peatypes

Peatypes are categories used by peatland scientists to describe and compare peat materials. The concept integrates two main axes: the botanical origin of the plant matter that forms the peat and the degree to which that material has decomposed since accumulation began. This framework helps researchers and land managers communicate about peat properties, behavior, and uses.

One axis is the degree of decomposition, which is commonly summarized by three peatypes: fibric, hemic, and sapric. Fibric peat is the least decomposed and remains rich in recognizable plant fibers; it is typically light in color and fibrous in texture. Hemic peat shows intermediate decomposition, with a mix of fibrous material and more decomposed, darker components. Sapric peat is highly decomposed, with few visible fibers and a dense, often dark material that can be less permeable and more humified.

The other axis is botanical origin, which reflects the dominant plants that contributed to the peat. Sphagnum (moss) peat is the classic example found in many bogs and is usually acidic and highly waterlogged. Herbaceous peat derives from grasses and sedges that grow in fens and other wetlands. Woody peat originates from trunks, branches, and other woody material that accumulates in wooded peatlands. These origins influence properties such as texture, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity.

Peatypes have practical significance for land use, drainage planning, and horticulture. They affect acidity, nutrient availability, and the suitability of peat for growing media or fuel. In soil science, peattypes often relate to histosols and their classification, reflecting how decomposition and origin shape the behavior of organic soils.