Peatlands Ecosystem functioning

Question 1

Productivity

Answer 1

• Bogs and fens are less productive than other wetland types
• Less productive than terrestrial climax communities

•Peatlands are nutrient limited
–Extreme Rich fens – lots of nutrients
–Bogs – very little nutrients

Question 2

Decomposition

Answer 2

•Peat accumulation occurs where Productivity > Decomposition

•Peat accumulation - very slow decomposition rates
–Waterlogged conditions
–Low temperatures
–Acid conditions

•Slow decomposition – slow nutrient cycling