Characteristics, genesis and classification of a basin peat soil under negative human impact in Turkey

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the morphology, genesis and classification of organic soils formed on depression and flat land around Lake Yenicaga, west-central Turkey. Formation of the area has been influenced by tectonic and karst processes. This peatland is important in this area due to its extensive use as a horticultural plant growth medium resulting from positive physical and chemical properties. Organic soils in the study area were formed in nutrient-rich conditions and it is classified as typical basin peat. Four representative pedons were excavated in the study area based on extensive observations performed with random grid method using an auger. Samples were taken from horizons in each profile for laboratory analyses. Organic matter contents ranged from 12.5 to 91.5% across all four pedons. Fiber contents were between 4.3 and 91.5%, and N ranged from 0.56 to 2.19%. Cation exchange capacity ranged from 37 to 222 cmol kg -1 , bulk density from 0.09 to 0.78 g cm -3 , lime from 0.15 to 2.62%. The pH and EC e values ranged from 5.38 to 7.92 and 0.50 to 3.80 dS m -1 , respectively. Sand, silt and clay contents of the organic soils ranged between 0. 75-3.92, 40.70-74.77 and 24.15-57.30%, respectively. Differences in organic soils were found to depend on the environment, botanical origins, decomposition degrees, and groundwater composition. The organic soils of the research area were classified in the typic, hemic and hydric subgroups of Medifibrists (Soil Taxonomy 1999).

Pedological and isotopic relations of a highland tropical peatland, Mountain Range of the Espinhaço Meridional (Brazil)

“…Lighter colors were observed near the soil surface (layers 0-60 and 137-244 cm), while darker colors were found near the base (244-505 cm). The correlation between color and von Post scales showed a value of 0.68 ( Table 2), indicating that the color shading is related to the level of chemical decomposition with depth (Dengiz et al, 2009). …”

Growth of Primula Plant in Coir Dust and Peat-Based Growing Media

“…Peat is commonly used as a growth material in artificial media. Botanical origin, humification degree, and formation processes considerably affect the potential to utilize peat materials as growing medium (Dengiz et al, 2009). Therefore, the water/air relationships of the medium must be evaluated.…”

Using Eddy Covariance Sensors to Quantify Carbon Metabolism of Peatlands: A Case Study in Turkey

“…An EC flux tower site was installed about 1 km north of Lake Yenicaga (18 km 2 ) at the elevation of 988 m above seal level on July 12, 2010. The climate in the Yenicaga region is classified as cool temperate, with a mean annual temperature and precipitation of 10.2 °C and 538 mm, respectively [ 5 ]. The Yenicaga peatland is reported to contain Devonian and cretaceous limestone, basaltic tuff, lava, and olistolites, with the uppermost layer consisting of tertiary and quaternary formations [ 5 ].…”

“…The climate in the Yenicaga region is classified as cool temperate, with a mean annual temperature and precipitation of 10.2 °C and 538 mm, respectively [ 5 ]. The Yenicaga peatland is reported to contain Devonian and cretaceous limestone, basaltic tuff, lava, and olistolites, with the uppermost layer consisting of tertiary and quaternary formations [ 5 ]. The natural vegetation types of the Yenicaga peatland consist of the following dominant communities: (1) Phragmites australis and Typha domingensis (41.2 ha); and (2) Ranunculus lingua, Acorus calamus, Najas marina, Pedicularis palustris, Senecio paludosus (107.8 ha) [ 6 ].…”