Physical, chemical and biochemical properties of Western Siberia Sphagnum and Carex peat soils
Comparative study of physical, chemical and biochemical properties has been carried out in acrotelm and catotelm of Sphagnum and Carex dominated peat soils in Western Siberia. Concentration of total nitrogen is directly proportional to ammonium and nitrates ions, activity of urease, bulk density and inversely proportional to C/N, porosity and moisture in both peat soils. The data received indicate lower rate of nitrogen transformation and decrease processes of organic matter decomposition in Sphagnum than in Carex dominated peat soils. The studies showed that organic matter from Sphagnum dominated peat soils has undergone the most significant biochemical and chemical transformation (oxidation, hydrolysis, polymerization) with the accumulation of resistant compounds compared to the organic matter from Carex dominated peat soils.