Wetland Soils: Physical and Chemical Properties and Biogeochemical Processes

Wetland soils, with their anaerobic conditions and large inputs of organic matter from plant biomass, possess unique properties and processes relative to upland or terrestrial soils. Wetland soils are periodically to continuously inundated or saturated. They are enriched with organic matter that supports food webs and critical microbial processes. Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions are particularly important and are carried out by microorganisms. These processes are responsible for the storage, transformation, or release of globally important elements such as carbon as methane (CH4, a potent greenhouse gas) and carbon dioxide (CO2), and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) that control plant growth.