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Calcareous groundwater raises bogs; the concept of ombrotrophy revisited
Author(s) -
Lamers Leon P. M.,
Farhoush Cornelis,
Van Groenendael Jan M.,
Roelofs Jan G. M.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.452
H-Index - 181
eISSN - 1365-2745
pISSN - 0022-0477
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2745.1999.00380.x
Subject(s) - bog , alkalinity , peat , sphagnum , environmental chemistry , calcareous , groundwater , hydrology (agriculture) , ombrotrophic , bicarbonate , environmental science , chemistry , ecology , geology , paleontology , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , biology
Summary 1 Raised bogs are traditionally regarded as being solely dependent upon atmospheric influences. However, these terrestrial carbon stores may also be affected by calcareous (bicarbonate‐rich) groundwater, which is often found in deeper peat layers. 2 Field data from a bog area in the Netherlands were used to select appropriate levels of bicarbonate supply for an aquarium mesocosm experiment. The effects of 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2 mmol HCO 3 – l –1 , and 1 mmol HCO 3 – l –1 + 2 mmol SO 4 2– l –1 , on the biogeochemistry of peat monoliths, including their Sphagnum vegetation, were investigated. 3 Slightly increased alkalinity rapidly stimulated buoyancy of living Sphagnum due to higher inorganic carbon concentrations in the water layer. Moderate HCO 3 – concentrations also stimulated buoyancy of the entire peat monoliths after 3 weeks, because of increased methane production rates. High alkalinity, however, led to rapid internal phosphate mobilization, peat disintegration and Sphagnum die‐off. This detrimental effect was stronger when sulphate was supplied simultaneously. 4 The results are discussed with respect to the carbon dynamics and overall functioning of peat bogs, in relation to hydrology and hydrochemistry (groundwater influence, sulphate pollution).