In this short communication, we respond to criticisms of our previous work relating to peatland carbon balance calculations that have been raised in the current volume of Mires and Peat.
Peatlands are a major source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for inland waters in Western Siberia. Continuous hydrological and hydrochemical monitoring of these peatlands is essential for understanding the global carbon cycle. We investigated a pristine ombrotrophic bog in Western Siberia to determine the links between seasonal hydrological changes and DOC quantity and quality. Specifically, we analysed water table fluctuations, DOC concentrations and spectral characteristics (SUVA~254~, E2:E3 and E4:E6 ratios). Our findings indicate that each peatland ecosystem exhibits distinct seasonal hydrochemical changes. The driest ecosystems (ryams) feature water with the highest DOC concentrations, characterised by high aromaticity and large molecular size, whereas the wettest ecosystems (pools) display the opposite trend. Surprisingly, the stream, which collects water from the entire peatland catchment, exhibits unique properties in that its DOC concentration is similar to that of wet ecosystems, while its spectral features more closely resemble those of dry ecosystems. Therefore, peatland ecosystems act as complex biogeochemical systems, modulating both the concentration and quality of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) based on prevailing environmental conditions.
The reintroduction of _Sphagnum_ moss is central to the process of peatland restoration in the UK. Dominant _Juncus effusus_ is a common problem resulting from eutrophication of peatland, reducing the value of the habitat. In this article we report on the management of an area of dense _J. effusus_ to permit the reintroduction of _Sphagnum_ onto a milled peat extraction site during restoration towards lowland raised bog. Trial plots were established in a waterlogged area of shallow mineralised peat covered with tall, dense _J. effusus_. Various treatments of repeated brush-cutting together with the removal (or not) of _Juncus_ litter were applied, the plots planted with commercially produced _Sphagnum_ plugs (BeadaHumok® West Pennines 5-species Mix), and followed up over three years. The results indicate that a plausible approach to reduce _J. effusus_ where it is dominant and promote _Sphagnum_ growth is to cut and windrow _Juncus_ twice prior to _Sphagnum_ planting, then regularly cut the _Juncus_ to facilitate establishment of a _Sphagnum_ lawn within the _Juncus_ stubble. Cutting less frequently than yearly had little effect on _Juncus_ dominance. The chosen _Sphagnum_ plugs appeared suitable for this application as most of the five species were evident and thriving at the end of the trial.
Shorea balangeran (Korth.) Burck is widely distributed in Southeast Asian peat swamp forests although it is not endemic to this habitat type. This study examines the ecological and biological characteristics and interactions of S. balangeran in peat swamp forests, and in particular its interactions with co-occurring species and its capacity for adaptation to challenging environmental conditions. The study addresses key questions relating to the soil characteristics in areas where S. balangeran thrives, the nature of associations with commonly co-occurring species, and how the findings might inform peatland restoration strategies. Vegetation data, soil samples and species association records arising from field surveys conducted in a peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, were analysed. S. balangeran was found to be the second most dominant species in the area, and to show positive associations with other species such as Gonystylus bancanus and Cratoxylum arborescens, suggesting shared habitat preferences or environmental tolerances. S. balangeran was commonly found in moderately acidic soils with high organic matter and low nutrient content, indicating its adaptability to nutrient-poor conditions. These findings highlight ecological characteristics of S. balangeran that may commend it for use in peatland restoration programs. However, further research is needed to fully understand its role in ecosystem functioning and resilience.
