A Snapshot in Time: The Dynamic and Ephemeral Structure of Peatland Soils

Peat soil is a heterogeneous mixture of decomposed plant material that has accumulated in a water-saturated environment in the absence of oxygen. The structure of peat varies enormously from partially decomposed plant remains to a fine amorphous colloidal soil.1 Peatlands are landscapes with or without vegetation with a naturally accumulated peat layer at the surface. At first sight, many peatlands may be seen as expansive landscapes, which blanket the terrain with monotonous regularity. However, peatland ecosystems are dynamic ecological entities, constantly changing, growing spreading, and eroding.2 Peat soils are a historic resource for fuel and provide space for the landscape to function: to regulate hydrology, climate, and water chemistry. Peat soils are a major carbon store, but can also release carbon in a degraded state, which adds to atmospheric carbon dioxide and significantly contributes to climate change.