Peat Mass Changing During Decomposition in the Mires of Poland and Western Siberia
N. G. Koronatova, S. V. Shibareva
Keywords: ombrotrophic mire, decay, peat, degree of peat decomposition, living underground plant organs
Pages: 445-451
Abstract
In the article, results of field experiment on peat decomposition in peat deposits of mires in Western Siberia and Poland are presented. Two principal factors determining the dynamics of peat mass changing are revealed: position in a relief and contribution from the underground organs of grassy plants. The maximal values of peat mass loss were obtained for the raised bog, an upland mire microlandscape, the upper layer of peat; the mass loss was minimal in the deeper layer. In all the fen ecosystems which are the lowland microlandscapes, similar values of peat mass losses at different depths were obtained. In mire ecosystems with the high share of grasses in phytocenosis, the peat deposit in the upper half-meter layer is replenished with dying off underground plant organs.
|
