Project

Reversing declining soils mitigating climate innovation in peatland management

Peat1decomposition results in soil subsidence and greenhouse gas emissions. The Dutch government aims to reduce emissions by 1 Mton CO2-eq/year before 2030, of which 0.3 Mton from peaty soils. To achieve this re-wetting of peat meadow areas is necessary, with application of alternative methods for peaty soils.

Abstract (UK)The challenge is: how can peatland be used in a circular and climate-neutral society? Can we calculate the impact of solutions and climate change? The objective is to develop strategies and tools for using peatlands in circular agri&food systems, with efficient use of water and nutrients and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon losses. A toolbox will be delivered with opportunities and solutions as well as models to calculate and evaluate solutions that will serve the implementation of the techniques in practice. These can be technical solutions but also land use change.

The project is combined and delivers to NWO/NWA project LOSS (Living on Soft Soils), the NOBV project (Netherlands Research Program Greenhouse Gas Dynamics of Peatlands and Organic Soils), EJP SOIL INSURE, Regiodeal soil subsidence Groene Hartand several other peat projects to use and further deepen the knowledge. This project will increase WUR-wide knowledge about peat soils and initiate new research. To this end, a “Peat Team” will be formed with expertise from the various knowledge institutes and chairs.

Publications