Untangling nutrient co‐regulation of ombrotrophic peatland development

Chiverrell, RC ORCID: 0000-0002-7307-2756, Schillereff, DN ORCID: 0000-0002-4928-6068, Russell, FE, Valentine, J, Kirby, JR ORCID: 0000-0003-2941-8550, Wilkinson, DM and Boyle, JF (2025) Untangling nutrient co‐regulation of ombrotrophic peatland development. Boreas. ISSN 0300-9483

Preview

Text Untangling nutrient co regulation of ombrotrophic peatland development.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract

Ombrotrophic peatlands are the largest terrestrial store of global carbon (C). While hydroclimate controls over peatland development are well known, the importance of nutrient fluxes has been researched less. Atmospheric nutrient fluxes to peatlands have increased with human activity in recent centuries. Here we explore the interplay of nutrient and hydroclimate drivers at Holcroft Moss (northwest England), a lowland ombrotrophic peatland typical of many across northern Europe. Parallel multi-proxy characterization of the organic matter composition and nutrient accumulation rates shows a sequence dominated by switches between fresh less decomposed layers and more decomposed peat containing abundant recalcitrant organic compounds. Hydroclimate variability governs much of the stratigraphy. Shifts to wetter conditions appear to trigger periods of reduced decomposition centred c. 3450, 2600–2500, 2225, 2060, 2000, 1825, 1650–1610, 1540, 1480, 1260, 1125, 1000, 740–720 and 600–550 cal. a BP. In addition, elevated N and P deposition beginning ~1000 cal. a BP, accelerating ~500 years cal. a BP, has led to changes in the co-behaviour between hydroclimate, peat composition and C accumulation rates. Long-term carbon/nutrient accumulation rates at Holcroft Moss are high compared to other UK peatlands measured to date. Higher nutrient fluxes from human activities will persist through the 21st century, with the implications for long-term peatland resilience and this important carbon sink unclear. Restoration and management of peatlands understandably focus on hydrology and vegetation, but we show a parallel need to consider nutrient deposition, which will vary site by site.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	0402 Geochemistry; 0403 Geology; 0404 Geophysics; Paleontology; 3705 Geology; 3709 Physical geography and environmental geoscience
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	Biological and Environmental Sciences (from Sep 19)
Publisher:	Wiley
Date of acceptance:	24 July 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	22 August 2025
Date Deposited:	22 Aug 2025 10:01
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2025 10:15
DOI or ID number:	10.1111/bor.70031
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26977

View Item