Combustion characteristics and emissions from burning organic soils

Abstract

Organic soils cover many millions of hectares in the United States, including 2.8 million hectares in the Southern United States and about 1.0 million in south Florida. Organic soils form when plants such as pond weeds, grasses, shrubs, and trees die and are covered by water for extended periods. With oxygen excluded, decomposition is very slow. As residues accumulate, layers of organic material are formed producing a record of plant succession. These accumulations can approach 10 meters in thickness where water levels don't fluctuate. Where the organic debris is exposed during dry periods--such as in south Florida--depths are generally less than 5 meters. As the water level recedes , the top soil layer is oxidized and its color darkens.

Citation

McMahon, Charles K.; Wade, Dale D.; Tsoukalas, Skevos N. 1980. Combustion characteristics and emissions from burning organic soils. In: 73rd Annual Meeting of the Air Pollution Control Association. Montreal, Quebec: June 22-27, 1980. 2-16.