Use of Peat Ameliorant for Remediation of Oil-Contaminated Soils

Background: The article examines the problem of soil disturbance due to hydrocarbon spills. A set of measures to restore the productivity and economic value of disturbed soils includes two stages: technical and biological. Methods: In this paper, the authors have studied the hydrophysical and physical and chemical properties of peat and peat ameliorants, as well as nutrients and microelements contained in them. The study method involved the selection of samples of peat, peat-sand and peat-clay mixtures, and conduction of standard tests in order to determine the hydrophysical and physicochemical properties. Findings: Peat is considered the main component in fertile topsoil creation in areas of disturbed soils for the of green plants cultivation. Addition of sand (clay) and mineral fertilizer to it improves its properties. The water, thermal and nutritive regimes get optimized and the potential of the formed soil is realized in the best way. Peat and sand or clay with mineral fertilizers is a good basis for creation of the fertile soil layer in the recultivated area. The article examines in detail the physicochemical and hydrophysical properties of peat and peat ameliorant. It describes the changes in the peat-bog soil during its drainage, cultivation and use as a soil improver when remediating the oilcontaminated soils. Application: Results of the study are applicable during the remediation of oil-contaminated soil, to create fertile topsoil with optimum properties for the cultivation of perennial green plants in Western Siberia climatic conditions.