Open AccessPeat Soil Burning in the Mezzano Lowland (Po Plain, Italy): Triggering Mechanisms and Environmental Consequences
Author(s) -
Natali Claudio,
Bianchini Gianluca,
Cremonini Stefano,
Salani Gian Marco,
Vianello Gilmo,
Brombin Valentina,
Ferrari Mattia,
Vittori Antisari Livia
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
geohealth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 12
ISSN - 2471-1403
DOI - 10.1029/2021gh000444
Subject(s) - peat , environmental chemistry , soil water , carbon fibers , total organic carbon , methane , greenhouse gas , nutrient , nitrogen , soil carbon , environmental science , chemistry , bulk density , soil science , ecology , materials science , organic chemistry , composite number , composite material , biology
The effects of peat burning on organic‐rich agricultural soils of the Mezzano Lowland (NE Italy) were evaluated on soil profiles variously affected by smoldering. Profiles were investigated for pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, elemental and isotopic composition of distinct carbon (and nitrogen) fractions. The results suggest that the horizons affected by carbon loss lie at depths 10–70 cm, where the highest temperatures are developed. We suggest that the exothermal oxidation of methane (mediated by biological activity) plays a significant role in the triggering mechanism. In the interested soils we estimated a potential loss of Soil Organic Carbon of approximately 110 kg m − 2 within the first meter, corresponding to 580 kg CO 2 m − 3 . The released greenhouse gas is coupled with a loss of soil structure and nutrients. Moreover, the process plausibly triggers mobility of metals bound in organometallic complexes. All these consequences negatively affect the environment, the agricultural activities and possibly also health of the local people.