Formation and Changes of Humic Acid Properties during Peat Humification Process within Ombrotrophic Bogs

Abstract

Studies of the living organic matter humification process are essential for understanding the carbon biogeochemical cycle. The aim of this study is to analyze relations between the properties of peat, peat humic acids and peat humification degree. The analysis has been done on samples of humic substances extracted from peat profiles in two ombrotrophic bogs and relations between peat age, decomposition and humification degree, botanical composition and properties of peat humic acids (elemental, functional composition) were studied. The found variability of peat properties is less significant than differences in the properties of peat-forming living matter, thus revealing the dominant impact of humification process on the properties of peat. Correspondingly, composition of peat humic acids is little affected by differences in the composition of precursor living organic material.