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Modelling volume changes in peat under conifer plantations
Author(s) -
PYATT D. G.,
JOHN A. L.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of soil science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.244
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2389
pISSN - 0022-4588
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2389.1989.tb01310.x
Subject(s) - peat , shrinkage , cracking , subsidence , volume (thermodynamics) , water content , stage (stratigraphy) , soil science , linear relationship , gravimetric analysis , geology , geotechnical engineering , environmental science , chemistry , composite material , materials science , geomorphology , ecology , mathematics , thermodynamics , physics , paleontology , statistics , organic chemistry , structural basin , biology
SUMMARY It is proposed that the shrinkage of well‐decomposed peat beneath conifer plantations owing to the irreversible loss of water takes place in two stages. The first stage of pure subsidence is followed by a second stage of the formation of natural aggregates with a network of large cracks and a slower rate of subsidence. A plot of specific volume against gravimetric water content for natural aggregates or for excised blocks dried artificially shows a linear relationship throughout the range of water content. The assumption of equi‐dimensional shrinkage in stage two allows a prediction of the relative amounts of subsidence and crack formation. The shrinkage of non‐cracking fibrous peat is also dealt with. A preliminary attempt at verification of the predictive model from measurements of crack volume or subsidence of ground level shows that the model gives values of the right order of magnitude.