biomass, biosolids or pulp and paper sludge (Haering et al. 2”

• cites Palumbo et al. 2004 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Haering et al. 2000 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

If organic matter is applied to promote plant growth, and soil organic matter accumulates indirectly through litter production, quality of soil organic matter would develop similarly to that in natural ecosystems.

“They concluded that if organic matter was applied to promote plant growth, and soil organic matter accumulated indirectly through litter production, quality of soil organic matter would develop similarly to that in natural ecosystems.”

• cites Vetterlein and Hu¨ttl 1999Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Compost rates greater than 20 Mg per hectare resulted in excessive extractable phosphorus build-up in the topsoil, which may pose environmental risk to surface water.

“Compost rates !20 Mg ha (1 resulted in excessive extractable phosphorus build-up in the topsoil (up to 95.7 mg kg (1 ), which may pose environmental risk to surface water.”

• cites Zvomuya et al. 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Restoring degraded soils and ecosystems would reduce the rate of enrichment of atmospheric carbon dioxide and hence play a role in offsetting fossil fuel emissions.

“Lal (2003) thought that restoring degraded soils and ecosystems would reduce the rate of enrichment of atmospheric carbon dioxide and hence play a role in offsetting fossil fuel emissions.”

• cites Lal 2003 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Readily bioavailable organic amendments may be less likely to be retained in the soil over long periods and thus may contribute little to long-term carbon storage.

“Readily bioavailable organic amendments (e.g., biosolids, swine manure, chicken litter) may less likely be retained in the soil over long periods of time and thus may contribute little to long-term carbon storage.”

May combine two claims.

Transportation costs limit the use of organic amendments in remote regions, as mine sites in Canada's arctic are long distances from agricultural, forested or urban areas.

“Transportation costs also limit the use of organic amendments in remote regions, as mine sites in Canada's arctic are long distances from agricultural (source of manure, compost), forested (source of wood residuals) or urban (source of biosolids) areas.”

May combine two claims.

Although approximately twice as much carbon was applied with alfalfa than with compost, final soil organic carbon content was similar for the two amendments, indicating the greater stability of compost-derived carbon.

“Although approximately twice as much carbon was applied with alfalfa than with compost, final soil organic carbon content was similar for the two amendments, indicating the greater stability of compost derived carbon.”

• cites Zvomuya et al. 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Nitrate nitrogen content in the 0 to 60 cm depth was not affected by compost rate but increased by 7.8 kg per hectare for each Mg per hectare increase in alfalfa rate.

“Nitrate nitrogen content in the 0 to 60 cm depth was not affected by compost rate (mean 213 kg ha (1 ) but increased by 7.8 kg ha (1 for each Mg ha (1 increase in alfalfa rate.”

• cites Zvomuya et al. 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Volume- or depth-based compost amendments promoted stabilization by revegetation and thereby reduced runoff and sediment losses due to erosion after highway construction in Texas.

“Volume or depth based compost amend-ments promoted stabilization by revegetation and thereby reduced runoff and sediment losses due to erosion.”

• cites Hansen et al. 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

Tillage and addition of wood waste reduced bulk density and increased soil organic carbon in rehabilitated log landings in British Columbia.

“Tillage and addition of wood waste reduced bulk density and increased soil organic carbon.”

• cites Bulmer et al. 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

More recalcitrant, lignin-rich amendments, such as woody biomass and possibly pulp and paper mill sludge, are less labile in the soil and will usually show a smaller but longer-lasting effect on soil properties.

“More recalcitrant, lignin-rich amendments, such as woody biomass and possibly pulp and paper mill sludge, are less labile in the soil and will usually show a smaller but longer-lasting effect on soil properties.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

There are hardly any differences in structure of humic substances between young soil organic matter accumulated via exogenous organic matter and indigenous soil organic matter, but there are differences in sorption behaviour toward polychlorinated biphenyls.

“Delschen (1999) reported hardly any differences in structure of humic substances, but indicated differences in sorption behaviour toward organic chemicals (polychlorinated biphenyls).”

• cites Delschen 1999 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

In reclamation, no one solution fits all.

“However, in reclamation, no one solution fits all, and research should be carried out to test various organic amendments in as many soils, climates and end land uses as possible.”

May combine two claims.

Compost increased plant available water in coarse-textured but not fine-textured soils, and increased above-ground biomass along road cuts in northern California.

“Compost increased plant available water, in coarse-but not in fine-textured soils, and above-ground biomass.”

• cites Curtis and Claassen 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Increases in net primary productivity will result in increased carbon inputs to the soil and therefore true carbon sequestration.

“Increases in net primary productivity will result in increased carbon inputs to the soil and therefore true carbon sequestration.”

May combine two claims.

Depending on the degree of degradation, higher rates of organic amendments are generally used in reclamation than on farmland, but usually only a single application is made, which allows vegetation to become self-sustaining.

“Depending on the degree of degradation, higher rates of organic amendments are generally used in reclamation than on farmland, but usually only a single application is made, which allows vegetation to become self-sustaining (Sopper 1992).”

• cites Sopper 1992 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Peat is naturally abundant in the oil sands mining footprint around Fort McMurray, Alberta, and is currently used as the main organic amendment in reclamation.

“Peat is naturally abundant in the oil sands mining footprint around Fort McMurray, Alberta, and is currently used as the main organic amendment in reclamation (Hemstock et al. 2010) as transportation of other amendments to the region is considered cost prohibitive.”

• cites Hemstock et al. 2010 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Organic amendment application to highly degraded soils is a case where true carbon sequestration occurs because it increases net primary productivity.

“This is obviously the case when organic amendments are applied to highly degraded soils (e.g., Larney et al. 2009) as outlined above.”

• cites Larney et al. 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Disturbed or degraded soils will show the greatest benefits, from both soil quality and net primary productivity perspectives, from addition of organic amendments.

“We propose that disturbed or degraded soils will show the greatest benefits, from both soil quality and net primary productivity perspectives, from addition of organic amendments.”

May combine two claims.

Organic amendments reduced bulk density and increased plant available water and infiltration rates in a landfill site in the United Kingdom.

“Organic amendments reduced bulk density and increased plant available water and infiltration rates.”

• cites Chambers et al. 2002 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Regular inputs of manure, waste compost or sewage sludge increased soil organic matter on lignite mine soils, but amendment type was less important than application rate for long-term accumulation of soil organic matter.

“Delschen (1999) found that while regular inputs of manure, waste compost or sewage sludge increased soil organic matter on lignite mine soils, amendment type was less important than application rate for long-term accumulation of soil organic matter.”

• cites Delschen 1999 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The single large application of organic matter in reclamation ensures fast establishment of vegetation, which is crucial to initiation of nutrient cycling and improvement of soil physical properties.

“The single activity ensures fast establishment of vegetation, which is crucial to initiation of nutrient cycling and improvement of soil physical properties.”

May combine two claims.

Raw biosolids can release nitrogen very rapidly, giving a burst of fertility that promotes annual weed species, which may dominate the vegetation and reduce biodiversity.

“Raw biosolids can release nitrogen very rapidly giving a burst of fertility that promotes annual weed species, which may dominate the vegetation and reduce biodiversity (Paschke et al. 2005).”

• cites Paschke et al. 2005 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Stability and maturity of organic amendments are two important factors for their successful use in agriculture.

“Stability and maturity of organic amendments are two important factors for their successful use in agriculture (Senesi and Plaza 2007).”

• cites Senesi and Plaza 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Increased net primary productivity would have returned higher amounts of root mass and straw residue to the soil, perhaps self-perpetuating the manure effect beyond a strict response to nutrient addition at the outset.

“Increased net primary productivity would have returned higher amounts of root mass and straw residue to the soil, perhaps self-perpetuating the manure effect beyond a strict response to nutrient addition at the outset.”