This is the first truly ecosystem-oriented book on peatlands. It adopts an ecosystems approach to understanding the world's boreal peatlands. The focus is on biogeochemical patterns and processes, production, decomposition, and peat accumulation, and it provides additional information on animal and fungal diversity. A recurring theme is the legacy of boreal peatlands as impressive accumulators of carbon as peat over millennia.
Author(s): R.K. Wieder, D.H. Vitt
Edition: 1
Year: 2006
Language: English
Pages: 464
3540319123......Page 1
Ecological Studies,Vol. 188......Page 2
Boreal Peatland Ecosystems......Page 4
Preface......Page 6
Contents......Page 8
1 Peatlands and the Boreal Forest......Page 22
2 Functional Characteristics and Indicators
of Boreal Peatlands......Page 30
3 The Postglacial Development of Boreal
and Subarctic Peatlands......Page 46
4 The Role of Sphagnum in Peatland Development
and Persistence......Page 68
5 Peatland Fauna......Page 87
6 The Role of Fungi in Boreal Peatlands......Page 121
7 Decomposition in Boreal Peatlands......Page 144
8 Primary Production in Boreal Peatlands......Page 163
9 Carbon in Boreal Peatlands......Page 183
10 The Nitrogen Cycle in Boreal Peatlands......Page 213
11 Phosphorous in Boreal Peatlands......Page 249
12 Sulfur Cycling in Boreal Peatlands: from Acid Rain
to Global Climate Change......Page 277
13 The Hydrology of Peatlands......Page 306
14 Modeling Ecosystem Processes
and Peat Accumulation in Boreal Peatlands......Page 329
15 Forestry and Boreal Peatlands......Page 346
16 Disturbance in Boreal Peatlands......Page 373
17 Restoration of Degraded Boreal Peatlands......Page 394
18 Boreal Peatland Ecosystems: Our Carbon Heritage......Page 437
Subject Index......Page 442
