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Physical Properties of Peats as Related to Degree of Decomposition¹

ABSTRACT

Important physical characteristics, such as water retention, water yield coefficient, and hydraulic conductivity, vary greatly for representative northern Minnesota peat materials. The differences are related to the degree of decomposition, which largely determines the porosity and pore size distribution. Fiber content (> 0.1 mm) and bulk density are properties often measured to indicate the degree of decomposition of peat materials and are criteria used to distinguish fibric, hemic, and sapric peat types.

Regression analyses showed a curvilinear relationship of water contents at saturation, 5 mbar, 0.1 bar, and 15 bar suctions, to fiber content (> 0.1 mm) and bulk density with coefficients of multiple determination (R²) ranging from .66 to .88. Regression analyses of the logarithm of hydraulic conductivity on fiber content (> 0.1 mm) and bulk density indicate a linear relationship (r² = .54), although not as great due to the variability of hydraulic conductivity.

Thus the classification of peat materials and organic soils based primarily on degree of decomposition as measured by fiber content and bulk density would relate significant information about their physical characteristics.

Contribution from North Central Forest Exp. Sta., USDA Forest Service, which is maintained in cooperation with the University of Minnesota. Presented before Div. S-6, Soil Science Society of America, Washington, D.C., Nov. 9, 1967.

² Soil physicist at the Station's Northern Conifers Laboratory in Grand Rapids, Minn.

Received for publication December 3, 1968. Accepted for publication March 5, 1969.