Increased N deposition was simulated by adding dissolved NH4 NO3. Elevated CO2 had a positive effect on Sphagnum length growth, while vascular plant growth was stimulated by increased N deposition. In the third growing season Sphagnum growth was significantly reduced in the high-N plots, probably as a consequence of the increased vascular plant abundance during the experiment. We found a significant negative correlation between vascular plant cover and Sphagnum growth. The interactions between peat mosses and vascular plants have important consequences for the carbon balance of the bog ecosystem.
Sphagnum contributes more to peat accumulation than vascular plants.
This means that the reduced Sphagnum growth as a result of high N deposition will lead to reduced carbon sequestration in bog ecosystems. In Tropical Peatlands . A key function of tropical peatlands is carbon storage, with implications for global climate change. A 568,625 ha study area in the MRP was used to provide a more accurate assessment of carbon loss. Data are presented for estimated total carbon losses.