The effects of peat burning on organic-rich agricultural soils of the Mezzano Lowland (NE Italy) were evaluated on soil profiles variously affected by smoldering. Profiles were investigated for pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, elemental and isotopic composition of distinct carbon (and nitrogen) fractions. The results suggest that the horizons affected by carbon loss lie at depths 10–70 cm, where the highest temperatures are developed. We suggest that the exothermal oxidation of methane (mediated by biological activity) plays a significant role in the triggering mechanism. In the interested soils we estimated a potential loss of Soil Organic Carbon of approximately 110 kg m⁻² within the first meter, corresponding to 580 kg CO₂ m⁻³. The released greenhouse gas is coupled with a loss of soil structure and nutrients. Moreover, the process plausibly triggers mobility of metals bound in organometallic complexes. All these consequences negatively affect the environment, the agricultural activities and possibly also health of the local people.

中文翻译：

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梅扎诺低地（意大利波河平原）的泥炭土燃烧：触发机制和环境后果


根据受阴燃影响的不同土壤剖面，评估了泥炭燃烧对梅扎诺低地（意大利东北部）富含有机物的农业土壤的影响。研究了不同碳（和氮）组分的 pH、电导率、堆积密度、元素和同位素组成。结果表明，受碳损失影响的地层位于 10-70 厘米深度，此处温度最高。我们认为甲烷的放热氧化（由生物活性介导）在触发机制中起着重要作用。在感兴趣的土壤中，我们估计第一米内土壤有机碳的潜在损失约为 110 kg m ^{− 2} ，相当于 580 kg CO ₂ m ^{− 3} 。释放的温室气体伴随着土壤结构和养分的损失。此外，该过程似乎引发了有机金属配合物中结合的金属的移动性。所有这些后果都对环境、农业活动以及当地人民的健康产生负面影响。