Comparison of field techniques for sampling soil solution in an upland peatland |
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Authors: | B Reynolds PA Stevens S Hughes SA Brittain |
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Institution: | Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Bangor, Orton Building, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UP, Wales, UK |
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Abstract: | Abstract. Results from recent studies of peatland biogeochemistry suggest that appropriate soil water sampling techniques are required in order to advance our understanding of peatland soil systems. In a comparative field experiment, concentrations of inorganic solutes and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were measured in soil water extracted at a depth of 10 cm beneath the surface of deep peat by three techniques: zero-tension (z-t) lysimeters, PTFE suction samplers, and polysulfone suction samplers. The majority of solute concentrations were broadly similar, but mean concentrations of silicon, DOC, iron and aluminium in water extracted by z-t lysimeters and PTFE samplers were in ratios of 1:5; 1:2; 1:5 and 1:3 respectively. Mean conductivity and concentrations of chloride and hydrogen ion were significantly larger in the z-t lysimeter samples, which had sodium, potassium and magnesium to chloride ratios that were very similar to local rainfall. The z-t lysimeters appeared to sample macropores preferentially, while the suction samplers collected micropore water. |
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Keywords: | Upland peat soil solution sampling methods |
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