Summary
This study examined how peatland soil stoichiometry varies with land use intensity and organic matter content across Swiss sites, using measurements from 1310 samples. Soil OM content and C/N ratio proved most sensitive to land use conversion, with cropland showing the lowest OM content and highest nitrogen mobilisation rates, suggesting progressed soil degradation in agricultural contexts. The findings suggest that stoichiometric indicators may serve as practical proxies for assessing peatland degradation state.
UK applicability
The UK contains extensive peatlands, particularly in Scotland, Wales, and northern England, with similar drainage histories for agriculture and forestry. These stoichiometric indicators may be applicable for monitoring UK peatland condition and informing restoration prioritisation, though regional peat composition and climate differences should be considered.
Key measures
Soil organic matter content; organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations; H/C, O/C, and C/N ratios; organic matter oxidation states; nitrogen fate during peat decomposition
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil organic matter (OM) content, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen stoichiometry across 1310 soil samples from 48 Swiss sites under four land use types (cropland, grassland, forest, natural peatland). It identified OM content and C/N ratio as the most sensitive indicators of peatland degradation and documented differential nitrogen mobilisation rates between land use types.
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