PEAT HUMIFICATION CHARACTER IN TWO OMBROTROPHIC BOGS DEPENDING ON PEAT PROPERTIES

Study of the living organic matter humification process is essential for understanding of the carbon biogeochemical cycle. The aim of this study is to determine the relations between peat properties and humification degree in two peat profiles in ombrotrophic bogs in Latvia, to identify the links between peat age, decomposition degree, peat properties, peat botanical composition and peat properties. The peat diagenesis process was described using multiproxy analysis of peat age, botanical composition, elemental composition, elemental ratios of the peat organic matter and peat alkaline extracts. This approach supports a better understanding of the peat properties and their relation both to peat decomposition processes, and also to original living organic matter. Multiproxy study of peat properties supports development of peat humification indicators.