Abstract
The main features of autogenic bog development are discussed. Using extensive literature the changes in vegetation, surface topography, soil environment and hydrology are characterized. Oligotrophy and low pH seem to be the most important factors directing bog succession. The decrease in decomposition rates correlates with increase of the content of dissolved oxygen in the soil water. Due to substantial changes in local environment bog succession should be considered first of all as an ecosystem process. In comparison with mineral land communities bog succession is characterized by more deterministic development. Both successional convergence and divergence are observed. In every case the concrete character of bog dynamics depends on the spatial and temporal scales of investigation.