Northern Research Station

Title: Physical properties of peats as related to degree of decomposition

Author: Boelter, D.H.

Date: 1969

Source: Soil Science Society of America Proceedings. 33: 606-609.

Description: Important physical characteristics, such as water retention, water yield coefficient, and hydraulic conductivity, vary greatly for representative northern Minnesota peat materials. The differences are related to the degree of decomposition, which largely determines the porosity and pore size distribution. Fiber content (> 0.1 mm) and bulk density are properties often measured to indicate the degree of decomposition of peat materials and are criteria used to distinguish fibric, hemic, and sapic peat types.

Keywords: fiber content, bulk density of peats, classification of peats, organic soils

View and Print this Publication (448 KB)

Publication Notes: 

• We recommend that you also print this page and attach it to the printout of the article, to retain the full citation information.
• This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.
• This publication may be available in hard copy. Check the Northern Research Station web site to request a printed copy of this publication.
• Our on-line publications are scanned and captured using Adobe Acrobat. During the capture process some typographical errors may occur. Please contact Sharon Hobrla, shobrla@fs.fed.us if you notice any errors which make this publication unusable.

 Get the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat reader or Acrobat Reader for Windows with Search and Accessibility

Citation

Boelter, D.H.  1969.  Physical properties of peats as related to degree of decomposition.   Soil Science Society of America Proceedings. 33: 606-609..