Decomposition rate of peat-forming plants at the initial stages of destruction in peat deposits of the oligotrophic bogs “Bakcharskoe” and “Timiryasevskoe”

The article presents experimental data on the decomposition of peat-forming plants at the initial stages in peat deposits of oligotrophic bogs with different hydrothermal conditions. A quantitative assessment of the decomposition rate of the main  peat-forming plants is given; the dynamics of the total carbon, nitrogen and ash elements content is determined; a microbiological analysis is performed. It was found that the most intensive decomposition processes occur in the first month of destruction, then the rate of decomposition decreases. Sphagnum mosses are the most resistant to decomposition (the mass loss of Sphagnum fuscum is 9-18% of the initial value). In general, more intensive decomposition processes are observed in the peat deposits of the warmer and less humid Timiryazevskoe bog, in which the nitrogen cycle microflora is most active. Microflora involved in the carbon cycle in the first months of decomposition is generally less active than other groups of microorganisms-destructors.