THE DIFFERENTIATION OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL FEATURES OF OMBROTROPHIC PEATS FROM GENUS LEDO-PINIONI AND OMBRO-SPAGNIONI FORMED IN VARIOUS HABITAT CONDITIONS

摘要

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the degree of differentiation of physical and chemical features of ombrotrophic peats from genera Ledo-Pinioni and Ombro-Sphagnioni formed in various habitat conditions. 72 peat samples collected from 19 peatlands were analysed. The peatlands were located in north-eastern and southern (mountain peatlands) Poland. The results of the analyses confirmed the thesis about big differentiation of these peats in respects of chemical features. Peats from genera Ledo-Pinioni and Ombro-Sphagnioni are acidic (pH in KC1 from 2.5 to 4.8) with small participation of mineral parts (ash content 0.89 - 7,62% in Ombro-Sphagnioni and 0,99 to 24.45% in Ledo-Pinioni (according to our proposals of new classification). Analysis of total nitrogen and organic carbon concentration of the investigated peats suggested they belong to oligotrophic peats. The content of total nitrogen varied from 0.9 to 2.5 %, whereas the content of carbon in humic compounds ranged from 0.2 to 10.8%. The smallest variation of investigated metals level was discovered in sodium and potassium content, whereas the concentration of magnesium and especially calcium is different (0.16 - 34.0 cmol/kg and 1.45 -102.0 cmol/kg respectively).