Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and Isla de los Estados Peatlands

Abstract

This chapter highlights different aspects of origin, vegetation development and uses of Tierra del Fuego and Isla de los Estados peatlands. Most peatlands in the region were formed when the Last Glaciation was ending, during the Late Glacial period (between 19,000 and 11,500 years BP), while the active glaciers were receding. In peatlands, plant communities vary their composition along the time related to climatic and hydrological changes taking place during its formation. These changes are recorded in the succession of plant macro-remains preserved in-situ. According to the dominant species, peatlands of Tierra del Fuego may be classified in three main types: Sphagnum or raised bogs, Astelia or cushion bogs and Carex or sedge fens. Uses of peat deposits are made principally on Sphagnum magellanicum bogs base on its particular properties. Different uses of the peat material can be mentioned: fuel, solid base for leguminosae inoculants, industrial absorbents for oil and hydrocarbons, orchid intensive culture, mushroom casing, aquariums and biofertilizers.