Exploring Reclaimed Land: Oliver County Hosts Educational Field Tour
The Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Oliver County Soil Conservation District hosted a field tour aimed at exploring the challenges and innovations of farming reclaimed surface pit lignite coal mine ground at the Schmidt family farm in Oliver County, North Dakota July 9.
Center, N.D. — The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Oliver County Soil Conservation District hosted a field tour aimed at exploring the challenges and innovations of farming reclaimed surface pit lignite coal mine ground at the Schmidt family farm in Oliver County, North Dakota July 9.
The tour featured expert hands-on discussions and demonstrations.
Mikael Schmidt of Schmidt Farms kicked off the tour, sharing his experiences and challenges farming on reclaimed mine land. "Reclaimed land faces unique issues like compaction and poor infiltration," Schmidt explained. "We need to think outside the box and experiment. For instance, BNI Coal loaned us a machine for deep ripping, which made a significant difference in improving soil moisture retention."
Greg Petrick from BNI Coal detailed the reclamation process, explaining how the standards have evolved over time. "The area we're standing on was seeded back in 1972-73 and was considered reclaimed by 1982," Petrick said. "We've since progressed to conserving the top five feet of topsoil and subsoil during reclamation."
NRCS Soil Scientist John Kempenich provided an in-depth look at soil profiles from four different soil pits, each managed differently on reclaimed ground. "Reclaimed soil, having been disturbed and reconstructed, shows distinct differences," Kempenich noted. "Factors like climate, topography, and time all play roles in soil formation, but in mined areas, these factors are reconstructed and take time to develop."
Rick Schmidt from NDSU Extension discussed brush removal in rangelands, showcasing a trial site with various management techniques. "Managing brush is crucial for rangeland health," he emphasized. "Different management practices can yield varying results in brush control and rangeland productivity."
Chet Zapzalka, NRCS District Conservationist from the Oliver County office, highlighted the financial and technical assistance programs available to producers. "We offer programs like Conservation Stewardship Program and Environmental Quality Incentive Program to help producers treat resource concerns," Zapzalka said. "These programs provide financial support for practices like tree planting, pipeline installation, and more. We encourage producers to start planning early to maximize their chances of funding."
Krista Bryan, another NRCS Soil Scientist, discussed water movement in reclaimed soils, demonstrating how altered soil structures affect infiltration rates. "We measured water infiltration rates using a Saturo unit," Bryan explained. "While the topsoil showed moderate infiltration, the subsoil, being more compacted and clay-heavy, had significantly slower water movement."
Attendees left the tour with a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities in managing reclaimed mine land. The event also included a lunch sponsored by BNI Coal, allowing participants to network and share their own experiences and insights.
For more information on financial assistance and technical advice, contact your local NRCS field office or visit the North Dakota NRCS website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/north-dakota.
The NRCS continues to deliver conservation solutions, helping agricultural producers protect natural resources and sustain productivity for a growing world.