Peat Bog Areas Research Articles

Response of dissolved organic carbon in streams draining peatbogs to extreme rainfall-runoff events: a case study from Šumava (Bohemian Forest) National Park, Czech Republic

The presented study investigates the dynamics of DOC concentrations in headwater peatbog areas with respect to the extreme rainfall-runoff (R-R) events hydrometeorological catchment preconditions (23 variables in total). The main data sources were automatic devices for monitoring of groundwater level, discharges and rainfalls providing data in 10 min steps installed in the Vydra River catchment and one automatic water sampler ISCO in sub-catchment of the Rokytka River basin in the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) National Park. The study period was 2018–2021, in which 18 R-R events were analysed. Data of DOC variability and catchment conditions were analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Principal Component Analysis and DOC/Q hysteresis loops. Changes in groundwater level and discharges had the greatest influence on DOC concentrations. Higher mean and maximum DOC were measured during events after a longer period without an extreme R-R event. The greater lag time of maximum DOC after peak flow and the higher mean DOC during the event were primarily due to hydrometeorological preconditions of the catchment. The highest DOC was in autumn after the previous summer period with low discharges and low groundwater levels. DOC was also positively correlated with air and water temperatures.

Use of the Gas Emission Site Type Method in the Evaluation of the CO2 Emissions in Raised Bogs

Peatbogs are important in global greenhouse gas budget estimates. The main aim of the work was to assess the amount of greenhouse gas emissions based on the Greenhouse Gas Emission Site Type (GEST) method and compare them with actual field measurements. The research was carried out in selected peatbog areas in the coastal zone of northern Poland. The proposed method allowed us to assess whether the restoration treatments carried out in peatbogs contributed to the emission of these gases. The results of this research using the GEST method indicate that, in the studied peatbog areas, the reduction in CO2 emissions was approximately 12%. These results were compared with actual measurements of greenhouse gas emissions made using the chamber method in 2018. The average CO2 emission for the entire peatbog was 16,338.7 t CO2-eq./yr. Comparing this result with the result obtained using the GEST method, it should be stated that it is lower by 2.464.1 t CO2-eq./year, which gives an approximately 13% overestimation of the result by the Gas Emission Site Type method.

The use of the GEST method to estimate greenhouse gases uptake or emissions in the absence of data for a raised bog

The paper is designed to present a method to estimate greenhouse gases (GHG) uptake or emissions in the absence of data for peat bog areas (GEST method). The paper presents the research results produced by a project on “Limiting CO2 emissions via the renaturalisation of peat bogs on the Eastern and Central European Plain”. The study area consisted of three peat bogs: Kluki, Ciemińskie Błota, and Wielkie Bagno (Słowiński National Park). The GEST method relies on the estimation of gas emissions on the basis of vegetation and water levels and greenhouse gas coefficients for each given habitat type provided in the research literature. The greenhouse gas balance was calculated for a baseline scenario assuming the lack of human impact and for a scenario taking into account human impact in the form of peat bog preservation. Initial research results indicate that there is a total of 41 GESTs in the studied bog areas and that a reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 12% will occur following what is known as renaturalisation by raising the groundwater level, felling of trees across the bog, and making changes in habitats.

Reversal in the drought stress response of the Scots pine forest ecosystem: Local soil water regime as a key to improving climate change resilience

In a changing climate, forest ecosystems have become increasingly vulnerable to continuously exacerbating heat and associated drought conditions. Climate stress resilience is governed by a complex interplay of global, regional, and local factors, with hydrological conditions being among the key players. We studied a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest ecosystem located near the southern edge of the boreal ecotone, which is particularly subjected to frequent and prolonged droughts. By comparing the dendrochronological series of pines growing in apparently contrasting hydrological conditions ranging from the waterlogged peat bog area to the dry soil at the surrounding elevations, we investigated how the soil water regime affects the climate response and drought stress resilience of the forest ecosystem. We found that in the dry land area, a significant fraction of the trees were replaced after two major climate extremes: prolonged drought and extremely low winter temperatures. The latter has also been followed by a three- to ten-fold growth reduction of the trees that survived in the next year, whereas no similar effect has been observed in the peat bog area. Multi-scale detrended partial cross-correlation analysis (DPCCA) indicated that tree-ring width (TRW) was negatively correlated with spring and summer temperatures and positively correlated with the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) for the same year. For the elevated dry land area, the above effect extends to interannual scales, indicating that prolonged heatwaves and associated droughts are among the factors that limit tree growth. In marked contrast, in the waterlogged peat bog area, a reversed tendency was observed, with prolonged dry periods as well as warmer springs and summers over several consecutive years, leading to increasing tree growth with a one- to three-year time lag. Altogether, our results indicate that the pessimal conditions of a warming climate could become favorable through the preservation of the soil water regime.

Molecular Identification of Isolated Bacteria from Soils in Likouala Peat Bog Area, Republic of Congo

Molecular Identification of Isolated Bacteria from Soils in Likouala Peat Bog Area, Republic of Congo

Ecological quality of the “Torfowisko pod Węglińcem” nature reserve (SW Poland) based on magnetic and geochemical studies

In this research a combination of magnetic, geochemical and microscopic techniques was used to investigate the ombrothropic peat bog, which covers the “Torfowisko pod Węglińcem” nature reserve, situated in south-western Poland. Hysteresis parameters and measurements of magnetic susceptibility show that the surface layer (∼15 cm) of the protected peat bog area is contaminated by strongly-magnetic materials e.g. low-coercivity magnetite. Geochemical analyses revealed higher concentrations of certain chemical elements (e.g. Li, Al, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, Ba and Pb) in the approximately 10 cm surface peat layer. The vertical distribution of the magnetic susceptibility and most of the analyzed chemical elements exhibit strong correlation and this demonstrates that the identified anthropogenic contaminants accumulate via atmospheric deposition. The microscopic analyses of the magnetic material separated from the peat samples identified two types of metal-rich particulates: spherules and irregularly shaped particles including an octahedral magnetic crystals (mean diameter of both types ∼10–300 μm). The magnetic bi-plots show that even finer magnetic grains (<10 μm) may be found at the studied area. The radiocarbon (14C) dating of the surface samples suggests that the formation of the contaminated top peat layer has occurred during last 300 years. In such case the analyzed magnetic material may be the proof of both: historical as well as the present atmospheric deposition.

Factors Influencing Development of Longitudinal Profile Deformations of the Roadbed in the Permafrost Zone

Up to 2025 operations at the network of the Northern Railway (a subsidiary of JSC Russian Railways) may increase according to forecasts by 28,4 %, which is associated with construction of the Northern latitudinal railway. At the same time, a significant part of the Northern Railway is characterized by difficult climatic conditions: permafrost, polygonal-vein ice, peat bog areas, sharp temperature drops, significant amounts of precipitation in the form of snow. In the context of the planned increase in cargo intensity, the diagnostics of the roadbed in the zone of distribution of soils with weak bearing capacity against the backdrop of global climate change is of key character. The article is devoted to survey of the roadbed located in the permafrost zone. The results of diagnostics of the state of the railway track make it possible to forecast the state of railway infrastructure facilities, to categorize subsidence of the roadbed according to the degree of danger, and to develop measures for its stabilization. The objective of the work is to study the factors affecting degradation of the roadbed located in the permafrost zone. The methods of the work are based on field examinations of «sick» places of the roadbed and statistical forms of analysis of longitudinal profile deformations (subsidence) of the track. The result of this work is the study of influence of a number of factors on dev elopment of deformations of the roadbed located in the permafrost zone. In the future, it is planned, based on the results of diagnostics of the state of the railway track, to forecast the permafrost state of railway infrastructure facilities, to categorize subsidence of the roadbed according to the degree of danger, and to develop measures to stabilize it.

Environmental factors shaping water-peat vegetation and its neighbouring surface waters in Lower Silesian Forests (Western Poland)

Abstract Phytosociological and physicochemical studies of endangered habitats of swamp and peat-bog areas were carried out in the Lower Silesian Forest complex (Western Poland), in the vicinity of Węgliniec village. The total of 63 phytosociological relevés were made and three syntaxonomic units were distinguished as associations (Cicuto-Caricetum pseudocyperi, Typhetum latifoliae, Phragmitetum australis) and two as communities (with Sphagnum girgensohnii and with Juncus effusus). Using the phytoindication method, it was found that among four analysed habitat parameters (L – light availability, F – humidity, R – soil pH, N – soil nitrogen), only nitrogen content did not play a significant role in shaping the composition of these phytocoenoses. Physicochemical studies of surface waters using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method indicated, among others, a higher level of nitrogen compounds in some samples. Concentrations of mineral substances dissolved in water usually exceeded limit values for class II waters. Species composition of phytocoenoses and values of parameters recorded in neighbouring surface waters indicated that mutual interactions of these habitat components clearly existed there.

Increasing Sustainability of Growing Media Constituents and Stand-Alone Substrates in Soilless Culture Systems

Decreasing arable land, rising urbanization, water scarcity, and climate change exert pressure on agricultural producers. Moving from soil to soilless culture systems can improve water use efficiency, especially in closed-loop systems with a recirculating water/nutrient solution that recaptures the drain water for reuse. However, the question of alternative materials to peat and rockwool, as horticultural substrates, has become increasingly important, due to the despoiling of ecologically important peat bog areas and a pervasive waste problem. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive critical review of current developments in soilless culture, growing media, and future options of using different materials other than peat and rockwool. Apart from growing media properties and their performance from the point of view of plant production, economic and environmental factors are also important. Climate change, CO2 emissions, and other ecological issues will determine and drive the development of soilless culture systems and the choice of growing media in the near future. Bioresources, e.g., treated and untreated waste, as well as renewable raw materials, have great potential to be used as growing media constituents and stand-alone substrates. A waste management strategy aimed at reducing, reusing, and recycling should be further and stronger applied in soilless culture systems. We concluded that the growing media of the future must be available, affordable, and sustainable and meet both quality and environmental requirements from growers and society, respectively.

Effects of peat decomposition on δ13C and δ15N depth profiles of Alpine bogs

Decomposition of organic substances is one of the main processes responsible for the signatures of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in soils and peats. However, the applicability of δ13C and δ15N signatures at the natural abundance level as indicators of the degree of peat decomposition is still debatable. We evaluated δ13C and δ15N depth patterns of peat cores sampled at nine sites in two nearby Alpine peat bogs with varying degree of organic matter degradation. Based on water table depths and past drainage intensities, the peat cores were divided into three degradation classes. We found similar overall depths patterns of δ13C and δ15N across the nine depth profiles and distinct differences between aerobic and anaerobic peat layers. Considerable differences in stable C and N isotope signatures of same depths were detected between profiles of the three classes, whereas depth profiles of peat cores with similar degree in peatland degradation were nearly identical. In the aerobic peat layers, δ13C and δ15N increased with depths at all study sites from 2.6‰ to 4.9‰ for δ13C and 3.2‰ to 7.0‰ for δ15N compared to the initial signatures of the plant biomass. Standardised δ13C of aerobic layers differ distinctly between slightly degraded peats at the open peat bog area, intermediately degraded peats at the tree-covered edge areas and strongly degraded peats at the former peat-cutting site. δ13C signatures of aerobic layers of strongly degraded peats were markedly more negative compared to the slightly degraded peats because of the selective 12C losses by microbial respiration. δ15N were more positive at strongly degraded than at slightly degraded sites in both, aerobic and anaerobic peat layers. The uniform stable isotope ratios in the anaerobic layers deeper than the local maxima of the isotopic signatures support the assumption that minor 13C fractionation occurs under anaerobic conditions. δ13C slightly declining with depth in the waterlogged layers of strongly degraded peat reflects the preferential utilisation and loss of labile organic compounds enriched in 13C. δ15N of strongly degraded peats was higher compared to well-conserved peat. The close relationship between the measured δ15N to δ15N modelled based on C:N ratios and bulk densities supports the assumption that the δ15N signature is the result of isotopic fractionation by peat decomposition. We conclude that peat decomposition strongly affects the δ13C and δ15N depth profiles of peat bogs and most likely overrides other factors, such as differences between plant species, litter components, atmospheric δ13C shift during peat formation, temperature effects, or type of mycorrhizal symbiosis.

Non‐destructive allometric estimates of above‐ground and below‐ground biomass of high‐mountain vegetation in the Andes

AbstractAimStudies that monitor high‐mountain vegetation, such as paramo grasslands in the Andes, lack non‐destructive biomass estimation methods. We aimed to develop and apply allometric models for above‐ground, below‐ground and total biomass of paramo plants.LocationThe paramo of southern Colombia between 1°09′N and 077°50′W, at 3,400 and 3,700 m a.s.l.MethodsWe established 61 1‐m2 plots at random locations, excluding disturbed, inaccessible and peat bog areas. We measured heights and basal diameters of all vascular plants in these plots and classified them into seven growth forms. Near each plot, we sampled the biomass from plants of abundant genera, after having measured their height and basal diameter. Hence, we measured the biomass of 476 plants (allometric set). For each growth form we applied power‐law functions to develop allometric models of biomass against basal diameter, height, height x basal diameter and height × basal area. The best models were selected using AICc weights. Using the observed and predicted plant biomass of the allometric set we calculated absolute percentage errors using cross‐validation. The biomass of a plot was estimated by summing the predicted biomass of all plants in a plot. Confidence limits around these sums were calculated by bootstrapping.ResultsFor groups of &lt;20 plants the biomass predictions yielded large (&gt;15%) errors. Applying groups that resembled the 1‐m2 plots in density and composition, the errors for above‐ground and total biomass estimates were &lt;15%. Across all plots, we obtained an above‐ground, below‐ground and total plot biomass of 329 ± 190, 743 ± 486 and 1011 ± 627 g/m2 (mean ± SD), respectively. These values were within the range of biomass estimates obtained destructively in the tropical Andes.ConclusionsIn new applications, if target vegetation samples are similar regarding growth forms and genera to our allometric set, their biomass might be predicted applying our equations, provided they contain at least 50–100 plants. In other situations, we would recommend gathering additional biomass measurements from local plants to evaluate new regression equations.

Six new Frustulia species (Bacillariophyta) in Tierra del Fuego peatbogs, Patagonia, Argentina

During a survey of the freshwater aquatic diatom flora of two peat bog areas in Tierra del Fuego, southern Argentina, six taxa belonging to the genus Frustulia that could not be identified were observed. Comparison with the type material of Frustulia (Navicula) crassinervia separated the Tierra del Fuego populations showing some resemblance as a new species: F. australocrassinervia sp. nov. The other five taxa are likewise described as new based on light and scanning electron microscopy observations and comparison with all known Frustulia species worldwide. Frustulia delicatula sp. nov., F. ellipticolanceolata sp. nov., F. fuegiana sp. nov., F. patagonica sp. nov. and F. yaganiana sp. nov. Comments are made on their taxonomic position and how they can be distinguished from other Frustulia species in this genus. Brief notes on the ecology and distribution of the seven taxa are added.

Identification of runoff formation with two dyes in a mid-latitude mountain headwater

Abstract. Subsurface flow in peat bog areas and its role in the hydrologic cycle has garnered increased attention as water scarcity and floods have increased due to a changing climate. In order to further probe the mechanisms in peat bog areas and contextualize them at the catchment scale, this experimental study identifies runoff formation at two opposite hillslopes in a peaty mountain headwater; a slope with organic peat soils and a shallow phreatic zone (0.5 m below surface), and a slope with mineral Podzol soils and no detectable groundwater (&gt; 2 m below surface). Similarities and differences in infiltration, percolation and preferential flow paths between both hillslopes could be identified by sprinkling experiments with Brilliant Blue and Fluorescein sodium. To our knowledge, this is the first time these two dyes have been compared in their ability to stain preferential flow paths in soils. Dye-stained soil profiles within and downstream of the sprinkling areas were excavated parallel (lateral profiles) and perpendicular (frontal profiles) to the slopes' gradients. That way preferential flow patterns in the soil could be clearly identified. The results show that biomat flow, shallow subsurface flow in the organic topsoil layer, occurred at both hillslopes; however, at the peat bog hillslope it was significantly more prominent. The dye solutions infiltrated into the soil and continued either as lateral subsurface pipe flow in the case of the peat bog, or percolated vertically towards the bedrock in the case of the Podzol. This study provides evidence that subsurface pipe flow, lateral preferential flow along decomposed tree roots or logs in the unsaturated zone, is a major runoff formation process at the peat bog hillslope and in the adjacent riparian zone.

Stauroneis fuegiana, a new Stauroneis species (Bacillariophyta) from Tierra del Fuego, southern Argentina

During a survey of the freshwater aquatic diatom flora of two peat bog areas in Tierra del Fuego, southern Argentina, a new taxon belonging to the genus Stauroneis that could not be identified was observed. Based on detailed light and scanning electron microscopy observations and comparison with similar larger-celled Stauroneis species worldwide, the taxon is described as new: Stauroneis fuegiana Casa &amp; Van de Vijver sp. nov. Stauroneis fuegiana can be distinguished based on the slightly raised marginal crest, the typical broadly lanceolate valve outline with subrostrate apices, the almost rectangular central area and its valve dimensions.Comments are made on its taxonomic position and how the new taxon can be distinguished from other larger-celled Stauroneis species. Brief notes on the ecology and distribution are added.

Badger (Meles meles) Sett Site Selection in Darwin Reserve, Northwestern Russia

Badger (Meles meles) sett site selection was studied in non-optimal habitats of the Darwin Reserve in northwestern Russia. Peat bog areas constitute the greater part of the reserve territory. Because subterranean waters lie close to the surface, soil conditions are unfavorable for sett construction and badgers dig their burrows in old charcoal pits – ring-shaped elevated grounds, which are remains of the charcoal trade of the 19th century. From 1963 to 1998, 599 coal-bunkers were surveyed in the reserve for species using burrows (European Badger Meles meles; Red Fox Vulpes vulpes; and Raccoon Dog Nyctereutes procyonoides). Badgers used only 14% of the charcoal pits for sett construction; 38 of them were mapped in 20012006. They were divided in three groups: 1) charcoal pits with main setts, 2) charcoal pits with outliers, and 3) charcoal pits not used by badgers. For each charcoal pit, we recorded a number of variables related to food and shelter for badgers: size and height of coal pits, abundance of undergrowth on coal pits, areas of different forest types, and length of ecotones in the vicinity of coal pits. Biotope composition of charcoal pit surroundings was similar for all groups of charcoal pits. Badgers preferred mosaics of habitats, as suggested by the extent of forest-swamp borders near setts where badgers find their main food, i.e., frogs. The size and height of the charcoal pits was also important. Big charcoal pits can hold large shelters with a few tunnel systems used by animals to move among chambers and possibly escape accumulation of ectoparasites. Badgers also use large charcoal pits to overwinter.

Late Holocene palaeoclimate variability: The significance of bog pine dendrochronology related to peat stratigraphy. The Puścizna Wielka raised bog case study (Orawa – Nowy Targ Basin, Polish Inner Carpathians)

Abstract The results of dendrochronological and palynological analyses of subfossil pine trees occurring in the peat deposits of the Puścizna Wielka raised bog (Polish Carpathians, Southern Poland) – the only site with numerous subfossil pine trees in the mountainous regions of Central Europe presently known – indicate that the majority of the tree populations grew in the peat bog during the periods ca 5415–3940 cal BP and 3050–2560 cal BP. Several forestless episodes, dated to 5245–5155 cal BP, 4525–4395 cal BP and 3940–3050 cal BP, were preceded by tree dying-off phases caused by an extreme periodical increase in humidity and general climate cooling trends. These events are documented based on analyses of pollen and non-pollen palynomorph assemblages, dendrochronological analyses of the trees, as well as numerous radiocarbon datings of the sediment horizons occurring within the peat bog profile. The phases of germinations, and, in turn, of tree and shrub invasions of the peat bog areas have been closely connected to drying and occasional warming of the regional climate. The last of the forestless periods began about 2600 years ago and continued up to the very recent times. Currently, as a result of desiccation of the peat bog and the lowering of the groundwater level (due to improved water drainage system), pine trees have returned the peat bog again. These results demonstrate that studies of subfossil bog-pine trees are quite effective in documenting and reconstructing periods of humidity fluctuation that occurred within the Carpathian region over the last several millennia.

Geochemical evidence for peat bog contribution to the streamflow generation process: case study of the Vltava River headwaters, Czech Republic

ABSTRACTA geochemical approach using stable oxygen isotopes was used to understand streamflow generation processes in the highly peaty catchment of the Rokytka Brook in the headwaters of the Vltava River, Czech Republic. The contribution of water from peat bog areas to the total surface runoff was assessed using a hydrological time series, as well as geochemical, hydrochemical and isotope-hydrological approaches for unit hydrogram separation by means of anion deficiency. Using data from the hydrological year 2008, the role of an existing peat bog in the runoff formation dynamics of the Rokytka Brook catchment was determined, and the hydrological cycle was described and assessed using stable 18O/16O isotopes. The research findings strongly support the fact that peatland areas within the studied catchment do not significantly communicate hydraulically with surface streams, and their hydrological function in this region is insignificant.Editor M. C. Acreman; Associate editor not assigned

Aquatic microinvertebrate abundance and species diversity in peat bogs of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

Peat bogs are regarded as extreme environments due to their low pH and low nutrient concentration, and thus hold a unique biota adapted to these particular conditions. The island of Tierra del Fuego encompasses the southernmost extensive peat bog area in the world, and is therefore particularly interesting from a biogeographical viewpoint. Within the same peat bog, different environment types can be identified: clear ponds, vegetated ponds and Sphagnum patches. In this study we compare the abundance, richness and species diversity of microinvertebrates (Copepoda, Cladocera and Rotifera) in these three types of environments from two peat bogs (Andorra and Rancho Hambre). Out of the 29 taxa recorded, 19 were common to both peat bogs, including four cladocerans endemic to Southern Patagonia and three rotifers endemic to Fuegian peat bogs. The rotifers were the dominant group in all environment types from Rancho Hambre, while in Andorra the Sphagnum moss was dominated by copepods, particularly harpacticoids. The results revealed that the environment type rather than peat bog was the key factor at explaining differences in species richness and diversity among microinvertebrate communities. This study highlights the importance of Sphagnum moss as a low diversity extreme environment which supports highly endemic species.

Assessment of water quality in the vicinity of peat extraction sites: The case of Pien‐Saimaa, Finland

AbstractPeatlands have an important global role as carbon sinks. Locally, however, peat bog extraction can cause pollution in nearby watercourses. The aim of this study is to investigate the application of multivariate methods in the renovation and protection of eutrophic lakes surrounded by agricultural and peat extraction areas. The analytical data used in the study originated from a national water quality database and the period studied was 2000–2013. Multivariate methods: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) were applied to solve interactions of variables and pollution sources in a complex water ecosystem. Leaching from the peat bog area was found to be the main source of iron, which has an important role as a precipitator of phosphorus in loose sediment and in water. Nutrient ratios had no direct correlation to algae blooms, but high ratios indicated an increased likelihood of an upcoming bloom.

New observations on Saturnella saturnus (Steinecke) Fott: the first British record of a little-known enigmatic 'green' alga

Saturnella saturnus was discovered in March 2014 in open-water pools on blanket peatland at the Moor House - Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve, straddling Cumbria and County Durham in NE England. This is the first record for the British Isles of a little-known alga known previously only from a few peat bog areas, mainly in mainland Europe. The literature is reviewed and new observations presented on its morphology and reproduction based on LM examination of living cells. New observations on the chloroplast structure and cytoplasmic inclusions (especially oil droplets) are discussed in relation to the findings of earlier studies. Doubt attaches as whether it is a chlorophyte or a xanthophyte and the identity of small spherical inclusions that have been frequently interpreted as autospores. It occurs in Upper Teesdale in pools that are that are small, relatively newly formed and mostly well-oxygenated. Also discussed is its relationship to Trochiscia, another coloniser of peatland pools. Photographic images are presented for the first time and comments made on its ecology in the context of blanket bog conservation projects and apparent rarity.