Soil organic matter stoichiometry as indicator for peatland degradation

Summary

This study examines how conversion of peatlands from natural to agricultural or forestry use alters the elemental composition (stoichiometry) of soil organic matter. By analysing 1310 samples across Swiss peatland sites, the authors demonstrate that organic matter content and C/N ratios are the most sensitive indicators of degradation, with cropland showing the most advanced decomposition state. The findings suggest that agricultural management of peatlands triggers particularly high nitrogen mobilisation rates, which has implications for both soil fertility assessment and understanding nutrient losses during peatland conversion.

UK applicability

The UK contains significant peatland resources, particularly in Scotland, Northern England, and Wales, many of which are under agricultural or forestry management. These findings on stoichiometric shifts and nitrogen mobilisation could inform UK peatland management policy and restoration priorities, though direct applicability would benefit from validation on UK soil types and climatic conditions.

Key measures

Soil organic matter (OM) content, C/N ratio, H/C ratio, O/C ratio, organic carbon concentration, soil nitrogen concentration, organic matter oxidation states

Outcomes reported

The study measured organic matter content, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen concentrations across 1310 soil samples from 48 Swiss sites under different land uses (cropland, grassland, forest, natural peatland). It assessed how peat stoichiometry changes with land use intensity and organic matter content, with particular focus on nitrogen mobilisation during degradation.

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