Published on: June 18, 2024
The Agronomic Receptor Evaluation (phase 2) has considered the ecological direct contact pathway in soil, specifically, the exposure pathway by which terrestrial plants and soil invertebrates may come into direct contact with chemicals in the soil, and applies across all land-use designations. In Alberta, there is variability in whether the direct contact pathway is applicable at intermediate depths for different chemicals of potential concern. At shallower depths, the ecological direct contact pathway guideline must be followed unless another more suitable guideline is available.
This report is phase 2 of 3 of the broader project. The next objective is to assess and validate the findings of Phase 2 in a field setting by assessing the impact of soil salinity. Phase 2 of the project indicated an apparent effect of salinity on alfalfa roots but not on aboveground growth.