Pyrogenic Carbon Contributes Substantially to Carbon Storage in Intact and Degraded Northern Peatlands

Summary

This study quantifies the contribution of pyrogenic carbon (PyC)—stable carbon derived from incomplete combustion—to carbon storage in northern peatlands. Analysis of 70 samples from 19 European sites revealed that PyC constitutes on average 13.5% of soil carbon and up to 50% at individual sites, with an estimated total northern hemisphere peatland PyC stock of 62 Pg. The findings indicate that PyC enrichment during both peat accumulation and decomposition represents a substantial and previously unquantified component of the global carbon cycle in these ecosystems.

UK applicability

The findings are directly applicable to UK peatlands, particularly in Scotland, Wales, and northern England, which share similar Holocene peat accumulation histories and climate zones with the studied European sites. Understanding PyC dynamics in UK peatlands is relevant to carbon accounting in peatland restoration and degradation mitigation policy.

Key measures

Pyrogenic carbon content (% of total soil carbon, kg C m⁻²); peat age and accumulation rates (radiocarbon dating); long-term carbon accumulation rates; northern hemisphere PyC stock estimate (Pg C)

Outcomes reported

The study quantified pyrogenic carbon (PyC) content across 70 samples from 19 European peatland sites using spectroscopic and radiocarbon dating methods, and estimated total PyC stock in northern hemisphere peatlands. PyC averaged 13.5% of soil carbon across sites, with higher concentrations in degraded peatlands despite their overall carbon loss.

Topic tags