Peatland drainage alters soil structure and water retention properties: Implications for ecosystem function and management

Peatland functions (e.g., carbon sequestration and flora diversity) are largely driven by soil moisture dynamics thus dependent on interactions between hydrologic regimes organic properties. Understanding these is particularly important in drained peatlands, where drier conditions may alter properties with feedbacks to water retention associated ecosystem functions. In this work, we focused the Great Dismal Swamp (GDS) Virginia, USA, a historically drained, temperate peatland ongoing restoration efforts. Two distinct layers varying thickness exist at GDS: an upper layer subangular blocky structure thought be result of past drainage, sapric lower massive more representative undisturbed state. To understand occurrence consequences layers, used continuous table data analyzed physical hydraulic characterize profiles 16 locations. We found significant differences properties, had fiber matter contents higher bulk densities. Further, release curves demonstrated compared key pore structure, having macroporosity. Upper varied across sampling locations (ca. 0.30 1.0 m) transition typically occurring depths below contemporary level observations, suggesting that historical drainage deeper conditions. Yet, frequent saturation exhibited macroporosity indicating potential recovery following re-wetting These findings highlight how influences retention, implications for current management objectives GDS other systems. This article protected copyright. All rights reserved.