Effect of soil depth on acid properties of humic substances extracted from an ombrotrophic peat bog in northwest Spain

The most southerly ombrotrophic peat bogs in Europe are in Galicia (northwest Spain). The humic matter in them originates from chemical processes in anaerobic conditions. We studied the acid properties of fulvic acids and humic acids isolated from two peat horizons of an ombrotrophic peat bog by potentiometric titration. Solutions containing 25, 50 and 100 mg l⁻¹ of each humic substance were titrated at ionic strengths 0.005 m , 0.01 m and 0.1 m (with KNO₃ as the inert electrolyte). Charge curves were analysed with a Donnan model to determine the intrinsic proton binding parameters. The concentration of the humic substance affected the charge curves more significantly at pH exceeding 6, and tended to disappear at greater concentrations. The proton binding conditional constants decreased with increasing ionic strength, this effect being more significant in the carboxylic groups with less affinity for protons. The proton binding constant of the carboxyl groups in a fulvic acid was one order of magnitude less than the value for the corresponding humic acid, whereas for the phenolic groups the values for both fractions were similar. The total content of acid groups was approximately 2 mol kg⁻¹ greater in the fulvic fraction than in the humic fraction. Both humic fractions from the lower horizon contained more acid groups than those from the upper horizon, mainly because the content of carboxyl groups increases with soil depth. Therefore, the humic substances in the lower horizon of the peat will be more negatively charged, which will affect their solubility and the binding of metal ions.     

Radiocarbon analysis of methane emitted from the surface of a raised peat bog

We developed a method to determine the radiocarbon (¹⁴C) concentration of methane (CH₄) emitted from the surface of peatlands. The method involves the collection of ∼9 L of air from a static gas sampling chamber which is returned to the laboratory in a foil gas bag. Carbon dioxide is completely removed by passing the sample gas firstly through soda lime and then molecular sieve. Sample methane is then combusted to CO₂, cryogenically purified and subsequently processed using routine radiocarbon methods. We verified the reliability of the method using laboratory isotope standards, and successfully trialled it at a temperate raised peat bog, where we found that CH₄ emitted from the surface dated to 195–1399 years BP. The new method provides both a reliable and portable way to ¹⁴C date methane even at the low concentrations typically associated with peatland surface emissions.     

Changes in bacterial and archaeal community assemblages along an ombrotrophic peat bog profile

Biology and Fertility of Soils - Peatlands are archives of extreme importance for the assessment of past ecological, environmental and climatic changes. The importance as natural archives is even...     

Functioning of microbial complexes in aerated layers of a highmoor peat bog

Monitoring was carried out using the luminescent-microscopic method of the abundance parameters of different groups of microorganisms in a monolith and in the mixed layers of a highmoor peat bog (oligotrophic residual-eutrophic peat soil) in a year-long model experiment. The increase of the aeration as a result of mixing of the layers enhanced the activity of the soil fungi. This was attested to by the following changes: the increase of the fungal mycelium length by 6 times and of the fungal biomass by 4 times and the double decrease of the fraction of spores in the fungal complex. The response of the fungal complex to mixing was different in the different layers of the peat bog. The maximal effect was observed in the T1 layer and the minimal one in the T2 layer. The emission of CO₂ in the mixed samples was 1.5–2 times higher than that from the undisturbed peat samples. In contrast with the fungi, the bacteria and actinomycetes were not affected by the aeration of the highmoor layers.     

Role of cation exchange in preventing the decay of anoxic deep bog peat

The major bog systems in northern areas are dominated by Sphagnum species, the partially decomposed remains of which form the bulk of deep peat. By adding mono- and di-valent cations to deep peat cores (2.0-2.5 m) and measuring CH₄ and CO₂ concentrations in the manipulated peat cores using quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) we demonstrate that the lack of availability to microorganisms of essential cations is limiting decay in deep peat. The cations with the highest binding strength displaced the most cations and stimulated decay. Decay in deep peat cores was also stimulated by a C source (acetate), but not by NH₄⁺. The addition of cations and acetate resulted in a less than additive stimulation of decay. The stimulatory effect of acetate and copper decreased in the presence of ammonium. The addition of EDTA to surface bog peat (where cations are conserved) decreased decay rates in surface peat (0.0-0.5 m) to that of the untreated deep peat (2.0-2.5 m). Deep peat was unaffected by treatment with EDTA. The effect of adding Cu²⁺differed with the depth from which the peat was collected. Cu²⁺ did not stimulate decay in surface bog peat (0.0-1.5 m) but stimulated decay in peat from 1.5-3.5 m. Below 3.5 m to the bottom of the profile (5.0 m) no positive effect was observed. By comparing deep peat with surface peat we have shown that cation limitation because of high cation exchange capacity is specific to the main mass of deep bog peat and may explain differences in decay rates between anoxic surface peat and deep peat.     

Rapid beetle community convergence following experimental habitat restoration in a mined peat bog

The rate of recovery of invertebrate communities following habitat restoration has received little attention, despite the importance of invertebrates in ecosystem dynamics. In experimental trials in a mined peat bog in New Zealand, we compared the short-term rate of beetle community re-assembly at sites restored using management techniques varying in cost and effort to implement, and subsequently examined the long-term rate of beetle community convergence towards the ‘target’ community structure of an undisturbed peat bog. There was a direct relationship between the rate of beetle community re-assembly and the cost and effort applied to plant community restoration treatments (processed peat with no seed, processed peat with seed, and direct habitat translocation). To test the longer term rate of beetle community convergence following habitat restoration, we monitored beetle assemblages on a chronosequence of experimental habitat islands in which restoration was initiated 1, 13, 24, 25, 42 and 72 months previously. With increasing age, the plant community became more diverse and structurally complex, and beetle community composition converged rapidly on the target community structure of an undisturbed peat bog. Using a simple linear regression analysis on ordination axis scores, we obtained the quantitative prediction that the beetle community on restored islands would converge on the average community composition of an undisturbed peat bog within just 7-8.5 years. Our results clearly show that rapid invertebrate community re-assembly can occur in direct response to management techniques focused on establishing vegetation structure. Even the use of a low-cost restoration technique (processed peat with seed added) was effective in initiating remarkably rapid invertebrate community re-assembly in cutover peat bogs within 10 years.     

Different distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) between Sphagnum and Ledum peat from an ombrotrophic bog in Northeast China

Journal of Soils and Sediments - The aims of this study are to investigate historical PAH deposition through the analysis of PAHs in bulk peat cores and reveal the different distribution of PAHs in...     

Humic-rich peat extracts inhibit sulfate reduction, methanogenesis, and anaerobic respiration but not acetogenesis in peat soils of a temperate bog

To understand why anaerobic ombrotrophic peats can be very low in methane after drainage related afforestation, we analyzed the competition of sulfate reducing, humus reducing, and methanogenic microorganisms by incubating ombrotrophic peats of the Mer Bleue bog, Ontario. Sulfate, sulfide, and sulfate containing peat dissolved organic matter (DOM) from an afforested site were added in reduced and oxidized redox state. Sulfate and acetate concentrations were analyzed, bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) and CO₂ and CH₄ production quantified, and results analyzed by ANOVA. DOM was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy and analyzed for trace elements. CH₄ production (116 nmol cm⁻³ d⁻¹) and BSR rate (102 nmol cm⁻³ d⁻¹) were similar in ‘controls’. BSR in treatments ‘sulfate’ (73 nmol cm⁻³ d⁻¹) and ‘sulfide’ (118 nmol cm⁻³ d⁻¹) did not significantly differ from ‘controls’ but addition of DOM significantly diminished BSR down to 0.4 nmol cm⁻³ d⁻¹ (Kruskal Wallis test, p < 0.05). CH₄ production decreased with sulfate (16%, not significant) and sulfide addition (40%, p < 0.05) and CO₂ production increased (treatment ‘sulfate’, p < 0.05). Addition of all DOM extracts (67 mg L⁻¹) almost completely suppressed methanogenesis and CO₂ production (p < 0.05), but acetate accumulated compared to the control (p < 0.05). The DOM applied contained carboxylic, aromatic and phenolic moieties and metal contents typical for peat humic substances. We conclude that a toxic effect of the intensely humified DOM occurred on both methanogenic and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) but not on fermenting microorganisms. As yet it is not clear what might cause such a toxic effect of DOM on SRB and archaea.     

Controls on latent heat flux and energy partitioning at a peat bog in eastern Canada

Surface and atmospheric controls on latent heat flux (Q_E) and energy partitioning were assessed during three growing seasons at the Mer Bleue peat bog. The surface consisted of a sparse canopy (maximum leaf area index 1.3) of low, mostly evergreen shrubs over moss-covered hummocks and hollows. Available energy was partitioned mostly to Q_E (Bowen ratio often less than 0.5) throughout the growing seasons over an extensive range of water table fluctuation (as much as 50 cm). Q_E was often at or below the equilibrium rate due to surface (low moss water content, strong vascular stomatal control) and/or atmospheric (low vapour pressure deficit (D_a)) factors. Turbulent energy fluxes varied with net radiation and the magnitude of the fluctuations were affected by D_a and moss water content. It is suggested that a change in source partitioning for Q_E led to a change in Q_E − D_a dynamics. Early in the growing season the moss was wet and the vascular canopy was replacing leaves, thus Q_E increased as D_a increased because moss, which reacts passively to D_a, contributed strongly to Q_E. Later in the growing season as water table declined and the evaporation load reduced moss and fibric peat water contents, moss contributed less strongly to Q_E and vascular contribution became more important. Also, stomatal control became more influential in reducing bulk surface conductance for water vapour and Q_E in response to increasing D_a.     

Strong negative geochemical anomaly of raised bog peat in the middle taiga zone, Middle Priobye

Peat samples from bogs of the middle taiga zone (Middle Priobye region) represent a strong negative geochemical anomaly of a number of chemical elements compared to peat samples from bogs of the southern taiga of the Middle and Upper Priobye regions. The proximity of mountain systems (the Altai Mountains, the Salair Ridge, and Kuznetskii Alatau) presumably affects peat composition in the southern taiga zone by air transportation of mineral dust. The latter fact enriches peat of raised bogs in certain metals, whilst not reaching the outlying Middle Priobye region.     

Changes of the content of oil products in the oil-polluted peat soil of a high-moor bog in a field experiment with application of lime and fertilizers

A field model experiment on stimulating the activity of native oil microorganisms–decomposers was performed on an oil-polluted area in a high-moor bog under its total flooding in the northern taiga (Western Siberia). For two summer months, the doses of lime and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers applied have caused a decrease in the oil products (OP) content by 54% relative to their initial amount. The decrease of the OP content in the soil profiles was nonuniform, and at the depth of 30–50 cm it was accompanied by the acidification of peat. The stimulation of the activity of aboriginal microorganisms by applying lime and mineral fertilizers led to the development of migration processes with the participation of oil and products of its transformation. These processes differed from those in the soil without application of lime and fertilizers. An original technology of applying lime and fertilizers providing minimal disturbances the upper 50-cm peat layer is suggested.     

Geochemistry and geochemical differentiation on major elements in selected peat bog profiles (south-east of Poland)

Abstract

The geochemical differentiation of major elements in various peat bog profiles from Bieszczady Mountains Region (south-east of Poland) was compared to its botanical origin. Peat cores were taken from ombrotrophic, mesotrophic, and oligotrophic peatlands, which were developed in the stream valley of the River San. Twenty-four various peat samples were analysed for peat genus, degree of peat decomposition, ash content, total nitrogen, and total carbon content of hydrolytic matter as well as content of major elements: Na, K, Mg, Ca. The results show that the botanical composition of peat deposits is no reliable indication of their trophic status. The common feature of investigated Holocene peatlands is their valley localisation on the flood terrace. The specific character of local geommorpho8ogicml and hydrological condition caused that the bottom layer of all investigated bog profiles was made of wood peats (Piceaeti, Pineti, Alneti, and Saliceti peat). The geochemical investigations of stratigraphical profiles confirm that the presented peat bogs showed specific morphological separateness comparing to other raised bogs situated in mountains or lowlands     

Ionic concentrations in a blanket peat bog in northern England and correlations with deposition and climate variables

Soil solution was collected to identify seasonal trends in its chemistry and to examine relationships between the concentrations of ions and variables that may control them. Samples were collected fortnightly at 10 cm and 50 cm depth in a blanket peat soil at Moor House–Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve in the northern Pennine uplands of England. Dissolved organic carbon at 10 cm peaked each summer and correlated most strongly with temperature. At both depths Na⁺ and Cl^– were the dominant ions, reflecting the oceanic climate. Over the 3‐year sampling period, concentrations of the principal anions and cations at 10 cm varied little except during the autumns of 1994 and 1995 following unusually dry summers. At these times concentrations of SO₄^2–‐S increased from < 3 μmol to a maximum of 430 μmol and were balanced by smaller increases in Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and H⁺. The SO₄^2– concentration at 10 cm was most strongly correlated with depth to the water Table 3 weeks prior to sampling. At 50 cm depth in the peat a small increase in SO₄^2– occurred only during the autumn of 1995, and the concentration of SO₄^2– at this depth correlated most strongly with that at 10 cm. At neither depth were there any strong correlations with deposition. The increase in H⁺ concentration associated with the peak in SO₄^2– at 10 cm depth represents a fall in pH from usual values around 4.2 to 3.5.

Table 3. Deposition flux of ions in bulk precipitation at Moor House from weekly samplings 1994 to 1996 in kg ha^?1 year^?1. The UK flux is derived from 32 sites of the United Kingdom Precipitation Composition Monitoring Network 1992 to 1994 and the standard deviation (SD) relates to the variation between these sites ( Review Group on Acid Rain, 1997 )

Fungal N2O production in an arable peat soil in Central Kalimantan,Indonesia

Abstract

To clarify the microbiological factors that explain high N₂O emission in an arable peat soil in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, a substrate-induced respiration-inhibition experiment was conducted for N₂O production. The N₂O emission rate decreased by 31% with the addition of streptomycin, whereas it decreased by 81% with the addition of cycloheximide, compared with a non-antibiotic-added control. This result revealed a greater contribution of the fungal community than bacterial community to the production of N₂O in the soil. The population density of fungi in the soil, determined using the dilution plate method, was 5.5 log c.f.u. g^?1 soil and 4.9 log c.f.u. g^?1 soil in the non-selective medium (rose bengal) and the selective medium for Fusarium, respectively. The N₂O-producing potential was randomly examined in each of these isolates by inoculation onto Czapek agar medium (pH 4.3) and incubation at 28°C for 14 days. Significant N₂O-producing potential was found in six out of 19 strains and in five out of seven strains isolated from the non-selective and selective media, respectively. Twenty-three out of 26 strains produced more than 20% CO₂ during the 14-day incubation period, suggesting the presence of facultative fungi in the soil. These strains were identified to be Fusarium oxysporum and Neocosmospora vasinfecta based on the sequence of 18S rDNA, irrespective of the N₂O-producing potential and the growth potential in conditions of low O₂ concentration.     

Saturation of raised bog peat exchange sites by Pb and Al stimulates CH4 production

We examined the effect of cation treatments on methanogenic activity and nutrient release from exchange sites in raised bog and fen peats. Treatments consisted of cation chloride solutions (MgCl₂, AlCl₃ and PbCl₂) applied individually. In raised bog peat Al³⁺ and Pb²⁺ increased CH₄ production. A correlation was found between CH₄ production and the amount of micro- and macronutrient cations released by the treatments. In calcareous fen peat, such a stimulation was also found, but there was no correlation between CH₄ production and micro and macronutrient release. Direct nutrient and pH effects could not account for these observations. Thus the results support the hypothesis that the methanogenic community in the raised bog is limited by the availability of mineral nutrients and/or inactivity of exo-enzymes, both of which are bound onto exchange sites.     

The influence of the bog water level on the transformation of sphagnum mosses in peat soils of oligotrophic bogs

Quantitative estimates of the rate of transformation of moss residues of two species (Sphagnum angustifolium and Sphagnum fuscum) in the peat soils (Histosols) were obtained for two oligotrophic bogs with different hydrological conditions in the southern taiga of Western Siberia. The coefficients of decomposition rate (k) significantly differed for the studied species; the decomposition of Sphagnum fuscum proceeded much slower. The most intense decomposition was observed in the first year of transformation (k = 0.06 and 0.16–0.66 for Sph. fuscum and Sph. angustifolium, respectively); then, the rate of moss decomposition decreased. Despite the great amount of fungal mass in the moss residues (exceeding the bacterial biomass by 3–10 times), the rate of the initial decomposition was very low. The hydrological conditions affected the intensity of this process—in the peat of the Kirsanovskoe bog with the low level of bog water, losses of the mass of sphagnum moss were 1.1–1.6 times greater as compared to those in the Bakcharskoe bog. For Sph. angustifolium, the level of bog water was more important than for Sphagnum fuscum, whereas for Sphagnum fuscum, the composition of organic matter played a decisive role in the rate of decomposition of moss residues. The activity of the microflora also depended on the level of bog water, which was manifested in a greater abundance of bacteria in the peat of the Kirsanovskoe bog.     

草炭对砂质土壤保水特性的影响

通过比较草炭、砂土、草炭－砂土混合基质水物理特性和3种灌溉频率条件下基质蒸发量和水势的变化,分析了草炭对砂质土壤保水特性的影响。研究结果表明：用腐质化程度低的高位草炭改良砂土,改良基质的孔隙度、田间持水量、饱和含水率显著增加,基质保水能力提高;干旱处理过程中体积收缩程度也随基质中草炭含量的增加而增大。灌溉频率对基质蒸发量和水势也有显著影响,随着灌溉频率的增加,基质中草炭含量越高,表面蒸发越快。用较低的灌溉频率,纯草炭仍能保持更多的水分,为植物提供更多的有效水。     

草炭风化炭改良盐碱土的生态效应研究

采用草炭和风化炭进行改良盐碱土的盆栽试验.结果表明,施用草炭、风化炭使土壤盐分略有上升,主要使Ca2+和Na+增加;土壤有机质含量因草炭、风化炭的施用而增加,且与有机物料的用量呈正相关关系;土壤速效氮、速效磷、速效钾含量也均随有机物料的施用而增加.水稻株高、穗长和每穗粒数均有所增加,水稻籽实产量显著提高.     

The effect of the frequency of sampling on the observed concentration of oxygen in an afforested peat soil

Samples of air or water were extracted daily from porous pots buried within the rooting zone of trees planted on a deep peat soil. For most pots, the O₂ concentration in the fluid increased with the number of samples taken each day, presumably because air was drawn into the pot from shallower depths. Sampling frequency should therefore be chosen as a compromise between the needs to increase precision and to minimize introduced bias.     

Influence of water depth and soil amelioration on greenhouse gas emissions from peat soil columns

Recently, large areas of tropical peatland have been converted into agricultural fields. To be used for agricultural activities, peat soils need to be drained, limed and fertilized due to excess water, low nutrient content and high acidity. Water depth and amelioration have significant effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) production. Twenty-seven soil samples were collected from Jabiren, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, in 2014 to examine the effect of water depth and amelioration on GHG emissions. Soil columns were formed in the peatland using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe with a diameter of 21 cm and a length of 100 cm. The PVC pipe was inserted vertically into the soil to a depth of 100 cm and carefully pulled up with the soil inside after sealing the bottom. The treatments consisting of three static water depths (15, 35 and 55 cm from the soil surface) and three ameliorants (without ameliorant/control, biochar+compost and steel slag+compost) were arranged using a randomized block design with two factors and three replications. Fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) from the soil columns were measured weekly. There was a linear relationship between water depth and CO₂ emissions. No significant difference was observed in the CH₄ emissions in response to water depth and amelioration. The ameliorations influenced the CO₂ and N₂O emissions from the peat soil. The application of biochar+compost enhanced the CO₂ and N₂O emissions but reduced the CH₄ emission. Moreover, the application of steel slag+compost increased the emissions of all three gases. The highest CO₂ and N₂O emissions occurred in response to the biochar+compost treatment followed by the steel slag-compost treatment and without ameliorant. Soil pH, redox potential (Eh) and temperature influenced the CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O fluxes. Experiments for monitoring water depth and amelioration should be developed using peat soil as well as peat soil–crop systems.