Summary
This 2019 narrative review synthesises peer-reviewed evidence on sustainable management of cultivated peatlands in Switzerland, examining the tensions between maintaining agricultural productivity and achieving climate mitigation and soil conservation goals. The authors integrate agronomic and soil carbon perspectives within temperate European policy contexts, concluding that integrated approaches balancing competing land-use demands are necessary under climate constraints. The work provides practical insights and identifies policy-relevant challenges specific to Swiss and Alpine peatland management.
UK applicability
Findings are moderately applicable to UK peatland management, particularly in upland regions and lowland fenland areas. However, UK peatland policy increasingly prioritises conservation and restoration over cultivation; the review's focus on sustainable cultivation may be less directly relevant than in Swiss contexts, though the integrated management framework may inform discussions around heritage agricultural systems on designated peatlands.
Key measures
As suggested by the title and existing summary: soil carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas emissions, agricultural productivity metrics, and policy-relevant indicators of sustainability in cultivated peatland systems
Outcomes reported
The narrative review synthesised peer-reviewed evidence on sustainable management practices for cultivated peatlands, examining agronomic productivity alongside soil carbon and climate mitigation outcomes. The authors identified practical challenges and policy-relevant opportunities for integrating competing land-use objectives within Alpine and temperate European contexts.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.