Natural Resources Institute (Luke)
Examining emissions from peatlands and peat fields
In the land use sector, the soil of peatlands is a significant source of climate emissions. The Natural Resources Institute Finland tested emission reduction methods in drained peat bogs and peat fields. In peat bogs, forest management practices were trialled that avoid clear-cutting and maintain continuous cover, which allows for a higher water table in the peat soil. The study measured the impact of continuous cover forestry on greenhouse gas emissions from peat in nutrient-rich, spruce-dominated sites that have been drained for forestry use. These sites are important for timber production, but due to drainage, the soil currently serves as a major source of emissions, which would further increase with clear-cutting. The trials revealed that after selective logging, the water level rose higher than before, which mitigated peat decomposition and greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions were significantly lower after selective logging compared to those following clear-cutting. According to the research, transitioning to continuous cover forestry in nutrient-rich swamp spruce forests can reduce climate emissions from managed forests and enhance the carbon sink capacity of forests. Among forest owners, there has been considerable interest in new methods, but a broader shift to continuous cover forestry would require changes to incentive systems as well as training for forest owners and machine operators.
Is paludiculture the future of peat fields?
The potential for using fields located on peatlands under wetter conditions was examined, and suitable cultivation methods were developed. Climate emissions decreased in the study
plots by raising the water table. However, the popularity of paludiculture remains low, as there are insufficient incentives, and the demand for the biomass produced (e.g., reed canary grass, common reed, and bulrush) has so far been minimal.
he research also produced guidelines for climate-smart cultivation and management practices for peatlands and supported the establishment and research of farms doing paludiculture across Finland through associated projects.
