FIELD WATER CONDITIONS AND DEFORMATION OF LOW DECOMPOSED DEEP PEAT

摘要

Drying and wetting of peat-moorsh soils lead to the soil volume changes. These dynamic processes of swelling and shrinkage in the soils have large impact on physical and chemical processes in these soils and on their use potential. The aim of this paper is to analyse soil water conditions and deformation of low decomposed deep peat soil. The results of field measurements for period from May to October 2003 performed at Czarnawie[ field-site located in Biebrza Basin (Poland) are reported in this paper. The soils in this area are mainly deep fen peat soils with a low degree of decomposition and used as meadows. The following data were measured in the field: rainfall data, changes in the elevation of the different soil horizons, pressure head, moisture content and groundwater level. The field study carried out in 2003 showed that soil surface of the fen peat soil moves in response to groundwater level and amount of water stored, with a maximum of about 176 mm during the whole period.