The Effects of Acidity on Carbon Fluxes from Ombrotrophic Peat

Replicate intact peat/vegetation monoliths were collected along a pollution gradient in the UK and subjected over one year to 1200 mm of simulated rainfall of the same chemical composition as they received in the field. Drainage water was analysed periodically for DOC and pH, and the decomposition rates of Calluna vulgaris and Eriophorum angustifolium leaves were measured, as well as soil atmosphere CO₂ contents and peat matric potentials. the chemical characteristics of the peats as initially sampled from the field also were determined. the results suggest that acidic precipitation has induced chemical changes in ombrotrophic peats, lowering their pH and base status, when due account is taken of calcium deposition or any mineral content. Greater DOC fluxes were observed from the more acid peats, and litter decomposition rates from these peats were reduced.