paludification

The climate factor has a great influence on the paludification process.

Especially because of the (negative) effects paludification has for the boreal forests.

In the context of forest management, paludification has been studied intensively during the last decade.

Paludification is the most common process by which peatlands in the boreal zone are formed.

Thus the paludification process includes a shift from forests, grassland or long exposed bare land to peatland.

However, paludification may also be just a result of the local accumulation of peat (i.e. autogenic factor).

With increasing paludification, which is thought to have set in during the periods of occupation, the sites were covered and protected by thick layers of peat and survive in excellent condition.

In this way that paludification may lead to 1) the reduction in soil temperature, soil aeration, nutrient availability, decomposition rates, 2) to the formation of permafrost in certain areas, 3) an increase of the water table level, and finally 4) a decrease in tree productivity.