The volume weight of the organic matter in the plough layer of peat lands cultivated by different methods

Yrjö Pessi

doi:10.23986/afsci.71558

Abstract

The investigation is a report of the results from determinations of the volume weight of the organic matter in the plough layer of cultivated peat lands. They are believed to justify the following conclusions. As a consequence of continued cultivation through several decades, the volume weight of the organic matter in the plough layer increases. Owing to the fact that cultivation also adds plant residues and root substance to the soil of the plough layer, this increase cannot be positively attributed to the favourable effect of the cultivation measures on the humification of the peat alone, though this effect is certainly thought to be at least partially responsible. The increase of the volume weight is also thought to be one of the reasons why peat lands in the course of continued cultivation gradually evolve a closer resemblance to humus soil. The cultivation methods influence the change in volume weight of the organic matter. Fertilizing, liming and addition of mineral soil for soil improvement usually produce an increase in the volume weight.

Highlights

The purpose of this investigation is to report on the volume weight of the organic matter in the plough layer of peat lands today as the outcome of agricultural use according to different cultivation techniques through several decades
The investigation is a report of the results from determinations of the volume weight of the organic matter in the plough layer of cultivated peat lands
Owing to the fact that cultivation adds plant residues and root substance to the soil of the plough layer, this increase cannot be positively attributed to the favourable effect of the cultivation measures on the humification of the peat alone, though this effect is certainly thought to be at least partially responsible

Summary

Introduction

The purpose of this investigation is to report on the volume weight of the organic matter in the plough layer of peat lands today as the outcome of agricultural use according to different cultivation techniques through several decades. The volume weights of sand and clay, respectively, were studied with the aid of samples taken at Leteensuo from the exact sites where the soil improving agents were originally obtained. Humified Sphagnum peat with no previous additions of mineral soil was given increments of sand or clay, so that a different ash content of the peat was obtained in the different samples.

Results

Conclusion