Peatland Carbon (Carbon Balances and Peatland Biomasses)

Introduction

The aim of the project is to study the land use impact on peat carbon stability, greenhouse gas inventory methods and peatland biomass and the possibilities of its sustainable recovery.

Impact of forestry drainage on peat carbon stability is studied based on the physical and chemical features of the peat layers. To develop the greenhouse gas inventory methods, chamber- based peatland greenhouse gas measurements are coupled with detailed drone-based aerial images.

Peatland biomass and the preconditions for its recovery will be studied primarily for forestry drained and changed peatlands where the nutrient content level, hydrologic conditions, changes in vegetation and the moss layer’s ability of regeneration will provide interesting subjects to study. As in the greenhouse gas study, drone footage will be used in mapping peatland biomasses, and the subjects of study will be identical to some extent in these two work packages.

The objective of the project is to produce comprehensive basic research data on which climate change research and planning of peatland use can be based, but also to simultaneously develop GTK’s chargeable business where the segment includes carbon compensation efforts and growth medium and litter business. The plan is for a two-year project, which will be completed by 2024.

Return to projects