Assessment of peat compressibility: is there an easy way?

Peat compression can significantly alter the hydraulic parameters that govern flow and storage of water. Physical properties of peat (bulk density, state of decomposition (von Post number, vP) and fibre content) were assessed to determine whether they can be used as indicators of peat compressibility. Bulk density and vP were related to each other (positively), and within a given core were related (negatively) to compressibility. Peat from different locations exhibited different compressibility characteristics for a given value of bulk density or vP. Fibre content was unrelated to bulk density, vP, or to peat compressibility. It was concluded that more commonly and relatively easily measured soil parameters are not good indicators of soil compressibility. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.