CONFERENCEChanges of peat properties in differently affected parts of the Lauga Bog
Janis Dreimanis
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
Laimdota Kalnina
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
Liga Paparde
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
Elina Deksne
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
DOI: 10.22364/fg.17.4
Keywords: natural density, LOI analysis, pH, drainage
Abstract
At the present time much attention on the identification and investigation of degraded peatland areas is mainly being undertaken by studies on growing bog plant species, vegetation cover continuity and character. However, it is also understood that to choose the most effective re-cultivation method it is necessary to know the properties of the remaining peat layers and local hydrological conditions. The aim of this study was to discover the characteristics of peat properties and their changes in three differently affected areas of the Lauga Bog. Field work included geological coring and the collecting of deposit samples for further laboratory analysis including loss on ignition (LOI) analysis, determination of the peat density, pH and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The obtained results reveal that peat properties in the Lauga Bog vary in differently affected areas. In the affected areas (Lauga-1 and Lauga-3) the top layer of the peat section has a higher natural density and larger proportion of mineral matter. Whereas a natural bog section is characterised by peat with lower natural density, a higher percentage of organic matter and lower pH is typical for raised bogs.