Abstract Increasing bulk density with depth in a peat profile has been seen as key to the formation of peat. Increasing bulk density with depth causing the changes in porosity and permeability of peat soils has been proposed as a mechanism to explain how waterlogged, stagnant conditions persist in peat bog soils. However, a previous study (Clay &amp; Worrall, 2015; Soil Use &amp; Management , 31, 77) observed, in passing, that this was not always the case, but this previous study could not test the nature of the peat bulk density profile. Thus, this present study examined 22 peat cores from 13 locations across climatic gradients of the UK, including valley fens, blanket and raised bogs, and both intact peatlands and former peat extraction sites. At none of the 13 locations was there a significant increase in dry bulk density with depth in the peat profile. The oxidation state of the organic carbon (C ox ) in the peat profile showed no common pattern of change with depth. The only measured property that showed a consistent change down the peat profile among all 13 locations was an increase in the degree of unsaturation of C bonds. The change in degree of unsaturation shows a trend away from vegetation biomass composition and toward lignin‐like compositions with an average rate of change of 0.2 π‐bonds/ka. The measured pattern of bulk density between locations and types of peat shows that peat density reflects the contemporary peat environment, rather than the nature of peat formation. The bulk density profile likely reflects average water table position, as determined by topographic and land‐management factors, with peat compaction and accelerated decomposition within the aerobic zone. The presence of gas bubbles may also contribute to low bulk density at depth. The common bulk density profile found across the UK for peat ecosystems shows that peat formation is not controlled by porosity change but more specifically by water flow and hydraulic conductivity.

Fred Worrall

Gareth D. Clay

Katherine Heckman

Jonathan Ritson

Martin Evans

Julian Small

Soil Use and Management

土壤利用与管理在土壤科学、地球与环境科学、农业科学和工程领域出版。提交的论文应考虑影响土壤系统的自然和人为过程的基本机制，并应告知政策制定者和/或从业者有关可持续利用和管理土壤资源的信息。跨学科研究，例如将土壤与气候变化、生物多样性、全球健康和联合国可持续发展目标联系起来，具有强烈的新颖性、广泛的影响和意想不到的结果，受到欢迎。

The journal "Soil Use and Management" focuses on research in the fields of soil science, earth and environmental science, agricultural science, and engineering. Submitted papers should explore the fundamental mechanisms of natural and anthropogenic processes affecting soil systems and provide information to policymakers and practitioners regarding the sustainable use and management of soil resources. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary research that connects soil with climate change, biodiversity, global health, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as such studies often exhibit novelty, broad impact, and unexpected outcomes.

《Soil Use and Management》期刊专注于土壤科学、地球与环境科学、农业科学和工程领域的研究。提交的论文应探讨影响土壤系统的自然和人为过程的基本机制，并为政策制定者和从业者提供关于可持续利用和管理土壤资源的信息。我们特别欢迎跨学科的研究，尤其是那些将土壤与气候变化、生物多样性、全球健康以及联合国可持续发展目标相结合的研究，这类研究往往具有新颖性、广泛的影响力和意想不到的结果。

Category	Quartile
农林科学	3
农林科学, 土壤科学	4

The formation of peat—Decreasing density with depth in UK peats

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
SOIL SCIENCE	1