Plant succession and geochemical indices in immature peatlands in the Changbai Mountains, northeastern region of China: Implications for climate change and peatland development

Peatlands cover a small portion of the Earth's land surface but hold ~30% of soil carbon (C) globally. However, few studies have focused on the early stage of peatland development, which is a key stage in the initial C sink function of peatlands. An immature peatland is vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions, e.g., temperature and water conditions, as the peat accumulation process can be easily interrupted by such changes. It is important to understand how immature peatlands develop, what conditions are beneficial to this process, and the present status of these important peatlands. Plant macrofossil analysis and geochemical characteristics of peat were used to determine the plant succession and the degree of decomposition at two peatlands developing in the Changbai Mountain region of northeastern China. The results show that during the entire plant community succession, plants in the two studied peatlands are mainly characterized by sedges (Cyperaceae) and mosses (mainly Sphagnum). Plant macrofossil analysis reveals a wetter trend in the Yuan Lake (YL) peatland in the most upper part of peat layer, which provides favorable conditions for peat accumulation and peatland development. The C/N ratios of core Chi Lake (CL) show a steady peat decomposition and accumulation process in the CL peatland. Additionally, there was a clear impact of presence of Sphagnum on the variations in the C/N ratio. In the YL peatland, macro-charcoal pieces indicated that fire events during dry hydrological conditions had great effects on biogeochemical processes within the peatland, affecting peat decomposition and the succession of the local plant community. An increase in major and trace elements suggests only weak disturbance due to the considerable distance to human settlements. This study determines the characteristics of pristine mountainous peatlands and highlights the importance of understanding the regular plant community in the early stage of peatland formation, as well as its potential effects on C sinks.