Citation

Jacobs KM, Scofield R. Transp. Res. Rec. 1980; 776: 25-27.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In an effort to reduce the salt problems in Maine that have resulted from winter maintenance operations, a three-phase program was implemented: (a) early detection of salt toxicity to vegetation, (b) reduction in the amount of salt used, and (c) dispersal of sodium ions in the soil. Aerial-photograph interpretation by using color infrared photography was developed for early detection of vegetation damage. Reduction in the amount of salt used was achieved through calibration of salt-spreading equipment and through intensive yearly instructional meetings to inform the operators of the importance of reducing salt use. These two methods allowed the Maine Department of Transportation to reduce the use of salt from 99,000 t (110,000 tons) in the winter of 1967-1968 to 57,6000 t (64,000 tons) in the winter of 1978-1979. Sodium-induced streses on vegetation were further reduced by dispersing sodium ions in the soil through the application of gypsum.