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In Interior Alaska, a slope underlying the Trans Alaska Pipeline System has recently experienced downslope movement, which is attributed to a buried frozen, ice-rich peat layer. We performed a field investigation of the site, including coring and sampling, and conducted a suite of laboratory tests, including mechanical tests at temperatures between −0.56 and −5 °C to quantify the secondary creep behavior and to estimate the impact of soil cooling on the creep deformation. We tested a variety of soils, including ice-rich silt, silty peat, and peat with the majority having an organic content of 10% or greater. The results indicated that temperature has a strong control on the resulting time-dependent mechanical properties. Here we provide secondary creep power law relationships for these soils. The analysis indicates that cooling the soils can be effective in reducing creep movement; for example, cooling by 1.1 °C from −0.56 to −1.67 °C results in an order of magnitude reduction in the shear deformation rates. These results are significant as they add to the limited amount of work done on the time-dependent mechanical behavior of ice-rich peat and organic soils at warm sub-freezing temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A practical procedure for determining soil parameters when analysing the deformation of peat by finite-element analysis (FEA) using the Cam Clay model is presented. FEA has not been frequently used to predict the deformation of peat soil, even though it can be a powerful prediction tool. The main reason for this is that a practical method for determining parameters has not been established. In this paper, the remarkable correlation between the soil parameters required for FEA using the Cam Clay model and the natural water content (wn) and ignition loss (Li) of peat and organic clay is presented. Then, based on this correlation, a flow chart for determining the soil parameters of peat and organic clay is proposed. Using this chart, it is possible to determine soil parameters directly from triaxial compression, oedometer and other detailed tests or to estimate them from wn, Li and other physical indexes. A trial embankment on peat soil in Hokkaido, Japan, was also created. FEA was performed on the trial embankment using the proposed procedure for determining the soil parameters. The results of the FEA corresponded to the measured settlement behaviour in the trial embankment with an accuracy in the range −4% to +8%. The FEA results also modelled the measured behaviour of pore water pressure and lateral and vertical displacements in the trial embankment very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field measurements, after extrapolation, suggest that deep Yedoma deposits (formed during the Pleistocene) and peatlands (formed during the Holocene) account for over 700 Pg C of soil carbon storage. Incorporating this old, deep, cold carbon into land surface models (LSMs) is crucial for accurately quantifying soil carbon responses to future warming. However, it remains underrepresented or absent in current LSMs, which typically include a passive soil carbon pool to represent all 'old carbon' and lack the vertical accumulation processes that deposited deep carbon in the soil layers of peat and Yedoma. In this study, we propose a new, more realistic protocol for simulating deep and cold carbon accumulation in the high latitudes, using the ORCHIDEE-MICT model. This is achieved by 1) integrating deep carbon from Yedoma deposits whose formation is calculated using Last Glacial Maximum climate conditions, and 2) prescribing the inception time and location of northern peatlands during the Holocene using spatially explicit data on peat age. Our results show an additional 157 Pg C in present-day Yedoma deposits, as well as a shallower peat carbon depth (by 1–5 m) and 35 Pg C (43 %) less passive soil carbon in northern peatlands, compared to the old protocol that ignored Yedoma deposits and applied a uniform, long-duration (13,500 years) peat carbon accumulation across all peatlands. As a result, the total organic carbon stock across the Northern Hemisphere (> 30° N) simulated by the new protocol is 2,028 Pg C, which is 226 Pg C higher than the previous estimate. Despite the significant challenge in simulating deep carbon with ORCHIDEE-MICT, the improvements in the representation of carbon accumulation from this study provide a model version to predict deep carbon evolution during the last glacial-deglacial transition and its response to future warming. The methodology implemented for deep carbon initialization in permafrost and cold regions in ORCHIDEE-MICT is also applicable to other LSMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the effects of sludge combined with peat application on the soil of the wasteland in mining areas, in this study, a total of 10 treatments were set up, including single sludge application ( 5%, 10%, and 15%), single peat application ( 5%, 10%, and 15%), sludge and peat combined application ( sludge 5% + peat 10%, sludge 10% + peat 10%, and sludge 15% + peat 10%), and blank control. The effects of different sludge and peat application rates on soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, pH, moisture content, polyphenol oxidase and sucrase activities in the wasteland soil were studied by planting ryegrass in pots. The results showed that compared with the control, single application of sludge, single application of peat, and combined application of sludge and peat in the soil of the wasteland in the mining area could increase the content of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and the activities of polyphenol oxidase and sucrase. Sludge application by 15% and peat treatment alone could significantly increase the content of available potassium in soil. Sludge application by 15%, peat application by peat alone, and sludge and peat combined treatment could significantly increase soil moisture content. The results of TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive improvement effect of sludge application on the soil of mine wasteland was better than that of sludge and peat combined application. Among them, compared with the control, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, water content, polyphenol oxidase activity and sucrase activity increased by 151.10%, 495.37%, 1130.83%, 39.71%, 115.04%, 78.98%, and 109.58%, respectively, and the comprehensive effect of soil improvement on mine wasteland was better than that of other treatments. In summary, 15% of sludge alone could be recommended as a soil improvement technology for wasteland in mining areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roof and facade greening infiltration system were simulated to study the purification effect of different roof greening substrates and facade greening substrates on rainwater runoff. The results showed that the pollutant removal rate of glass light stone + ceramsite + river sand was the highest, and the removal rates of total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus (TP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were 41.31%, 55.07%, 43.65% and 36.36%, respectively. The purification effect of glass light stone + ceramsite as roof greening substrate was not good. The removal rate of TP by glass light stone + ceramsite + peat soil and peat soil was more than 90%, but the removal efficiency of nitrogen was not high. The purification effect of biochar and non-soil was better in the facade greening substrate. The removal rates of ammonia nitrogen and TP by biochar were 98.45% and 92.93%, respectively. The removal effects of nitrogen and phosphorus by rock wool, rock wool + glass light stone and carbon wool were worse. The removal rates of TN and ammonia nitrogen by rock wool treatment were-20.42% and 5.06%, respectively. While, the removal rates of TN and TP by rock wool + glass light stone were negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in studying the distribution of actinomycetes in natural ecosystems is the result of a large-scale use of these organisms in biotechnological industry (actinomycetes produce 45% of all biologically active substances of microbial origin). In this study, the objects for isolating actinomycetes are the eutrophic peat soils of bog ecosystems of different geneses under deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests (Zapadanaya Dvina district of Tver oblast, European territory of Russia and Tomsk district of Tomsk oblast, Western Siberia). In total, 120 cultures of actinomycetes were isolated from the zone of active organic detritus decomposition represented in the studied soils by litter and eutrophic peat horizon; most of them are identified as Streptomyces (38 species). According to the analysis of antimicrobial activity, 40% of the isolated cultures concurrently display an antagonistic effect against bacteria, fungi, and opportunistic microorganisms, including the strains with a wide range of antagonistic action—Streptomyces globisporus, S. sindenensis, and S. xanthochromogenes. The observed antifungal activity of streptomycetes is higher as compared with the antibacterial effect. S. aburaviensis and S. albaduncus display the highest multiple antibiotic resistance. In total, 82% of the isolates display a cellulolytic activity and 26%, a chitinolytic activity. The cultures of S. bikiniensis, S. varsoviensis, and S. alboflavus have a high hydrolytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of dolomite and shrimp waste liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) is expected to improve the quality of peat soil to support the growth and yield of peanuts. The study was aimed at the role of dolomite and shrimp waste LOF in the development and yield of peanuts on peat soil. The study was conducted in Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, from April to August 2024. A factorial completely randomized design was used for the field experiment. The treatment factors were the dosage of dolomite (3, 6, and 9 tons ha-1) and the concentration of shrimp waste LOF (200, 300, and 400 mL L-1). The results showed that using dolomite and shrimp waste LOF increased the growth and yield of peanuts on peat soil. The interaction of dolomite 6 tons ha-1 and shrimp waste LOF 400 mL L-1 effectively increased root volume. The best individual dolomite treatment level for peanut growth was 6 tons ha-1, and for production, it was 9 tons ha-1. The best individual shrimp waste LOF treatment level for growth was 300 mL L-1, and for production, it was 400 mL L-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analysed 2019–2022 summertime canopy height predictions (HICESat) given in ICESat-2 ATLAS dataset ATL08 for hemiboreal forests growing on an area of 40,000 km2 in Estonia around 25.6° E, 58.8° N. In total 12,711 ATL08 20×20 m pixel observations were used from 3,065 forest stands with homogenous canopy structure. Regression modelling was used to explain variability in ground surface elevation estimates, and relationships of HICESat to basal area weighted mean tree height given in the forest inventory database (HFI) and to the 95th percentile of the vertical distribution of airborne laser scanning pulse return (HALS). The other explanatory variables were the ICESat-2 ATLAS observation geographic location, ICESat-2 ATLAS track and beam energy indicators, forest canopy cover, evergreen coniferous tree dominance indicator, and deep peat soil indicator. The linear model between the Estonian digital terrain model elevation and ATL08 ground elevation had a determination coefficient of R2=99.97% and residual standard error of δ=0.51 m when a geographic location was included. The HFI can be predicted from HICESat with R2=85% and δ=2.7 m. A comparison of means indicated that, on average, HICESat was about 0.3 m greater than HFI. All the predictive variables (except the geographic location) were significant in canopy height models, and the best models fitted HICESat with R2=95% and δ=1.6 m, however, there was no notable increase in R2 if more predictors than HALS were added in the models. In practical applications using ATL08 data for forest inventories, the inclusion of weak energy beam observations increases the number of observations, but the beam energy indicator has to be included in the models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humic acid (HA) is widely used in agriculture as a biostimulant to enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake. Studies on the early growth promotion of agarwood seedlings using plant biostimulants have not been explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to extract and characterize peat-derived HA and to determine the optimum rate that would exert biostimulant action on the early growth of agarwood seedlings at the nursery stage. HA was extracted from peat soil using a modified rapid alkaline hydrolysis method. Produced peat humic acid (PHA) was compared with commercial humic acid (CHA) for its chemical and spectroscopic characteristics. One-month-old agarwood seedlings were treated with PHA at different rates (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg kg−1) before the commencement of the experiment. The study was conducted for four months. The C/N ratio of both PHA and CHA were 25.85 and 26.93, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra observation reveals that PHA and CHA have similar surface morphology and functional groups respectively. Results revealed that agarwood seedlings treated with 80 mg kg−1 of PHA significantly increased the plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter weight, N and P concentrations in plant tissues, and N, P and K uptakes. Based on the findings, incorporation of PHA at the rate of 80 mg kg−1 with planting medium could be used as an optimum rate to enhance the growth of agarwood seedlings in the nursery stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ginger is a highly demanded commodity that serves multiple purposes, including as a spice and a key ingredient in medicine. Since Indonesia has experienced a decrease in ginger production from 307,241.52 tons in 2021 to 247,455.49 tons in 2022, it is imperative to boost productivity. Kalimantan is dominated by peatlands, so farmers in West Kalimantan must optimize their management of peat soil to achieve the greatest possible yield. Methods: Research was conducted in Tanjungpura University, Pontianak City, Indonesia from May 1st to November 28th 2023. The study used a factorial randomized block design, with ash type (cow manure, rice husk, wood and coconut fiber) and NPK fertilizer dose (600-1200 kg/ha). Result: Different types of ash have varying effects on the growth and yield of ginger plants in peat soil. Cow manure ash is the most effective based on the dry weight of the plant, the number of tillers and the fresh weight of the rhizomes. However, NPK fertilizer doses did not significantly impact the growth and yield variables of ginger plants in peat soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of soil carbon to climate change and anthropogenic forcing depends on the relationship between the physicochemical variables of the environment and microbial communities. In anoxic soils that store large amounts of organic carbon, it can be hypothesized that the low amount of catabolic energy available leads microbial organisms to minimize the energy costs of biosynthesis, which may shape the composition of microbial communities. To test this hypothesis, thermodynamic modeling was used to assess the link between redox gradients in the ombrotrophic peatland of the Marcell Experimental Forest (Minnesota, USA) and the chemical and taxonomic composition of microbial communities. The average amino acid composition of community‐level proteins, called hereafter model proteins, was calculated from shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The carbon oxidation state of model proteins decreases linearly from −0.14 at 10 cm depth to −0.17 at 150 cm depth. Calculating equilibrium activities of model proteins for a wide range of chemical conditions allows identification of the redox potential of maximum chemical activity. Consistent with redox measurements across peat soils, this model Eh decreases logarithmically from an average value of 300 mV at 10 cm depth, close to the stability domain of goethite relative to Fe2+, to an average value of −200 mV at 150 cm, within the stability domain of CH4 relative to CO2. The correlation identified between the taxonomic abundance and the carbon oxidation state of model proteins enables predicting the evolution of taxonomic abundance as a function of model Eh. The model taxonomic abundance is consistent with the measured gene and taxonomic abundance, which evolves from aerobic bacteria at the surface including Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Verrumicrobia, to anaerobes at depth dominated by Crenarchaeota. These results indicate that the thermodynamic forcing imposed by redox gradient across peat soils shapes both the chemical and taxonomic composition of microbial communities. By providing a mechanistic understanding of the relationship between microbial community and environmental conditions, this work sheds new light on the mechanisms that govern soil microbial life and opens up prospects for predicting geochemical and microbial evolution in changing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When studying the carbon cycle in the biosphere, special attention is paid in Russia to the transformation of organic matter in the surface layer of supergene zone. The group composition of the organic matter (OM) in peats of different genesis in the taiga zone of Western Siberia is studied. Our data show that it is important to take into account the botanical composition of peat that make up natural and reclaimed forest swamps, well as their spatial heterogeneity, which is a necessary component when estimating the carbon stocks in peat soils of forest ecosystems within the national monitoring system for carbon pools and greenhouse gas fluxes. The experiments on peat OM transformation demonstrate that its efficiency is determined by its botanical composition. According to the rate of OM decomposition, the oligotrophic peats form a sequence: sphagnum–hollow > complex > fuscum > scheuchzeria–sphagnum > cotton grass–sphagnum > scheuchzeria > cotton grass peats and eutrophic peats: hypnum > sedge > sedge–hypnum > menyanthes > woody > wood–sedge peats. According to two-year field experiments on the transformation rate and direction of the OM of peat-forming plants, the component and chemical compositions of their OM significantly changes but in an individual manner for each plant. The content of aromatic polyconjugated systems and carboxyl groups increases, while the amount of carbohydrate fragments decreases. A 60 years long forest amelioration influences the transformation of peat OM. The degree of grass and sedge peat species in the process of amelioration increases by 5% in the 75-cm layer; the content of bitumens decreases, whereas the contents of easily hydrolyzable substances, humic acids, and lignin, increases. The microbiomes and enzymes of the peats in forest swamps of Western Siberian taiga are characterized. Our results confirm the hypothesis by V.E. Rakovsky that the differences in the species composition of peat-forming plants manifest themselves in the chemical and biological characteristics of peat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatland drainage can affect the natural state of hydrological conditions and nutrient loading but is rarely included in catchment-scale models. To understand the gap, we aimed to use the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) to observe drained peatlands and their properties to predict nutrients and suspended solids (SS) in the peatland-dominated Simojoki catchment. We integrated drainage networks in SWAT to (i) identify drainage parameters; (ii) determine annual loads and mean concentrations of SS, organic phosphorus (Org-P), total phosphorus (TP), organic nitrogen (Org-N), and total nitrogen (TN); (iii) understand spatial variation of nutrients and SS; and (iv) investigate uncertainty ranges for the estimates. The calibrated model showed a 9.6 per cent bias between the simulated flow and the observations with low-to-medium loading variations for the water quality parameters. For Org-N and TN, the highest loading per year was at the downstream outlet, whereas for SS, Org-P, and TP, it was higher at the upstream outlet of the catchment. This approach of representing the drained peatland in SWAT indicated maximum spatial distributed load in the peat soil in the clear-cut area and can be beneficial in future hydrological modelling efforts in identifying the status of nutrients or SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calophyllum brasiliense is a hydrophilous tree species widely distributed in Brazil. It often dominates tropical swamp forests and shows morphophysiological responses to flooding and sensitivity to water deficits. To investigate the edaphic influence on the xylem structure of this species, wood samples were obtained from adult C. brasiliense trees in two soil types, Podzol and Histosol, both covered by lowland Atlantic Forest, in a coastal plain in southern Brazil. The sandy texture of Podzol and its microrelief often lead to more mesic conditions compared to Histosol, which is an organic and hydromorphic soil. Permanent slides with histological sections and dissociated material were prepared for qualitative and quantitative anatomical analysis. Principal component analysis and mean comparison tests were performed to assess variations in anatomical traits between soil conditions. Vessel density and fiber length were higher in trees from Podzol compared to Histosol, while the width of the rays was greater in Histosol. Additionally, the cross-sectional area and mean lumen diameter of vasicentric tracheids were larger in populations from Histosol than in Podzol. Furthermore, Vulnerability and Mesomorphy indices showed higher values in Histosol compared to Podzol. While the response associated with vessel occurred in density (higher in Podzol), the response in tracheid is reflected in cell diameter (higher in the soil with more water: Histosol). This publication is likely the first to demonstrate intraspecific variation of vasicentric tracheids in a hydrophilous species. The anatomical structure and functional implications of the observed variations are discussed regarding the efficiency and safety of the conductive system, considering the ecology of the species and the characteristics of the sampled soils. [Display omitted] • The xylem structure of C. brasiliense is closely related to its hydrophilous status. • More numerous vessels and narrower vasicentric tracheids occur in mesic soil: Podzol. • Narrower fibers occur in the hydromorphic and more unstable soil: Histosol. • Vasicentric tracheids and vessels form a tridimensional water conduction network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythropalum scandens Bl. is a medicinal woody vegetable found in southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. Studies have shown improper substrate hindered E. scandens seedling growth, causing water accumulation and nutrient deficiency. In pursuit of an ideal growth medium for E. scandens seedlings during the early stages, this study conducted a pot experiment to identify a mixed substrate with optimal water permeability and fertility. In this study, pure Alfisols soil treatment as the control (CK), and two soilless substrates (peat soil and perlite) were combined with Alfisols soil into different volume ratios, in order to better use soil resources from understory space and balance the texture of mixed substrates. The growth, physiological characteristics and nutrient status of 24-month-old E. scandens seedlings were determined after planting in different mixed ratios. The results showed that as the proportion of peat soil increased in the mix, most indexes exhibited an initial increase followed by a decline, while soluble protein content decreased consistently. Conversely, an increasing perlite ratio resulted in a general decline in most growth and physiological indexes. Root growth, biomass accumulation and chlorophyll content, peaked in the 66.67% Alfisols soil + 33.33% perlite (T4) treatment. Notably, T3 (66.67% Alfisols soil + 33.33% peat soil) showcased the best above-ground growth, while T1 (50.00% Alfisols soil + 50.00% peat soil) excelled in element content accumulation. In conclusion, the cultivation substrate should primarily consist of Alfisols soil, constituting at least 50%. The addition of peat soil enhances above-ground growth and nutrients accumulation, while perlite contributes to robust root development. One third of peat soil and a small amount of perlite can be added to the substrate during E. scandens seedling cultivation, and proper fertilization should also be used in order to increase nutrient accumulation in aboveground and underground parts. This research provides valuable insights into maximizing the potential of E. scandens seedlings through precise cultivation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequential (S) and equal-time (ET) methods were applied to assess the temperature sensitivity of respiration of peat soils in different terrestrial ecosystems: southern tundra, northern taiga, and mixed coniferous–broadleaved forests. The Q10 values varied widely (1.3–4.8) and in case of the ET method decreased from northern to temperate latitudes. In the cold range (5–15°С), Q10 increased from the southern tundra (3.5) to the northern taiga (4.8) and then sharply decreased in the zone of mixed forests (2.5). Meanwhile, warm range (15–25°С) showed a clear decline of Q10 from northern to temperate latitudes: southern tundra (2.6) > northern taiga (1.6) > coniferous–broadleaved forests (1.3). Application of the S method resulted in low variability of Q10 values. Our results demonstrate a higher temperature sensitivity of the respiration of peat soils in northern latitudes as compared to that in the temperate zone. The Q10 values obtained in this study can be useful for calibration of regional carbon cycle datasets that consider the contribution of peat soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of hydraulic conductivity is essential for the effective management of peat drainage systems, particularly in West Sumatra, Indonesia, where peatlands are layered with sand and clay substratum. These substrate variations are believed to influence soil conductivity, indirectly impacting plant growth. This study aimed to compare saturated hydraulic conductivity between peat soils with sand and clay substratum, analyze the characteristics of peat pores affecting conductivity, and establish relationships between soil parameters and peat drainage in both systems. Conducted in Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra, the study involved 12 observation points for soil hydraulic conductivity. Results indicated that peat soil with a sand substratum exhibited an average hydraulic conductivity (HC) of 1.13 x 10-3 cm.s-1, five times faster than peat with a clay substratum (2.21 x 10-4 cm.s-1). Interestingly, soil HC values did not correlate with pore characteristics in the peat layer but were significantly associated with those in the substratum layer. Specifically, substratum layer HC positively correlated with Aeration Pores (AP) (r=0.680) and Drainage Pores (DP) (r=0.031), and negatively correlated with Available Water Pores (AWP) (r=-0.817, p<0.047, r²=0.667). Notably, AWP in the sand substratum layer was lower (22.50%vol) than in the clay substratum layer (30.53%vol). Therefore, precise regulation of peat drainage in a sand substratum is crucial to mitigate the potential increase in water levels in peatlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the nuances of soil health is more important than ever to improve the quality and sustainability of agroecosystems. However, it is poorly understood how the variety of metrics currently in use to evaluate soil health relate to each other, and in what situations their use is not sensitive enough to indicate environmental changes. The use of faunal co‐occurrence networks is a novel, potentially valuable tool that has hitherto received little attention in the context of soil health. Here, we used a meadow land‐use intensity gradient to compare the response of a number of soil community metrics, including chemical and ecological indicators as well as faunal co‐occurrence network parameters. Our findings indicate that the examined metrics displayed distinct, often contrasting patterns to one another, and that network analysis detected patterns that strongly aligned with the land‐use effects. This pattern was qualitatively different from patterns arising from traditionally used metrics. The soils with conventional farming, that is, the least regenerative land‐use, generally scored well in traditionally used metrics, including C:N ratio, faunal abundance and the ratio of Acari to Collembola. Regenerative farming was comparable with conventional farming in all conventional metrics—however, network analysis revealed that the soil faunal communities under regenerative farming had the highest species connectivity out of all research areas potentially due to grazing increasing the connectivity of faunal networks. Overall, these results suggest that network analyses are best suited to capture subtle land‐use intensity differences while traditional metrics performed well in big changes. While more research is needed to better interpret soil faunal co‐occurrence networks, our findings imply that it could be a useful method to provide further insight in aspects of soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of slow mass movements like soil creep is well known to be governed by soil composition, slope, and cycles in temperature and rainfall. However, their magnitude and importance vary dramatically in often unpredictable ways, with important consequences for creep rate and infrastructure damage prediction. Here, we present long-term (2015–2022) creep measurements for four regions of the UK characterized by intense mass movement activity but different bedrock lithologies. We also obtained co-located temperature and precipitation time series over this period, as well as local measurements of slope and soil thickness and composition. Our goal was to deconvolve the relative importance of each observable on creep behavior. Our results imply that parent lithology governs first-order creep rates indirectly via hillslope repose angles and soil thickness and composition. Rates of ground movement on peat and sandstone soils are dictated by annual fluctuations in precipitation and temperature, respectively. By employing a simple error-minimizing regression routine, we demonstrate how creep rates can be predicted in these settings as a function of climatological observables. Over thinner limestone and thicker clay soils, however, our model fails: in these settings, we suggest that creep behavior is instead dominated by variations in regolith thickness, and slope and clay mineral content, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a significant role in the nutrient supply, energy flow, and pollutant transportation in the wetland ecosystem. However, little is known about the effect of the decomposition of different organic materials in alpine wetland water on the DOM characteristics. By conducting a 90-day decomposition experiment with the addition of different organic materials (peat soil, yak manure, and plant litter) alone or their combinations into alpine wetland water, we characterized the water DOM using three-dimension excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy. The results showed that the decomposition of organic materials significantly affected the chemical properties, sources, humification degree, and composition of the water DOM. The decomposition increased dissolved organic carbon and dissolved total nitrogen in the water. For most of the water samples, a fluorescence index ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 and a biological index of less than 0.8 may indicate that both autochthonous and allochthonous sources contributed to the water DOM, which may primarily rely on allochthonous sources. UVA (37.55–46.81% of total fluorescent components) and UVC fulvic-like substances (29.91–35.53% of total fluorescent components) dominated the water DOM compositions. Among the treatments, additions of peat soil and yak manure led to the highest and the lowest humification degree of the water DOM, respectively. For the treatment of the combination decomposition of all three organic materials, the yak manure may stimulate microbial activity and facilitate the decomposition of plant litter and peat soil and, therefore, boost the humic-like substances in the water DOM. These findings may help the development of wetland biomass management with the objective of maintaining alpine wetland ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors influencing the geochemical migration of elements during the development of artificial phytocenoses on industrially polluted peat soil with a high level of copper and nickel content using serpentine-containing materials are considered. Monitoring of the remediation sites during a four-year field experiment showed that the grass cover is capable of sustainable functioning by neutralizing the acidity of peat soil, reducing the toxicity of soil solutions, and eliminating the imbalance of macronutrients. Serpentine minerals act as an alkaline barrier, reducing the intensity of migration of copper and nickel compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The release of the major greenhouse gas N2O from peatlands may be affected by current global change. We tried to answer how N2O emission from peatlands responds to phosphorus (P) addition and the co-addition of P and nitrogen (N). Methods: We investigated the long-term (12 years) effects of N (50 and 100 kg ha−1 yr−1) and P (5 kg ha−1 yr−1) additions and their interaction on N2O fluxes in Hani peatland during the 2019 growing season. Results: The addition of P, a low level of N or their co-addition had no effect on the source/sink function of N2O in the peatland. However, a high level of N addition turned the peatland into a sink of N2O with a cumulative flux of −164 ± 51 g m−2 during the growing season. This was probably due to the acceleration of plant litter decomposition, stimulation of hydrolase activity, and changes in the stoichiometric ratio of the peat soil. The co-addition of P and a high level of N turned the peatland into a source of N2O with a cumulative flux of 144 ± 54 g m−2 during the growing season by relieving nutrient limitation, accelerating the growth of vascular plants, and altering the litter input. Conclusions: We suggest that the increase in nutrient availability caused by N deposition and agriculture fertilization can alter the N2O source/sink function of peatlands. These changes may have significant implications for the overall balance of greenhouse gas emissions and the role of peatlands in mitigating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coix lacryma-jobi L., an annual or perennial plant belonging to the Poaceae family, has long been cultivated as a food and medicine plant in China. In recent years, coix cultivation for high yields and good quality has become a research hotspot in Southwest China. Soil optimization is essential for improving crop growth. To ensure the robust establishment of coix plants, eight soil substrates, prepared from three typical soils, i.e., red clay soil, peat soil, and sandy soil, were used to cultivate two local coix varieties (Pu coix from Fujian Province, China; Qi coix from Hebei Province, China), and the plant growth and root coixol content of the two coix varieties were investigated. It was found that coix plants could maintain growth when cultivated with peat soil or sandy soil, but red clay soil was unfavorable for coix growth. The mixtures of sandy soils and peat soils resulted in synergistic benefits for coix growth and root coixol levels over the effects of sandy soil or peat soil alone. In conclusion, the mixtures of sandy soils and peat soils with appropriate proportions (sandy soils/peat soils = 2:1) were suggested as an ideal soil substrate for coix cultivation. The results provide valuable guidance for the establishment of coix plants, which could contribute to high yields and good quality in coix cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drained peat soils (Histosols) were studied. In the mode of weak and moderate drainage, the trend of seasonal fluctuations (quadratic parabola) shows a weekly average increase in dehydrogenase activity with a weekly average deceleration, and in the intensive drainage mode, a weekly average deceleration with a weekly acceleration for June–October. A significant nonlinear relationship of enzyme activity was revealed: positive with redox potential and pH, and multidirectional with soil bulk moisture and soil temperature. According to canonical analysis, the discussed set cumulatively determines the seasonal dehydrogenase activity by 50–81%. The hydrological regime is statistically proved as a dominant factor. A negative conjugate interaction of dehydrogenase and peroxidase activity has been established, confirming their participation in the biochemical transformation of organic matter as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of research on the use of a new granular organomineral fertilizer for growing plants of half-highbush cultivars of the lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.). The purpose of the research is studying the effect of a new granular organomineral fertilizer on the agrobiological characteristics of V. angustifolium plants on a peatland in the conditions of the north of the European part of Russia. The developed composition of organomineral fertilizer (NPK 8:8:8, Fe 0.5%, Zn 0.2%, Cu 0.4%) differs from existing fertilizers in a more balanced ratio of micro- and macroelements and the content of vermicompost containing spore forms of bacteria Bacillus subtilis H-13, B. mucilaginosus, and Azotobacter chroococcum. The use of a new organomineral fertilizer on high-moor peat (pH 2.9) contributed to the highest yield of V. angustifolium fruits (190.2 g/bush), which is 1.2 times more than other mineral fertilizers (NPK, etc.). The best morphophysiological indicators of V. angustifolium plants (leaf area, total and working surface of the roots, root weight) when using the developed organomineral fertilizer were noted in September. An increase of 1.2–1.3 times in the collection of dry matter and sugars in fruits was revealed, compared with other fertilizer options, while the vitamin C content practically did not change. New organomineral fertilizer contributes to the optimal supply of the necessary micro- and macroelements throughout the growing season and increases the productivity of V. angustifolium plants when growing depleted peat deposits in the natural and climatic conditions of the European part of Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peat is a highly soft soil that possesses low shear strength due to the presence of organic content and a high amount of moisture content. In the present study, the peat is stabilized to enhance the strength with fly ash with different percentages of 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15% and reinforced with nylon fiber with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% to investigate the performance of peat. The strength of fly ash and fiber-treated peat is compared with cement-treated peat. The Compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR), Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial (UU Triaxial), Freezing & Thawing (F&T) tests were used for evaluating the strength properties of peat. The UCS value increases to 280 kPa from 60 kPa at 12% of fly ash content, but at 15% cement content it was increased up to 370 kPa. The UCS value of peat stabilized with 12% of fly ash and reinforced with 1% of fiber obtained as 360 kPa. The CBR also increased to 9.3 from 2.5% for stabilized peat (12% fly ash) and reinforced fiber (1%) in soaked condition whereas the CBR value increases up to 9.7% for the case of 15% cement content. It is observed from the freezing and thawing tests, the strength of fly ash stabilized peat-reinforced fiber is decreased by 50%. Whereas the cement-stabilized peat is reducing its strength by 30%. Therefore, 15% of cement can be replaced with 12% of fly ash and 1% of nylon fiber together to make the stabilization effective in normal conditions, but not durable for weathering actions compared to cement-treated peat. The pavement thickness is evaluated from CBR value and observed that the stabilized peat-reinforced fiber significantly affects the thickness of the pavement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As soil microbial respiration is the major component of land CO2 emissions, differences in the functional dependence of respiration on soil moisture among Earth system models (ESMs) contributes significantly to the uncertainties in their projections. Using soil organic C (SOC) stocks and CO2 data from a boreal forest–mire ecotone in Finland and Bayesian data assimilation, we revised the original precipitation-based monotonic saturation dependency of the Yasso07 soil carbon model using the non-monotonic Ricker function based on soil volumetric water content. We fit the revised functional dependency of moisture to the observed microbial respiration and SOC stocks and compared its performance against the original Yasso07 model and the version used in the JSBACH land surface model with a reduction constant for decomposition rates in wetlands. The Yasso07 soil C model coupled with the calibrated unimodal Ricker moisture function with an optimum in well-drained soils accurately reconstructed observed SOC stocks and soil CO2 emissions and clearly outperformed previous model versions on paludified organo-mineral soils in forested peatlands and water-saturated organic soils in mires. The best estimate of the posterior moisture response of decomposition used both measurements of SOC stocks and CO2 data from the full range of moisture conditions (from dry and xeric to wet and water-saturated soils). We observed unbiased residuals of SOC and CO2 data modelled with the moisture optimum in well-drained soils, suggesting that this modified function accounts more precisely for the long-term SOC change dependency according to ecosystem properties as well as the contribution of short-term CO2 responses including extreme events. The optimum moisture for decomposition in boreal forests was found in well-drained soils instead of the mid-range between dry and water-saturated conditions as is commonly assumed among soil C and ESMs. Although the unimodal moisture modifier with an optimum in well-drained soils implicitly incorporates robust biogeochemical mechanisms of SOC accumulation and CO2 emissions, it needs further evaluation with large-scale data to determine if its use in land surface models will decrease the uncertainty in projections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatland plays an important role not just as a carbon store but also in facilitating the flux of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Apart from that, peatland is also home to a diverse population of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. Actinomycetes were known to be one of the most ubiquitous microbes that can be found in most of the soil types including peat soil. In this study, seventy isolates of actinomycetes were isolated from the peat soil using the soil dilution method. The 70 isolates of actinomycetes were later screened for their ability to produce secondary metabolites and antimicrobial activities using the agar diffusion method before the selected potential isolates were identified by targeting their 16S rRNA region. The results obtained showed 34.3% produce cellulase followed by, 12.8, 31.7, 80.0, and 51.4% for mannanase, xylanase, lipase, and protease respectively. The percentage of actinomycetes producing antimicrobial activity was 27.1 and 21.4% for Ralstonia solanacearum and Colletotrichum gleosporioides respectively. All the selected isolates of actinomycetes were identified as belonging to the genus of Streptomycetes spp. The potential actinomycetes were stored in freeze-dried form for future usage. This study showed that more diverse population of actinomycetes was obtained from the undisturbed forested peat soil area ecosystem compared to the agricultural peat soil area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degraded peat has a high potential for use in agricultural production, especially food crops. The water table, which impacts the production of greenhouse gases (GHGs), is the main problem concerning peat utilization. The study aimed to determine the production of greenhouse gases at various peat water levels. The study was conducted in a laboratory setting utilizing the soil column of undisturbed peat soil. The factorial experiment was arranged in randomized block design, with three replicates, with the first factor was peat cropping use: Maize (Zea mays L.), pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.), and scrubs. The second factor was water level (0, 10, 20, 30 cm depth). Variables measured were GHG flux (CO2 and CH4), pH, redox potential, total C content, and ash content. The peat cropping use interacted significantly with the peat water level on the potential for CH4 and CO2 production and the value of global warming potential. Water table depth significantly increased CO2 flux and global warming potential (GWP) in all three peat cropping uses. The lowest GWP at a 0 cm peat water level was 944 (pineapple use), 961 (maize use), and 1097 mg CO2e m-2 d-1 (scrub use). Peat for pineapple cultivation produces the lowest CO2 production and GWP compared to maize cultivation and scrubs. The negative relationship between redox potential and GWP is significant in peat for scrub. The relationship between pH and GWP is significant in peat for pineapple and scrub. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for living organisms in peat and marine soils, and its transformation within the soil matrix is a complex process mediated by various microbes that inhabit these ecological niches. The metabolism of nitrogen is governed by microbially mediated biogeochemical transformations, such as nitrification, anammox, and denitrification, which contribute to the assimilated pool of nitrogen and fixed nitrogen loss. One of the major challenges facing the field of peat and marine microbiology is the lack of understanding of the correlation between ecosystem-driven nitrogen transformation and microbial diversity. This is crucial because of growing concerns regarding the impacts of human-induced activities and global climate change on microbial nitrogen-cycling processes in peat and marine soils. Thus, this review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the microbial communities involved in peat and marine nitrification, anammox, and denitrification; the factors influencing the niche differentiation and distribution of the main functional components; the genes involved; and the main effects of human-induced activities and global climate change on the peat and marine nitrogen cycle. The implications of this review will facilitate an understanding of the complex mechanisms associated with ecosystem function in relation to nitrogen cycling, the role of peat and marine soils as carbon sinks, pollution remediation using naturally occurring populations of diverse microbes, and the development of policies to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic influences in peat and marine soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic peat soils occupy relatively little of the global land surface area but store vast amounts of soil carbon in northern latitudes where climate is warming at a rapid pace. Warming may result in strong positive feedbacks of carbon loss and global climate change driven by microbial processes if warming alters the balance between primary productivity and decomposition. To elucidate effects of warming on the microbial communities mediating peat carbon dynamics, we explored the abundance of broad microbial groups and their source of carbon (i.e. old carbon versus more recently fixed photosynthate) using microbial lipid analysis (δ13C PLFA) of peat samples under ambient temperatures and before/after initiation of experimental peat warming (+ 2.25, + 4.5, + 6.75, and + 9 °C). This analysis occurred over a profile to 2 m depth in an undrained, ombrotrophic peat bog in northern Minnesota. We found that the total microbial biomass and individual indicator lipid abundances were stratified by depth and strongly correlated to temperature under ambient conditions. However, under experimental warming, statistically significant effects of temperature on the microbial community were sporadic and inconsistent. For example, 3 months after experimental warming the relative abundance of Gram-negative bacterial indicators across depth combined and > 50 cm depth and Gram-positive bacterial indicators at 20–50 cm depth showed significant positive relationships to temperature. At that same timepoint, however, the relative abundance of Actinobacterial indicators across depth showed a significant negative relationship to temperature. After 10 months of experimental warming, the relative abundance of fungal biomarkers was positively related to temperature in all depths combined, and the absolute abundance of anaerobic bacteria declined with increasing temperature in the 20–50 cm depth interval. The lack of observed response in the broader microbial community may suggest that at least initially, microbial community structure with peat depth in these peatlands is driven more by bulk density and soil water content than temperature. Alternatively, the lack of broad microbial community response may simply represent a lag period, with more change to come in the future. The long-term trajectory of microbial response to warming in this ecosystem then could either be direct, after this initial lag time, or indirect through other physical or biogeochemical changes in the peat profile. These initial results provide an important baseline against which to measure long-term microbial community and carbon-cycling responses to warming and elevated CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizer plays a crucial role in the field of plantation industries. In pursuit of the sustainable development goals, the objective of this study is to analyse and compare the specific physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of peat soils found in oil palm between biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer treated plot. This study involved approximately 40 soil samples at Ladang Amanah Saham Pahang Berhad (ASPA), located in Sg. Miang, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia. Block E and Block F were chosen to represent the biofertilizer (Plot E3) and chemical fertilizer (Plot F4). The samples were collected during Mid-June 2023 using random sampling techniques and prepared for soil chemical and biological analysis. Based on the findings, there were significant differences in soil pH, exchangeable phosphorus (P), ammonium-N (NH4+) and nitrate-N (NO3-) between chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer treated plot. Biofertilizer treated plot showed higher levels of total nitrogen (N), total carbon, exchangeable calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) compared to chemical fertilizer treated plot. Chemical fertilizer treated plot showed lower cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared to biofertilizer treated plot Accordingly, this research suggested that peat soils' pH, available P, ammonium, and nitrate content were significantly affected by the long-term use of biofertilizer for oil palm plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to present the phytosociological structure of selected grassland communities on shallow peat soils undergoing the of mursh-forming (murshing) process (humifi cation and peat mineralization). The study area was located between the North, Middle and South channels of the Obra River (Wielkopolska Lowland, western Poland). Soil surveys were conducted in May and September 2022 and phytosociological surveys in May and September 2022-2023. Soil samples for laboratory analysis were taken from the uppermost soil horizons at a depth of 0--20 cm in 20 study points. 76 phytosociological releves were taken. Five vegetation syntaxonomic units were distinguished: Molinietum caeruleae, com. Poa pratensis-Festuca rubra, Arrhenatheretum elatioris, Lolio- Cynosuretum and Alopecuretum pratensis. The vegetation units with the highest diversity values and number of species recorded in the releves was Molinietum caeruleae, while the poorest in species with lowest Shannon-Wiener index was Lolio-Cynosuretum. The soils were classifi ed as Umbric Gleysols, Mollic/Umbric Gleysols, Histic Gleysols, Histic Gleysols (Murshic). The highest contents of TOC and TN were recorded for community Poa pratensis-Festuca rubra and the lowest for Arrhenatheretum elatioris. The pH values indicated slightly acidic soils in the case of the following vegetation units: Alopecuretum pratensis, Molinietum caeruleae, Lolio-Cynosuretum, com. Poa pratensis-Festuca rubra and slightly alkaline soils in the case of Arrhenatheretum elatioris. The results of the discriminant analysis demonstrated that the most important statistically signifi cant factor for vegetation syntaxonomic units differentiation was soil pH measured both in H2O and KCl. Molinietum caeruleae association was present on the soils poor in mineral components and organic matter of relatively high C:N ratio. Shannon-Wiener index was signifi cantly negatively correlated with TOC and TN. It is advisable to continue to maintain the studied sites as grassland vegetation. Grassland communities can survive in the murshing process, provided they are correctly used (regular mowing, grazing, and fertilizing) and water relations are regulated. Grasslands, besides to enriching soils with nutrients, create the best conditions for limiting the decomposition of organic matter in accumulation and humus levels of mursh nature, which is extremely important in the face of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of spring cereal monoculture under long-term conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) treatment established in 2018 were measured in a peatland in Southwestern Finland during the period 2018–2021. Nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes were measured with chambers approximately every two weeks throughout the period under study. Net ecosystem exchange was measured during the growing seasons, and hourly ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross photosynthesis (GP) were modelled with empirical models. Across the whole period, annual emissions were 6.8 ± 1.2 and 5.7 ± 1.2 Mg CO2–C ha −1 yr−1 (net ecosystem carbon balance), 8.8 ± 2.0 and 7.1 ± 2.0 kg N2O–N ha−1 yr−1, and − 0.43 ± 0.31 and − 0.40 ± 0.31 kg CH4-C ha−1 yr−1 for CT and NT, respectively. The global warming potential was lower in NT (p = 0.045), and it ranged from 26 to 34 Mg CO2 eq. ha−1 yr−1 in CT and from 19 to 31 Mg CO2 eq. ha−1 yr−1 in NT. The management effect on the rates of single GHGs was not consistent over the years. Higher GP was found in CT in 2019 and in NT in 2020. Differences in ER between treatments occurred mostly outside the growing season, especially after ploughing, but the annual rates did not differ statistically. NT reduced the N2O emissions by 31% compared to CT in 2020 (p = 0.044) while there were no differences between the treatments in other years. The results indicate that NT may have potential to reduce slightly CO2 and N2O emissions from cultivated peat soil, but the results originate from the first three years after a management change from CT to NT, and there is still a lack of long-term results on NT on cultivated peat soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has proposed that organic matter transfer and transformation into and through a peatland is dominated by preferential loss of carbohydrates and the retention of lignin-like molecules. Here we used elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis to analyse the biomass, litter, peat soil profile, particulate organic matter, and dissolved organic matter fluxes sampled from a continental raised bog in comparison a maritime blanket bog. The macromolecular composition and thermodynamic analysis showed that in the raised bog there had been little or no transformation of the organic matter and the accumulation was rapid with comparatively little transformation with only 13% loss of cellulose by 1 m depth compared to 92% removal of cellulosic material in the blanket bog. The lack of transformation is reflected in a difference in long term carbon accumulation rates between raised and blanket bog sites. We propose that raised bogs, with their lack of a stream outfall, have high stable water tables that mean the pore water become thermodynamically closed and reactions cease higher in the peat profile than in a blanket bog where sloping sites mean a frequent flushing of pore water and discharge of water leading to fluctuating water tables, flushing of reaction products and pore spaces remaining open. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands cover only 3–4% of the Earth's surface, but they store nearly 30% of global soil carbon stock. This significant carbon store is under threat as peatlands continue to be degraded at alarming rates around the world. It has prompted countries worldwide to establish regulations to conserve and reduce emissions from this carbon rich ecosystem. For example, the EU has implemented new rules that mandate sustainable management of peatlands, critical to reaching the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. However, a lack of information on the extent and condition of peatlands has hindered the development of national policies and restoration efforts. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on mapping and monitoring peatlands from field sites to the globe and identifies areas where further research is needed. It presents an overview of the different methodologies used to map peatlands in nine countries, which vary in definition of peat soil and peatland, mapping coverage, and mapping detail. Whereas mapping peatlands across the world with only one approach is hardly possible, the paper highlights the need for more consistent approaches within regions having comparable peatland types and climates to inform their protection and urgent restoration. The review further summarises various approaches used for monitoring peatland conditions and functions. These include monitoring at the plot scale for degree of humification and stoichiometric ratio, and proximal sensing such as gamma radiometrics and electromagnetic induction at the field to landscape scale for mapping peat thickness and identifying hotspots for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Remote sensing techniques with passive and active sensors at regional to national scale can help in monitoring subsidence rate, water table, peat moisture, landslides, and GHG emissions. Although the use of water table depth as a proxy for interannual GHG emissions from peatlands has been well established, there is no single remote sensing method or data product yet that has been verified beyond local or regional scales. Broader land-use change and fire monitoring at a global scale may further assist national GHG inventory reporting. Monitoring of peatland conditions to evaluate the success of individual restoration schemes still requires field work to assess local proxies combined with remote sensing and modeling. Long-term monitoring is necessary to draw valid conclusions on revegetation outcomes and associated GHG emissions in rewetted peatlands, as their dynamics are not fully understood at the site level. Monitoring vegetation development and hydrology of restored peatlands is needed as a proxy to assess the return of water and changes in nutrient cycling and biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatland serves as a crucial natural resource with hydrological and other environmental functions essential for all living organisms. In some regions, peat soil isn't limited to lowland areas, it is also found in highland areas. This study is a survey research aiming to examine the characteristics of the highland peatlands of Toba North Sumatera, namely in the Village of Matiti II, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatera and lowland peatlands as control of peatlands in general in Sidomulyo Village, Bilah Hilir Subdistrict, Labuhan Batu. The study employed a survey research approach with a descriptive method to determine the differences in the characteristics of highland Toba peat soils. In each area, a representative profile was made, and the soil morphology, characteristics and classification were observed according to the 2014 soil taxonomic classification. Soil samples were taken from each layer in the soil profile for soil analysis in the laboratory. Soil analysis included bulk density, pH H2O, pH NaF, CEC, base saturation, organic C, total N, C/N, electrical conductivity (EC) and ash content. The results showed that the difference in altitude directly affected the microclimate and the hydrologic conditions, which in turn affected the characteristics of the peat soil. In the context of the Toba highland, the main source of peat soils comes from rainfall. In contrast with the peatland of the lowlands, where the impact of tides is a significant factor, the peat of the Toba highland is affected by the surrounding hills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global climate crisis forces mankind to develop carbon storage technologies. "Ladoga" carbon monitoring site is part of the Russian climate project "Carbon Supersites", which aims to develop methods and technologies to control the balance of greenhouse gases in various ecosystems. This article shows the condition of soil and vegetation cover of the carbon polygon "Ladoga" using the example of a typical southern taiga ecosystem in the Leningrad region (Russia). It is revealed that soils here are significantly disturbed as a result of agrogenic impact, and the vegetation cover changes under the influence of anthropogenic activity. It has been found that a considerable amount of carbon is deposited in the soils of the carbon polygon; its significant part is accumulated in peat soils (60.0 ± 19.8 kg × m−2 for 0–100 cm layer). In agrogenically disturbed and pristine soils, carbon stocks are equal to 12.8 ± 2.9 kg × m−2 and 8.3 ± 1.3 kg × m−2 in the 0–100 cm layer, respectively. Stocks of potentially mineralizable organic matter (0–10 cm) in peat soils are 0.48 ± 0.01 kg × m−2; in pristine soils, it is 0.58 ± 0.06 kg × m−2. Peat soils are characterized by a higher intensity of carbon mineralization 9.2 ± 0.1 mg × 100 g−1 × day−1 with greater stability. Carbon in pristine soils is mineralized with a lower rate—2.5 ± 0.2 mg × 100 g−1 × day−1. The study of microbial diversity of soils revealed that the dominant phyla of microorganisms are Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria; however, methane-producing Archaea—Euryarchaeota—were found in peat soils, indicating their potentially greater emission activity. The results of this work will be useful for decision makers and can be used as a reference for estimating the carbon balance of the Leningrad region and southern taiga boreal ecosystems of the Karelian Isthmus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drainage is known to reduce carbon sequestration in peatlands, but its effect on the stability of carbon pool and changes in recalcitrant organic carbon fractions remain relatively unknown, especially in temperate montane peatlands. We investigated the effect of drainage on physicochemical properties and organic carbon fractions of six peat cores from drained and near-pristine areas of Baijianghe peatland, NE China, basing on 210Pb and AMS 14C dating. The vegetation biomass and biomass-C sequestration were also measured in both areas. The loss of total soil carbon accumulation due to drainage was 7.5 kg m−2 (− 25%), equivalent to a complete consumption of carbon accumulated for nearly 170 years in the near-pristine area. Vegetation succession after drainage had a little positive effect on ecosystem carbon sequestration, with an increase of 0.26 kg m−2, which compensated for only 3.5% of the peat soil carbon loss. Notably, over 80% of the total carbon loss after drainage was attributed to the loss of the recalcitrant carbon fraction. The study emphasizes the crucial impact of drainage on carbon sequestration in temperate peatlands. Our findings suggest that continuous water table drawdown induced by drainage, together with drought driven by climate warming, will further reduce carbon sequestration in drained peatlands. There is an urgent need to restore hydrology of peatlands in order to mitigate the long-lasting negative effect of drainage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peat deposits of the Bol'sheberezovskoe and Podkos'movo floodplain mires formed during the Atlantic–Subboreal periods of the Holocene in the Nepryadva River valley in the northeastern part of the Central Russian Upland have been studied. Data on the botanical composition of peat indicate that the genesis of these mires was associated with eutrophic paleocenoses, which accumulated carbon at a rate of 21.8–95 g/m2 per year. The formed eutrophic peat was characterized by a high degree of decomposition (45–55%) and by a low rate of vertical growth (on average, 0.3–0.6 mm/year), which was due to the seasonal dynamics of the level of mire waters. The carbon content of peat is 14% for the Podkos'movo mire and 31% for the Bol'sheberezovskoe mire. The differences are due to the specific water–mineral nutrition of the mires: the high carbonate and ash contents of the Podkos'movo mire. Carbon stocks in peat soils of floodplain mires vary from 51.5 up to 125 kg/m2 for 10-cm-thick horizons. This parameter is determined by the degree of decomposition of plant residues, which depends on the composition and structure of microbial complexes. The microbial complex of Bol'sheberezovskoe and Podkos'movo mires is dominated by the fungal and bacterial components, respectively. This is the reason for the differences in the microbial biomass of the mires: 222 g/m2 for the Podkos'movo mire and 898 g/m2 for the Bol'sheberezovskoe mire. The differences between the two floodplain mires are related to the degree of variation in the level of mire waters during the growing season, which is more considerable at the Bol'sheberezovskoe mire because of its artificial drainage. Floodplain mires are important depots of atmospheric carbon, and the intensity of its accumulation is determined by a combination of factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Local sward dieback, especially in grasslands on peat soil, in response to the extreme 2018/2019 drought demonstrates climate vulnerability of intensive grasslands in northern Central Europe. Methods: We explore the influence of microtopography, that is, the within‐field mosaic of depressions and elevated patches, on soil volumetric moisture content, standing biomass and biomass crude protein (CP) and fibre content in intensively managed grassland on peat soil in a moist year (2021) and a dry year (2022) for quantifying small‐scale spatial heterogeneity within a field. Results: We found high within‐field variation in soil moisture, biomass and forage quality and a moisture dependence of productivity that was stronger in the dry year. CP ranged from 10% to 25% within a field, being lower in moist depressions than elevated patches in the wet (but not in the dry) summer. Conclusions: The moister depressions help to limit the overall productivity decline in dry summers, whereas, in moist summers, the higher dry patches produce more protein‐rich forage than the depressions, where productivity is higher but quality is lower. We recommend adapting grassland management to this heterogeneity through spatially differentiated management regimes in order to better cope with an increasingly drier and more variable climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon stock and the emission rates of greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) in the peat soils of southern taiga in Western Siberia were studied. The studied peat soils belonged to typical oligotrophic peat soils (Histosols) but developed in two contrasting mire ecosystems—forested and open bogs—that differed considerably in the vegetation cover, soil morphology, and hydrological and temperature conditions. The carbon stock in the upper 50-cm-thick layer reached 9.3 and 6.8 kg/m2 in the forested and open bogs, respectively. The CO2 and CH4 emissions were measured using a static chamber method during the growing seasons in 1999–2014. The CO2 fluxes emitted from the studied soils into the atmosphere were close in their value (116.1 and 123.4 mg CO2/(m2 h) for the forested and open bogs, respectively), whereas CH4 fluxes differed considerably (0.57 and 2.66 mg CO4/(m2 h), respectively). This study highlights an important role of the species composition and hydrological regime of peat soils forming in different bog ecosystems in the estimates of the carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas fluxes in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]