Agriculture in peatlands
Peatlands are mostly found on soft soils. Using these landscapes as living environments requires smart spatial planning and land use. How can we use peatlands for agriculture while preventing further land subsidence and greenhouse gas emissions? And ensuring a reasonable income for farmers?
Vegetation and trees in farmyards may contribute to the biodiversity in peat meadows. This allows farmers to obtain additional income. And which types of house-construction would be possible on the soft subsoil?
Peatland researchers at Wageningen University & Research are creating long term visions on the spatial planning of peatlands, that are resilient to a changing climate. They search for revenue models and spatial designs that fit into soil and water systems in peatlands and for new types of agriculture and nature, adapted to these designs.
Publications
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Towards more biodiverse agricultural landscapes : How to make species-rich grassland a desirable and feasible option for dairy farmers
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Farming practices to improve biodiversity in peat meadow areas : A portfolio of practices for improving biodiversity in the Alblasserwaard - Vijfheerenlanden and their potential for business models of Dutch dairy farmers
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Effects of Ca:Mg ratio and pH on soil chemical, physical and microbiological properties and grass N yield in drained peat soil
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Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil properties related to the regeneration of ecosystem services in peat grasslands
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Paludiculture as paludifuture on Dutch peatlands : An environmental and economic analysis of Typha cultivation and insulation production
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Environmental and economic performance of Dutch dairy farms on peat soil
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Soil quality and ecosystem services of peat grasslands