The labile part of vulnerable C, which could potentially be released, was determined using the hot-water extractable C (Chwe). An extraction method specifically designed for peat soils was applied for this purpose (Heller & Weiß 2015).
The occurring amount of labile and vulnerable C (Chwe) per hectare peatland was calculated by the following equation:
n
Chwe = Σ (MHi * Chwe Hi)
i=1
In this equation, Chwe stands for the labile and vulnerable C, MH describes the vertical thicknesses of each of aerated horizons in dm, Chwe is for the content of labile C per hectare and dm thickness of each aerated soil horizon i.
The assessment of the storage of labile and vulnerable C is carried out using a traffic-light rating system. The boundaries between grades were determined by frequency analysis.
|
Labile and vulnerable C Storage |
|
|---|---|
|
Chwe [t/ha] |
Rating Scale |
|
0 |
low vulnerability |
|
> 0 - ≤ 25 |
medium vulnerability |
|
> 25 |
high vulnerability |
