Impact of operating temperature of gas transit pipeline on soil quality and production potential of crops

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of gas transit pipeline temperature on soil moisture, soil temperature and yield of harvest crops. The study area was located in the village Ivanka pri Nitre (Nitra District, Southwestern Slovakia). Soil type in the site is Orthic Brown Chernozem. Temperature of the transported gas increased the soil temperature in the range of 2.07°C to 3.4°C measured in a depth ranging from 250 mm to 350 mm above the gas lines. The temperature also reduced soil moisture by 1.27‒3.18 percentiles of weight. Yield of the winter wheat grown above the gas lines was higher by 9.40% in 2004 and by 13.06% in 2006. Yield of the sunflower grown above the gas lines was higher by 8.05% in 2005. In treatment 1, organic fertilisation in a dose of 50 t/ha affected the yield of the winter wheat above the gas pipeline and the yield increased by 13.95% in 2004.

Pipeline installation effects on soils and plants: A review and quantitative synthesis

“…Similarly, Halmova et al. (2017) reported winter wheat yields increased over the trench, likely due to warmer soil conditions from pipeline temperatures. These authors reported that winter wheat yields over the trench were higher by 9.4–13.1%, and sunflower yields were higher by 8.1% compared with control areas.…”

“…Halmova et al. (2017) in the Slovak Republic reported the temperature of a transported gas pipeline increased soil temperature above the pipeline 2.1–3.4 °C higher than soils farther away from the pipeline. Comparatively, Shi et al.…”

“…Zellmer et al (1985) also found increases in wheat yields over the pipeline trench, and sorghum yields were not significantly different between ROW and adjacent areas. Similarly, Halmova et al (2017) reported winter wheat yields increased over the trench, likely due to warmer soil conditions from pipeline temperatures. These authors reported that winter wheat yields over the trench were higher by 9.4-13.1%, and sunflower yields were higher by 8.1% compared with control areas.…”

“…Yet, some heat can escape from pipelined areas, resulting in elevated soil temperature, decreased soil moisture, and potential alteration to soil microbial communities (Naeth et al, 1993). Halmova et al (2017) in the Slovak Republic reported the temperature of a transported gas pipeline increased soil temperature above the pipeline 2.1-3.4 ˚C higher than soils farther away from the pipeline. Comparatively, Shi et al (2015) reported a 1.0-2.0 ˚C increase in temperature along ROW areas in western China.…”

“…Decreases in soil moisture were reported in half of studies (four of eight), with a mean decrease of 3.9%, ranging from −25.4 to 40.4% (Table 2). Notably, Halmova et al (2017) attributed this decrease in gravimetric soil moisture to increases in soil temperature along the ROW but could also be due to soil mixing and subsequent changes to soil texture nearer to the surface. Natural wetland areas can be particularly disturbed by this decrease in soil moisture, where much of the native vegetation is moisture-dependent for proper growth (Olson & Doherty, 2012).…”