Functioning conditions of small basinbogs in Wielkopolski National Park

The hydrological and geochemical aspects of the functioning and evolution of two small peatbogs located in Wielkopolska National Park were studied. The investigated peatlands are isolated from the influence of catchment ground waters. The main source of water supply is precipitation and surface run-off from the wooded catchment. Physical and chemical properties of the peatland waters are determined by hydrological conditions. Acid water reaction and low concentration of dissolved minerals suggest the peatlands should be classified as ombrotrophic high peatbogs.

High concentrations of nutrients (especially phosphorus) were found in the peat waters. However, the bioavailability of the phosphorus is strongly limited due to the presence of humic substances and the low pH of the water. Statistical analysis revealed that the peatlands studied were chemically similar.