Impact of Magnesium Chloride on Roadside Vegetation

 

Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is applied to gravel roads during summer months for dust suppression and road stabilization, it is also the major component of products designed for control of snow and ice on paved surfaces during late fall, winter, and early spring months. Dust suppressants are used to control maintenance costs, erosion, and fugitive dust. The use of dust suppressants is increasing in order to control particulates in the interest of air quality. Research quantifying the impacts of MgCl2 on vegetation is limited.

 

Research focused on another commonly used salt for control of snow and ice on paved surfaces, sodium chloride (NaCl), has shown it to be detrimental to many species of plants and can alter soil structure. 

 

This project investigates the health of tree, woody shrub, and herbaceous ground cover plants along gravel roads in Larimer and Grand counties, Colorado.

 

The objectives of this study are to determine:

If MgCl2, when applied as a dust suppressant, is moving from treated gravel roads into roadside systems, and

If MgCl2 causes adverse effects to roadside ecosystems.

In 2004 and 2005, roadside and drainage vegetation health plots were established on 19 gravel roads treated and untreated with MgCl2 in Larimer and Grand counties. Trees, woody shrubs, and herbaceous ground species were rated for health and assessed for abiotic and biotic damages. In all plots foliar and soil samples were collected and analyzed for chemical content.

Upon completion of data and chemical analysis, we will determine if MgCl2 moves from roads into roadside systems, if there are detrimental effects to roadside environments.

Working with county road officials we will determine if there are needs to implement better management practices in application or maintenance procedures. This information will help environmental managers, industry professionals, and the scientific community more fully understand the environmental impacts of dust suppression products on various roadside systems.

 

Posters:

Possible Effects of Magnesium Chloride Dust Suppressant on the Health of Road Side Vegetagion

 

Impacts of Drainage Patterns and Other Site Factors on the Movement of Magnesium Chloride-Based Dust Suppressant Products from Gravel Roads

 

Related Studies:

Impact of Magnesium Chloride on Four Tree Speices

Impact of Magnesium Chloride on Roadside Stream Water Quality

 

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April 23, 2007