An organic soil composed of ¾ recognizable plant residues. These types of soils have very low density and have a high water holding capacity. Peat soils can sustain smoldering combustion. In the event these soils ignite they can generate large quantities of pollutants.
Sources: Soil Science Society of America. Glossary of Soil Science Terms. 2013. Accessed on 9 September 2013. Available at https://www.soils.org
Rein, G. 2009. Smouldering combustion Phenomena in Science and Technology. International Review of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 1, pgs 3-19.