Elemental dynamics in forested bogs in northern Minnesota

N and K concentrations were higher in the undergrowth of perched bogs, and Ca and Mg concentrations were higher in subsurface anaerobic peat of raised bogs. Elemental pools in vegetation were in the order N > Ca > K > Mg > P; in surface peat, N > Ca > Mg > P = K. Vegetation on raised bogs had a greater proportion of uptake from the atmosphere (15 vs. 12%), a faster rate of elemental turnover (3.8 vs. 4.8 years), and lower net primary productivity than on perched bogs, all indicative of a lower nutrient status. The annual mineralization rate of the surface peat for both bog types was 1.5% yr^-1;. The better nutritional status of perched bogs may be related to landscape position, with potential inputs via runoff from adjacent uplands. -from Author