Edge effects on decomposition in <i>Sphagnum</i> bogs: Implications for carbon storage

Peatlands provide multiple ecosystem services, including extensive carbon sequestration and storage, yet many peatlands have been degraded or destroyed. Peatlands' storage capacity is connected to inherently low decomposition rates, causing the buildup of organic matter. This pattern could be explained by waterlogged conditions that reduce amount available oxygen for decomposer community, a pH inhibits bacterial decomposition, colder temperatures lowering metabolic rates. study focused on edge effects in transition zone (lagg) between Sphagnum bogs surrounding forest, with expectation lowest bog highest forest but mix factors intermediate rates near edge. Transitional were measured across six central Sweden during summer 2021, following Tea Bag Index. Three 20-m transects, each containing seven pairs tea bags, buried margins bog, centered at moss. Soil moisture content, pH, plant composition also recorded burial site, temperature loggers placed evenly among four bogs. Our results confirmed our hypothesis regarding effects, soil levels showing strong negative interaction rate. The rate was significant, an unexpected relation, most likely due forest. Temperature displayed no significance, plants indicative included Vaccinium oxycoccos, Drosera rotundifolia, species. In contrast other studies, we did not find increase increased species richness studied ecosystems. conclusion, there effect maintaining, restoring, hydrology peatland important factor continued rough estimation area possible estimated based its vegetation.