Burns, Bog, and Birch: The relationship between Betula spp. and bog soil conditions

Abstract

Peatland fires are becoming more common in Canada as temperatures increase and summer precipitation decreases. Burns Bog is a raised peatland in Delta, British Columbia. The bog has an extensive history of disturbance from draining, agriculture, and fire. The most recent fire burned through the north-west corner of Burns Bog in 2016. The accumulation of disturbances in Burns Bog has led to shifts in plant communities and soil conditions throughout the bog. For my Undergraduate Thesis project, I am aiming to better understand the spatial distribution of fire risk in Burns Bog. Specifically, this project studied the relationship between Birch (Betula spp.) and peat soil moisture and temperature using field data from soil moisture probes and sensors. Moisture levels in plots with native bog vegetation had higher moisture and lower soil temperature than plots with mature birch trees. Birch trees were associated with a loss of Sphagnum moss species, where Sphagnum moss helps retain water and maintain healthy bog conditions. This study contributes to the body of literature that recommends active restoration of bog vegetation as an important aspect of restoring bog hydrology and reducing fire risk.