Restoring rangelands affected by oil and gas production

Keywords: Restoration, Energy, Oil and Gas, Agriculture, Human-Environment Interactions
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 1

Abstract

Rangelands of the Great Plains and American West host over 600,000 oil and gas production sites and extensive livestock grazing operations. During the last two decades, domestic oil and gas development expanded, creating restoration needs after production ends. This review paper synthesizes a growing body of literature on restoring rangelands following oil and gas development, including restoring soils, re-establishing vegetation, and preventing or mitigating any surface or water contamination. Existing studies reveal that, even after restoration efforts are implemented, soils on treated sites are permanently changed by oil and gas development. Yet some in situ treatment techniques can increase site revegetation and reduce bare ground and soil mixing techniques have helped mitigate reduced crop yields on some contaminated sites. Various reseeding techniques have been effective, with a subset of studies exploring the use of diverse, native, locally adapted seed, including plant species better suited to specific post-production conditions. Other research suggests that grazing intensity (e.g., heavy, moderate, light, or none) at restoration sites may affect restoration outcomes, although results vary by location. Open questions remain about: (1) techniques for successfully remediating soil after oil and brine spills; (2) the potential for cover crops to accelerate site recovery; and (3) grazing effects on restoration outcomes. The paper closes with a discussion of potential ecosystem services from restoration, as well as resources needed to complete restoration on an extensive scale, such as labor, equipment, and site-appropriate seeds.