Biochar for soil reclamation
Project lead: David Halstead, M.Sc., P.Biol.
In 2019, Saskatchewan Polytechnic partnered with Reclaimit Ltd. to identify the ideal soil treatment for ecologically sustainable forest reclamation on coarse-textured sandy soils.
The research was carried out at Sask Polytech’s Hannin Creek Education and Applied Research Research facility at Candle Lake, Saskatchewan with funding provided by NSERC and National Research Council (NRC). Sandy soil poses challenges for reclamation professionals due to wind erosion, low organic matter content and low water holding capacity. In Canada’s boreal forest, reclamation efforts are further complicated by a short growing season and the impact of soil disturbance on the microbial community. Research results highlighted the superior growth performance of jack pine planted in sandy soils amended with a biochar/worm casting inoculant. Less effective treatments involved chemical fertilizers, peat, hydromulch and control plots. These results underscore the promise of the circular economy. Biochar produced from used wood and inoculated with organic waste may provide an opportunity to supercharge reclamation efforts that sequester carbon directly while enhancing carbon capture through improved growth performance of planted trees.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is signatory to the SDG Accord. Learn more about this SDG case study.
Partner organizations:
Funding sources:
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.
Composting for climate action: Turning institutional food waste into soil amendments
SLICE is working with internal partners Hospitality Services and the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Applied Aesthetics on a pilot project to test vermicomposting at the Prince Albert campus cafeteria known as The Commons. Sask Polytech received funding from the ImpAct-Climate Challenge with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) for the project. This CICan funding is used to connect and mobilize post-secondary leaders, sharing the knowledge, skills and tools needed to combat climate change.
The pilot project, which launched in September 2023, is using earthworms to assist with composting kitchen scraps to produce rich, organic soil full of nutrients. On average, 70 kg of scraps are diverted from the landfill each week,” says Keri Sapsford, research associate at Sask Polytech at Prince Albert campus. We are also partnering with BrewNature, a Saskatchewan company that is developing a novel process and apparatus for high-speed composting, and working with the BioScience Applied Research Centre (BARC) of SLICE to analyze the finished compost from the two methods.
The research team produced a toolkit for others considering on-site composting based on their findings from the Sask Polytech pilot and their discussions with partner institutions Dawson College and Selkirk College. The downloadable handbook offers guidance on composting organic matter from commercial kitchens and coffee rooms. It is designed to help assess the needs of a facility and to determine the best composting system for its situation.
Partner organizations:
Funding source:
Development of a First Nations asset information and management system using geospatial technologies
In collaboration with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS), Sask Polytech has initiated a three-year applied research project. In partnership with Frog Lake First Nation, this project utilizes geospatial tools and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) to map natural resources, community infrastructure and zones vulnerable to climate change and development impacts.
To help create a multi-purpose, interactive database of the natural asset and human built inventory, SAIT’s CIRUS is providing Frog Lake First Nation essential training using RPAS for data collection and Sask Polytech is leading geographic information system and data analysis efforts.
The goal is to empower Frog Lake First Nation to consolidate their community information into a convenient and versatile geodatabase and asset management system, facilitating a transition toward digital governance.
Partner organizations:
Funding source:
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.
Enhancing systems for Indigenous and artisanal natural resource stewards’ access to environmental management technology and data
In partnership with Prince Albert Model Forest and Filipino non-profit organization Daluhay, Daloy ng Buhay (flow of life), SLICE at Sask Polytech is embarking on a groundbreaking applied research project focused on digitizing information and developing data management tools for community-based, sustainable resource management. This project will help position Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan and the Philippines to contribute to environmental policy and program initiatives at regional, national and international levels. This is the first college/polytechnic project funded through Canada’s Tri-Agency New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF).
Leveraging Sask Polytech's expertise in remote sensing, remotely piloted aircraft systems, GIS and natural resource management, the team will digitize and develop data management tools for community-identified priorities in land and water stewardship. This could include mapping of traditional ecological knowledge related to hunting, trapping, sacred areas, and watershed biodiversity and restoration according to community needs. The team will also draw on open-source geospatial data for mapping environmental parameters of interest.
Partner organizations:
Funding sources:
This project is supported in part by funding from the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF).
Ce projet est financé en partie par le fonds Nouvelles frontières en recherche du gouvernement du Canada.
Inclusive productivity improvement & ecosystem capacity building wild rice harvesters
In partnership with NWC Wild Rice Company and with support from Gabriel Dumont Institute, Sask Polytech is leading a collaborative project with multi-year funding support from PrairiesCan’s Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program and Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2). The multi-faceted project will help with both the equipment used in wild rice harvesting and in training needed to maintain the specialized equipment.
NWC Wild Rice Company, an Indigenous-owned northern enterprise, approached Sask Polytech seeking a solution to a common problem faced by harvesters. Wild rice harvester boats are typically small airboats with motors that can maneuver in the tall the grass-like wild rice fields growing along northern lake shores. Current harvester boat propulsion systems use components made for the recreational industry. These regularly fail, quickly become obsolete and are extremely expensive. This project aims to design and build a new, modernized boat with a more economical and easily repairable propulsion system.
Partner organizations:
Funding sources:
This project is supported in part by the Government of Canada through Prairies Economic Development Canada.
Mapping a path to safety: Applied research supports digital sovereignty in northern Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, in partnership with Montreal Lake Cree Nation and the Prince Albert Model Forest, is undertaking a three-year applied research project to develop detailed digital mapping tools that support emergency response, community planning and land management in northern Saskatchewan.
The project combines drone-based mapping, satellite imagery and community knowledge to create a living digital map of Montreal Lake Cree Nation. The mapping will capture community infrastructure, roads, addresses and other key assets, with the goal of supporting integration with Next Generation 911 systems and improving emergency response.
Beyond emergency services, the project will support digital governance and data sovereignty by providing the community with the tools and training needed to maintain and update its own mapping system. The technology will also create opportunities to monitor forest health, assess wildfire impacts and support future land and resource management priorities.
Community engagement is central to the project, with Elders, community members and regional leaders helping identify mapping priorities and ensuring local knowledge informs the development of the digital system.
Partner organizations:
Funding sources:
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.
Turning prairie fibres into sustainable packaging for cleaning products
Saskatchewan Polytechnic and EnviroWay Detergent Manufacturing are collaborating on an applied research project to transform leftover flax and hemp fibres into biodegradable, bottle-grade bioplastics for cleaning products.
The project will evaluate Saskatchewan-grown fibres and develop biocomposite materials that can be processed into durable bottles using high-speed blow moulding. Prototype bottles will be tested with cleaning products under real-world conditions to assess durability, chemical resistance and performance.
By combining Sask Polytech’s specialized manufacturing facilities with EnviroWay’s production expertise, the project aims to support commercial manufacturing of sustainable packaging. Turning underutilized agricultural fibres into value-added products also supports Saskatchewan agriculture, bio-based manufacturing and a more circular economy.
Partner organizations:
Funding sources:
Applied research project helps to share the story of Wanuskewin
Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority are collaborating on a three-year applied research project to use digital mapping, geospatial technologies and visualization tools to make the park’s natural and cultural landscape more accessible to visitors.
The project uses 360-degree imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), photogrammetry, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), LiDAR and multispectral imaging to capture and analyze the park’s trails, terrain, plants and other natural features. The data is being used to create interactive maps and immersive virtual experiences while supporting trail planning and land management.
The project also supports environmental stewardship by identifying invasive plant species, monitoring changes in the landscape and mapping features such as beaver dams. Working with Elders and community members, the project incorporates Indigenous knowledge and stories into digital experiences that can help visitors better understand and connect with the land.
By combining advanced geospatial technology with Indigenous knowledge and community engagement, the project aims to create new ways for people to experience and learn about Wanuskewin, both in person and virtually.
Partner organizations:
Funding sources:
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.
