Torfbildung

Torfbildung is the process by which peat forms. Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter that is unique to bog environments. This process occurs in wetlands, such as bogs and mires, where waterlogged conditions create anaerobic (oxygen-poor) environments. In these conditions, the decomposition of plant material by microorganisms is significantly slowed down.

The primary building blocks of peat are typically mosses, particularly Sphagnum moss, along with sedges, reeds, and other wetland plants. As these plants die, their organic matter settles into the waterlogged soil. Due to the lack of oxygen and the presence of acidic water, bacteria and fungi, which are the usual decomposers, are unable to break down the dead plant material completely. Over long periods, this undegraded organic matter accumulates layer upon layer, forming peat.

The rate of peat formation is very slow, with estimates suggesting that it can take centuries to form a single meter of peat. This slow accumulation makes peat a valuable archive of past environmental conditions, as pollen, seeds, and even ancient human artifacts can be preserved within peat layers. Peatlands cover a significant portion of the Earth's land surface and play a crucial role in global carbon cycling, acting as significant carbon sinks. The extraction of peat for fuel, horticultural purposes, and soil improvement is a human activity that can impact these ecosystems and their carbon storage capabilities.