Ecosystem Management-Peat Bogs

Ecosystem:

• Region of wet, spongy ground which contains decomposing vegetation
• Undisturbed peatland is a carbon sink (store of carbon dioxide)
• Once dried can be used as a source of fuel, releases thermal energy and burning it releases carbon dioxide
• Peat is important for farmers, can mix with soil to improve structure and increase acidity
• Peat has favourable moisture-retaining properties, prevents excess water killing roots, but is not fertile in itself
• Formed when plants are inhibited from fully decaying by acidic and anaerobic conditions
• Plants that grow on peatlands eg sphagnum mosses (Sphagnum spp.), bog cotton/ cottonsedge (Eriophorum angustifolium) and heathers, (Calluna vulgaris)
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