Spatial patterns of aerobic limit depth and oxygen diffusion rate at two peatlands drained for forestry in Alberta

Abstract

The spatial variability of soil aeration (aerobic limit depth and oxygen diffusion rate (ODR)) among different drainage ditch spacings and at various distances from drainage ditches was examined at two peatlands drained for forestry in north-central Alberta. Drainage lowered mean water table levels (p < 0.001) at both peatlands. Lower water table levels within drained areas were associated with greater aerobic limit depths (p < 0.001) and greater ODR (p < 0.001 at Saulteaux River; p < 0.027 at Wolf Creek) compared with undrained areas of both peatlands. Spatial patterns of aerobic limit depth and ODR indicated strong spatial variability of soil aeration in the immediate vicinity of drainage ditches. However, little sensitivity of soil aeration to different ditch spacings was evident. Potential effects of post-drainage subsidence on soil aeration was evident as increased distance of both the aerobic limit, and near-zero oxygen diffusion rates above the water table surface at both peatlands. One effect of post-drainage peatland subsidence may be to increase the thickness of the capillary zone above the water table. However, reduction of aeration within the rooting zone of peatland trees due to subsidence was not observed because of low water tables within the drained areas of both peatlands.