Organic soil subsidence

Organic soil subsidence occurs mainly with drainage and development of peat for agriculture. Densification usually occurs soon after drainage is established. Subsidence rates are determined mainly by type of peat, depth to water table, and temperature. Subsidence losses have been carefully measured in several locations (e.g., Florida Everglades), and predictions of future subsidence developed in 1950 have proved reliable. The water table for organic soils should be held as high as crop and field conditions allow to reduce subsidence. Computer models offer methods for refining oxidation rate processes and prediction of subsidence losses where adequate calibration data are available.--Modified book abstract.