The presence of peat and variation in tree species composition are under different hydrological controls in Amazonian wetland forests

Description

The peat‐forming wetland forests of northern Peru have the highest carbon density across the Amazon basin and supply key resources to communities. Understanding how flooding controls the presence of peat and floristic composition is important for predicting the impact of climate change on these services. We measured water table depth (WTD) over 2.5 years, pH and electrical conductivity in twelve forest plots to understand how these variables determine tree species composition and the presence of peat. Variation in composition was linked to minimum WTD (i.e. maximum flooding height), while peat was linked to maximum WTD (i.e. depth of water table below the ground). Peat is found in all forest types where maximum WTD does not fall >0.55 m below the ground. Peat formation and tree species composition have different ecohydrological controls. Predicted increases in the strength of flooding events may alter tree species composition, whereas drought severity may affect peat carbon stocks.

Period	21 Dec 2022
Event title	British Ecological Society Annual Meeting 2022
Event type	Conference
Location	Edinburgh, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International