Coupling of Soils and Vegetation in Peatland Succession

摘要: Evidence for coupling between vegetation and soils is examined along a successional sequence from forest to bog in southeast Alaska. Soil morphology taxonomy were determined at 19 sites an 8-km transect extending the coast treeline on Kruzof Island. Patterns soil development appear be closely related with status of each site. During succession bog, exhibit increased acidification, podzolization, placic horizon formation, histosol development. chemistry data Island suggest that bryophytes, especially Sphagnum mosses, play critical role acidification podzolization soils. Feedback effects these processes should favor spread vegetation. The findings support hypothesis that, due iron-bearing vegetation, changes upland northern forests establishment climax communities.