The Molecular Composition of Peat Organic Matter and Prospects for Its Use in Agriculture

This paper highlights the molecular composition of native peat and preparations of humic substances (HSs) isolated from permafrost hummock peatlands (Histosols) of the forest tundra zone of the European north-east of Russia. The structural and functional parameters of humic-(HAs) and fulvic acids (FAs) of the peatlands studied are determined by the combined action of cryogenic processes, species composition and the degree of peat decomposition, which reflects the climatic conditions during peat formation in the Holocene. The predominance of the proportion of HAs over FAs in the composition of peat, as well as the low acidity of FAs, makes HS-based preparations highly promising for use as organic fertilizers. The high contents of alkyl and carbohydrate fragments in the structure of the studied HSs allow us to recommend them for use in mineral loamy-textured soils.