Peat is an organic sedimentary substance composed predominantly of partially decomposed plant material that accumulates under waterlogged, anoxic, and typically acidic conditions, most commonly in peatlands and bogs. It is characterized by high moisture content, low bulk density, high porosity, and significant carbon storage in the form of lignocellulosic macromolecules and humic substances. Peat’s chemical composition and degree of humification vary with botanical origin, hydrology, and decomposition stage, influencing its cation-exchange capacity, thermal properties, and behavior as a carbon reservoir, soil amendment, or precursor to coal in geological coalification processes.
Viruses in wetland soil play a more important role than previously understood and could even be indicators of ecosystem health, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Recently published ...
Ecology
Dec 10, 2025
0
23
For the first time, researchers have produced a detailed, high-resolution map of peatlands in the EU, showing that these areas emit twice as much greenhouse gases than previously thought. The research, led by eco-hydrologist ...
Earth Sciences
Dec 3, 2025
0
64
Iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts have the potential to replace the more expensive platinum catalysts currently used in fuel cells. This is shown by a study conducted by researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Physikalisch-Technische ...
Nanomaterials
Nov 25, 2025
0
104
Peatlands make up just 3% of Earth's land surface but store more than 30% of the world's soil carbon, preserving organic matter and sequestering its carbon for tens of thousands of years. A new study sounds the alarm that ...
Earth Sciences
Oct 23, 2025
0
98
Between a third and half of all soil carbon on Earth is stored in peatlands, says Tom and Marie Patton Distinguished Professor Joel Kostka. These wetlands—formed from layers and layers of decaying plant matter—span from the ...
Earth Sciences
Sep 18, 2025
0
24
A new study led by Teagasc has highlighted the critical relationship between the drainage status of peat soils and localized rainfall in water table management. These findings will be critical in identifying and targeting ...
Environment
Jul 29, 2025
0
31
A peatland complex in the Congo Basin which is known to be a globally important carbon store is twice as old as previously thought, according to a new scientific study.
Ecology
Jul 29, 2025
0
40
Indonesian environmentalist Pralensa steered his boat through a shallow canal in the marshy peatlands near his village, an environment he fears may soon disappear.
Environment
Jul 25, 2025
0
23
An international research team led by Aalto University has just published the first large-scale analysis based on long-term satellite data on the effects of peatland restoration. The paper is published in the journal Environmental ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 9, 2025
0
33
Scientists used satellite data, drones and on-the-ground observations to assess the edges of existing peatlands (waterlogged ecosystems that store vast amounts of carbon). The study—led by the University of Exeter—found peatlands ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 19, 2025
0
35
