Summary
This field study across five peatlands in Sweden, Finland and Germany demonstrates that δ15N depth profiles and microbial fatty acid composition can serve as cost-effective biomarkers of peatland degradation and restoration status. The authors identified a characteristic δ15N turning point in drained peat horizons, reflecting a shift from fungal-dominated metabolism under aerobic conditions to bacterial-dominated pathways as oxygen becomes limiting. These findings suggest stable isotope analysis may provide a practical tool for monitoring the success of peatland restoration efforts.
UK applicability
The findings are directly applicable to UK peatlands, which have similarly experienced extensive historical drainage and are subject to restoration initiatives. The methodology could support monitoring programmes for UK peatland restoration projects, though site-specific calibration may be needed given climatic and edaphic differences from Nordic and Alpine sites studied.
Key measures
δ15N stable isotope values, fungal-derived fatty acids (C18:2ω9c), bacterial-derived fatty acids (C14:0, i-C15:0, a-C15:0, C16:1ω9c)
Outcomes reported
The study measured δ15N depth profiles and fatty acid composition to characterise shifts in fungal versus bacterial dominance across natural, drained, and rewetted peatland sites. A distinct δ15N turning point in the drained horizon indicated the transition from fungal-dominated aerobic decomposition to bacterial-dominated anaerobic pathways.
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