Summary
This paper documents the extent and drivers of soil carbon depletion in Swiss peatlands across historical land use transitions. By examining peatland soils under different contemporary and historical land uses, the authors quantify carbon losses attributable to conversion from natural or extensive uses to more intensive management. The findings contribute to understanding how land use intensification has degraded soil carbon stores in one of Europe's peatland regions.
UK applicability
The UK holds substantial peatland resources, particularly in Scotland, Wales, and Northern England, making the historical perspective on carbon losses under land use change directly relevant to UK peatland conservation and restoration policy. The methodology and findings may inform assessment of carbon sequestration potential in UK peatland rewilding and reduced-intensity management schemes.
Key measures
Soil carbon stocks and carbon losses under different historical and contemporary land use categories in peatland soils
Outcomes reported
The study quantified soil carbon losses in Swiss peatlands across historical land use transitions, attributing carbon depletion to conversion from natural or extensive management to more intensive agricultural uses.
Topic tags
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