Intact and managed peatland soils as a source and sink of GHGs from 1850 to 2100

Summary

This paper examines the role of peatland soils as both sources and sinks of greenhouse gases over a 250-year timescale, comparing intact and managed peatlands. Using data synthesis and modelling (as suggested by the title and publication venue), the authors assess how land-use practices and drainage history influence peatland GHG budgets and project these dynamics to 2100. The work implies that peatland management decisions have significant long-term climate implications.

UK applicability

Highly applicable: the United Kingdom contains substantial peatland resources, particularly in Scotland, northern England, and Wales. Understanding GHG dynamics from UK peatlands under different management regimes (grazing, drainage, restoration) directly informs UK land-use policy, carbon accounting, and climate mitigation targets.

Key measures

Greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) from peatland soils; temporal trends in GHG flux; projected emissions under different management and climate scenarios to 2100

Outcomes reported

The study assessed peatland soils as sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHGs) across historical and projected timescales. It evaluated how different management practices (intact versus managed peatlands) influence net GHG emissions from 1850 to 2100.

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