Biochemical activity of peats of different genesis

Abstract

The results of the study of enzymatic activity of peats of the three bogs of upper and lowland types – Saim, Bolshoye and Tungusovskoye (Tomsk region) are presented. The peculiarities of organic matter formation of peats of different types are given. It is shown that the properties of peats with up to eight different plants in their composition are a consequence of the different structure of polymers of the original plants. The activity indices of enzymes invertase, protease, catalase, polyphenol oxidase, nitrate and nitrite reductase in the peats of different genesis are determined. Thus, at the type level, the extreme values of nitrate and nitrite reductase activity in the peats of the upland bog are equal to 3.60–4.94 mg of reduced NO₃– /24 h/g and 3.52–7.01 mg of reduced NO₂–/24 h/g, respectively, lowland bog – 4.66–19.33 mg of reduced NO₃–/24 h/g and 0.9–13.0 mg of reduced NO₂ –/24 h/g, fluvial bog – 8.77–22.29 mg of reduced NO₃–/24 h/g and 0.2–13.6 mg of reduced NO₂ –/24 h/g. The activity of the enzyme in peats and in mineral soils is compared with the activity estimation according to the D.G. Zvyagintsev scale. Peats are found to show a wider range of invertase values than indicated by the scale. The need to develop a gradation of enzymatic activity assessment for peats is identified. Probably, the activity of enzymes on peat OM transformation may increase when external conditions change towards warming. In the future, it is suggested to develop an evaluation cadastre of peats by enzymatic activity, which will allow, through a balanced selection of peats for agricultural production, to ensure the required quality of products, their environmental safety and economic efficiency.