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Remote sensing (RS) can be an efficient monitoring method to assess the ecological impacts of restoration. Yet, it has been used relatively little to monitor post‐restoration changes in boreal forestry‐drained peatlands, and particularly the linkages between changes in RS and plant species remain vague. To understand this gap, we utilize data from the Finnish peatland restoration monitoring network spanning 150 sites and a 10‐year post‐restoration monitoring period. We employ Bayesian joint species distribution models (Hierarchical Modeling of Species Communities) to study (1) the changes in optical Sentinel‐2 and Landsat satellite spectral signatures, (2) whether the RS variables improve predictions of vascular plant and moss species and functional type occurrence and cover, and (3) what kinds of associations exist between RS variables and plant species or functional types. Our results show that peatland restoration increases the reflectance of red and near‐infrared (NIR) bands in sparsely treed pine mire forests and open mires but not in densely treed spruce mire forests. Impacts on other tested RS variables consisting of moisture and greenness indices are less clear. Additionally, RS variables increase species‐ or functional type‐specific predictive power only modestly, and there are few clear links between the changes in RS variables and species or functional‐type occurrence and cover. We suggest that red and NIR reflectance can be used as satellite‐based indicators for peatland restoration success and further studies are required to develop usable methods for detecting species‐specific changes with RS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distinction often made between active and passive restoration approaches is a false dichotomy that persists in much research, policy, and financial structures today. We explore the contradictions imposed by this terminology and the merits of replacing this dichotomy with a continuum‐based intervention framework. In practice, the main distinction between "passive" and "active" restoration lies primarily in the timing and extent of human interventions. We apply the intervention continuum framework to forest, grassland, stream, and peatland ecosystems, emphasizing that a range of restoration approaches within the scope of ecological or ecosystem restoration are typically employed in most projects, and all can contribute to the recovery of native ecosystems and prevention of further degradation. As restoration is fundamentally about the recovery of ecosystems, eliminating human sources of degradation is essential to enable ecosystem recovery processes, regardless of subsequent interventions that may be needed to assist recovery. Our review of restoration practices involving different levels of intervention highlights the benefits of recognizing a broader suite of restoration interventions in the financial and policy frameworks that currently underpin restoration activity. Effective restoration interventions emerge from an understanding of nature's intrinsic recovery potential and overcoming specific obstacles that limit this potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use changes and anthropogenic disturbances are major threats to biodiversity, affecting ecosystem function and recovery. In boreal Alberta, Canada, petroleum development has led to extensive landscape fragmentation, notably through linear clearings created for seismic exploration that remove surface vegetation and microtopography. Despite partial recovery on forested seismic lines, peatland recovery is often arrested, impacting wildlife and carbon dynamics. Restoration efforts employ silviculture techniques to create microtopography and foster tree growth, but the efficacy of restoration treatments in restoring peatland plant diversity remains uncertain. We compared taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of understory plant communities across treated and untreated seismic lines, alongside reference sites in treed bogs and fens. Treated lines generally had a twofold increase in plant height, leaf dry matter content, and foliar nitrogen and phosphorus contents compared to reference sites. In bogs, treated lines differed from reference conditions driven by increases in herbaceous taxa, while fens displayed disparities mainly in taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity. Differential responses of bogs and fens underline the necessity for tailored management strategies. Changes in plant diversity away from restoration targets have implications for ecosystem recovery, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of silviculture techniques in restoring boreal peatland plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of restoring peatlands to sustain biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Peatlands store a significant amount of carbon and are home to diverse wildlife and flora. However, peatlands are under threat globally due to mining and agriculture, leading to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Efforts to restore degraded peatlands are underway in various countries, with a focus on rewetting the land to create healthy ecosystems. The restoration of peatlands has shown positive results in revitalizing landscapes, protecting water resources, and supporting biodiversity. [Extracted from the article]

Peatland carbon storage is increasingly threatened by the combination of land‐use change and climate variability, though carbon losses from land‐use changes that span centuries are difficult to quantify, particularly in systems where little undisturbed area remains. Here we use a combination of vegetation change, fire history, and calculations of excess ash mass to quantify carbon loss in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GDS NWR), USA, a highly impacted oligotrophic temperate peat swamp. Our results indicate that ditch construction that began in the Colonial Era in the late 1700s and continued into the mid‐20th century across the swamp resulted in shifts from cypress‐tupelo swamps to a combination of maple‐gum and pine pocosin forests, consistent with drying surface conditions. Two large smoldering fires (2008, 2011) that were exacerbated by surface drainage, shifted vegetation from swamp to marsh, consumed peat over 25 km2, and caused losses of 1.05–1.34 Tg C due to peat burning. Across the Refuge as a whole, up to 48.2 Tg C has been lost to peat oxidation since ditch construction. Both stocks and rates of carbon loss remain higher than post‐disturbance accumulation across most of GDS NWR, suggesting that existing efforts to block drainages to elevate water tables may not be enough to offset carbon losses. Rewetting heavily impacted surface peats may reduce peat oxidation and carbon loss, and shift vegetation toward hydrologic conditions preferred by pre‐disturbance cypress‐tupelo swamps. Plain Language Summary: Peatlands sequester a globally significant pool of carbon despite covering only 3% of the terrestrial earth's surface. However, this carbon can be released to the atmosphere as the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane due to changes in climate and land use. In this study we quantify carbon loss from Great Dismal Swamp, a temperate peat swamp with a history of drainage that began with George Washington in the late 18th century. Using ash content as a proxy for peat loss, we found that Great Dismal Swamp has lost a substantial amount of carbon (∼50 million metric tons) since Colonial‐era ditching, with more than 1 million metric tons lost from two recent catastrophic smoldering peat fires. Our calculations suggest that the swamp continues to lose carbon, despite efforts to slow water loss from nearly 240 km of drainage ditches constructed over the last >200 years. More aggressive mitigation methods may be needed to return the Great Dismal Swamp to a carbon sink, an important consideration as the United States aims to reach carbon neutrality in the coming decades. Key Points: Excess ash mass is used to quantify a loss of ∼50 Tg of carbon in a temperate peat swamp since drainage began in the late 1700sMore than 1 Tg of carbon and 50–75 cm of peat were consumed in two recent fires in Great Dismal SwampCarbon loss in the peat swamp is continuing, despite management efforts to reduce water loss from ∼240 km of drainage ditches [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tropical peatlands play a crucial role in the global ecosystem. Thesedistinctive ecosystems are frequently regarded as peripheral areas that are not suitable for agricultural purposes. Peatlands serve as efficient carbon storage systems in a consistent climate, however, they are vulnerable to alterations. This study focuses on analyzing the dynamic of peatland use land cover changes, its driver and impact on green house gas emission, and rehabilitating degraded peatlands in Jambi province, Indonesia, specifically in the Bram Itam and Londerang peat forest reserves. This study was depicted into 3 objectives consisted of 1) Utilize spatial analysis to examine the dynamics of peatland use change and the trajectory of peatland use, as well as to identify the drivers behind these changes; 2) describe the effects of altering peatland utilization; and 3) describe seedling performance planted on the peatland forest of Jambi province, as Tanjung Jabung Barat and Tanjung Jabung Timur. METHODS: Land-use and land-cover change analysis was carried out utilizing various map resources. Cellular Automata-Markov is employed to forecast forthcoming land cover alterations by evaluating the likelihood of land cover transitions throughout a given period. Planting trials using native peatland tree species were conducted at 2 locations with 2 different rehabilitation models following social typology of the sites. FINDINGS: Key findings indicate that peatland conversion to non forest use significantly increases greenhouse gas emissions, while rehabilitation with native tree species shows promising results in carbon sequestration. Peatland use land cover alteration in anthropogenically disturbed peat areas significantly contributes to emissions through peat decomposition and fires. Biophysical analysis reveals variations in peat depth, water table levels, and precipitation between these sites. The two locations exhibit notable disparities in terms of peat soil attributes, such as potential of hydrogen, nutrient composition, and exchangeable cations. This study examines the growth performance of several native tree species that were planted on degraded peatlands. Native peatland tree species like Shorea balangeran, Ilex cymosa, and Fagraea crenulata show promising survival and growth rates. Areca nut (Areca catechu), a non native peatland species, was planted for non-timber forest product purposes. This study delivers significant insights for policymakers looking to strike a balance between economic priorities and environmental conservation. CONCLUSION: Land use change that results in the degradation of peatlands must be avoided because it will be a source of greenhouse gas emissionsThe selection of suitable indigenous tree species holds significant importance in the restoration of peatlands, taking into account ecological, social, and economic considerations. The findings support potential for wet agroforestry and paludiculture to restore peatlands, mitigate carbón dioxide emissions, and enhance livelihoods while emphasizing the need for inclusive governance and technical capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating peat with nutrient-rich ash significantly increases the content of different nutrients in the substrate. Such ash treatment promotes the revegetation of abandoned extracted peatlands. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of wood ash (WA15 = 15 t ha−1 and WA10 = 10 t ha−1), oil shale ash (OSA8 = 8 t ha−1), and a mixture of wood ash and oil shale ash (WA10 + OSA8) on the revegetation (vascular plants and bryophytes) of the Puhatu abandoned extracted peatland in NE Estonia. The following results were obtained: (1) The MRPP tests indicate that there are compositional differences between the treatments. (2) Altogether, 23 vascular plant and 3 bryophyte species were recorded in the treatment areas. (3) Nine years after these ash treatments, the highest mean vascular plant species richness was recorded for WA15 (3.8 ± 0.3) and the lowest for OSA8 (2.0 ± 0.3). (4) A greater number of vascular plant species was observed in the WA15 area. (5) Mixed ash and wood ash had a significant effect on the amount of biomass in vascular plants. Treating with either wood ash or a mixture of ash ensured the rapid formation of vascular plants and bryophyte layers, contributing to the restoration of the abandoned peatland ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two main goals of peatland restoration are habitat improvement and climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from damaged peatlands and providing a net carbon sink. The biodiversity of specialist peatland species is threatened because of habitat destruction and the large heath butterfly Coenonympha tullia has become a flagship species for peatland ecosystem restoration, with a species reintroduction programme currently underway on a peatland restoration site within Chat Moss, Greater Manchester, UK. The aim of this study was to improve our quantitative understanding of C. tullia habitat resource requirements to optimise habitat restoration for further reintroduction attempts. We monitored butterfly micro-distribution and dispersal during the first three flight seasons (2020, 2021 and 2022) of the reintroduction using high-accuracy GPS, combined with a distance-bearing protocol. Analysis of butterfly flight points and rest points in relation to plant species distribution and abundance, identified the most important habitat resources. Using logistic regression, treatment-response curves were constructed, enabling us to identify critical thresholds for the abundance of these important habitat resources. The break of slope near the top of the logistic curve was identified using segmented regression, giving an estimate of the near-optimal abundance; fourteen Eriophorum vaginatum tussocks per 2 m quadrat and 13.4% Erica tetralix cover. Implications for insect conservation: During ecosystem restorations, prior to the reintroduction of species with specialist habitat requirements, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the abundance of the important habitat resources that need to be provided. The quantitative approach we describe defines the most significant environmental factors and habitat resources, then uses segmented regression to estimate the near-optimal habitat resource requirements; increasing the likelihood of reintroduced populations thriving and reintroduction programmes achieving long-term success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands play a pivotal role in global carbon cycling and the conservation of biodiversity even though they cover a small fraction of the Earth's terrestrial surface. These ecosystems are, however, increasingly vulnerable due to climate change impacts and anthropogenic activities, leading to significant degradation in many areas. This review compiles and analyses various studies that employ remote sensing for comprehensive peatland mapping and monitoring. Remote sensing offers detailed insights into critical peatland features, including the classification of peatland vegetation, assessment of water table dynamics, mapping of vegetation condition and diversity and the estimation of carbon stocks. Furthermore, the review delineates the utility of remote sensing in monitoring the recovery processes of restored peatlands, highlighting the scarcity of long-term studies. It also emphasizes the potential of integrating hyperspectral, multispectral and SAR data as well as cross-scale analyses. Concluding with future directions, the review underscores the necessity for enhanced upscaling techniques, integration of multi-sensor data and the application of modelling to enrich our understanding and management of peatland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a compilation of recent literature on bryophytes, specifically mosses and liverworts. The articles cover a range of topics including the analysis of heavy metals in moss samples, the development of procedures for in vitro production of moss species, the potential use of moss in air purification systems, and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in mosses. Other articles discuss the diversity and distribution of mosses and liverworts in various regions, as well as their potential medicinal properties. The document provides a valuable resource for researchers studying bryophytes and their ecological and medicinal significance. [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia's tropical peatlands are crucial global carbon stores but have been heavily degraded in recent decades. We present seven principles for equitable and resilient tropical peatland restoration in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, host to 19% of Indonesia's tropical peatland area, where local livelihoods, cultural practices, and indigenous social relations remain closely connected. Our collaborative methods employed a Delphi survey and focus group discussions with researchers from various disciplines to develop a shared vision for restoration. This vision served as a boundary object during interviews with diverse stakeholders involved in peatland restoration in Central Kalimantan, allowing for refinement and adaptation of the vision and the development of principles to achieve it. The principles emphasize inclusive and collaborative decision‐making, planning, and implementation; site‐specific approaches adapted to local social and ecological conditions; and ensuring the informed consent of and fair benefit distribution to all local social groups. They also emphasize a holistic, integrated, and long‐term approach to restoration that considers multiple aspects, including hydrological function, vegetation regeneration, fire prevention, locally appropriate livelihood benefits, inclusive governance, and adaptive management practices. These principles serve as a starting point for resilience‐oriented social‐ecological restoration practice and policy formulation, aiming to facilitate equitable, effective, and resilient tropical peatland restoration outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands are complex landscape ecosystems. Since the beginning of the last century, they have been viewed as wastelands, with little or no economic value of note in their natural state. This led to their hidden values, particularly their contributions to human well‐being, and global and local support systems, being completely overlooked in policy and decision‐making, both at national and global levels. In this paper, we highlight some of the complexities relating to Irish peatlands: from their traditional use, to changes in land use relating to national and European policy changes in the last century. We then outline essential supporting components of a framework for their restoration and future sustainable use. Policy relating to agriculture, forestry, and energy has driven most of the land use change in Ireland, particularly since the mid‐1900s, and this has led to dramatic changes in peatland extent and condition, with negative impacts on the flows of ecosystem services and benefits for people. Restoration of peatlands has significant potential to reverse those negative flows and deliver benefits (local and global) for carbon, water, biodiversity, and people. Local communities can, and are keen to, support the delivery of peatland restoration, but they need to be supported by national agencies and policy frameworks that address social, economic, and environmental targets. The act of restoration creates opportunities to re‐connect with peatlands in a positive way, re‐enforcing the intrinsic and reciprocal values of peatlands, and ultimately supporting their sustainable use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatland restoration is seen as a key nature‐based solution to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. In Europe, nearly 50% of peatlands have been drained during the last decades, which have shifted their soils to carbon dioxide (CO2) sources. Soils of forestry‐drained peatlands are known to vary from CO2 sources to small sinks depending on their fertility and wetness. When peatlands are restored, it can be expected that rates of CO2 and methane exchange will vary depending on site fertility and wetness. We generated seven restoration pathways with different starting and end points and assessed the climate impacts of them. The GHG emission coefficients were compiled from literature, and radiative forcing was calculated for a 500‐year time period since restoration. All seven restoration pathways improved carbon sink capacity; however, the climate impact differed from cooling to warming. The highest cooling impact occurred in a pathway leading from nutrient‐rich drained peatlands toward tree‐covered spruce or pine mires. Warming impacts occurred in a pathway leading from nutrient‐poor drained peatlands toward open peatlands. The results of this study can be used to help identify peatland sites and restoration targets to maximize climate change mitigation from restoration. In practice, however, restoration has to fulfill other targets, such as biodiversity safeguarding, improvement of hydrological conditions, and socio‐economic aspects. Fulfilling all targets simultaneously requires compromises on all targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a collection of abstracts from various scientific journals and publications related to ecological restoration. The abstracts cover a range of topics, including climate change, coastal and marine communities, ecological design, economics and ecosystem services, grasslands, invasive and pest species, lakes, rivers, and streams, and monitoring and adaptive management. Each abstract summarizes a specific study or research project, providing key findings and implications for ecological restoration practices. These abstracts serve as valuable resources for library patrons conducting research on these specific topics. The given text consists of summaries of various research articles related to different topics. The first article discusses the applicability of MarECAT, a marine system assessment tool developed for Australia, to marine systems worldwide. The second article explores the potential for restoring biodiversity in karstic mining regions using small-scale mining sites in Croatia. The third article compares the response of red spruce plantings on legacy coal mines and old-field restoration sites in West Virginia. The fourth article focuses on the importance of habitat networks for endangered butterflies in anthropogenic landscapes. The fifth article discusses the underutilization of biotelemetry for fisheries management in European waters. The sixth article highlights the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a molecular tool for the conservation and restoration of riverine diversity. The seventh article examines the transition from shifting cultivation to indigenous agroforestry as a nature-based solution for land restoration in the Indian Eastern Himalayas. The eighth article investigates the rapid responses of bees, butterflies, and birds [Extracted from the article]

Paludiculture-based agroforestry promotes sustainable peatland-use management practices through rewetting activities on drained peatland, revegetating degraded peatland using high-value local tree species and at the same time providing economic benefits for local communities. Due to its potential benefits in maintaining balance between production and protection function of the landscape, paludiculture-based agroforestry in peatlands is purposed to support the restoration efforts. This paper explores the potential, ideal paludiculture-based agroforestry direction, and economic value. We present two scenarios for agroforestry in peatlands: 1) business as usual (BAU) agroforestry by combining native peatland tree species and dryland crops, and 2) paludiculture-based agroforestry by combining native peatland tree species and paludiculture crops. The results show that the economic value of BAU agroforestry ranges from IDR 40.32 million (US$2,826) to IDR 133.47 million (US$9,355) per hectare per year (ha/year) and paludiculture-based agroforestry from IDR 44.22 million (US$3,099) to IDR 106.73 (US$7,481) million ha/year. Taking the BAU model as baseline, the paludiculture model leads to higher emission reduction with a value of IDR 6.2 million (US$435) to IDR 25.21 million (US$1767) per ha/year relative to the BAU. This implies a wider scope of ecological and economic benefits offered by the paludiculture-based agroforestry model compared to the BAU.

Nature-based solutions are increasingly advocated to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss, while improving ecosystem resilience and providing additional ecosystem services. In Scotland, woodland expansion and restoration of degraded peatlands are expected to play a major role in meeting net-zero emissions by 2045 and have prompted debates about the impact of increased woodland cover and prescribed fire on the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by upland landscapes. In alignment with national policy, the Cairngorms National Park, the UK's largest national park, has committed to an ambitious programme of woodland expansion and peatland restoration in a landscape dominated by heather moorlands that is predominantly managed through prescribed burning for game management. Using the Native Woodland Model and the InVest modelling platform, we assessed the effects of five land cover and land use change scenarios, with different levels of prescribed fire regulation and woodland expansion, to evaluate their benefits and costs on biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Results show that changing the extent and management of habitats will result in different carbon sequestration pathways, as well as biodiversity winners and losers. The scenario presenting greater benefits for the conservation of biodiversity also has lower above-ground carbon sequestration potential and a larger negative impact on red grouse habitats, thus being less profitable to sporting estates. Hence, trade-offs will be necessary to achieve optimal carbon sequestration and biodiversity gains, with a potential role played by the continuation of prescribed fires and traditional moorland management practices as well as complementary grants and support measures based on biodiversity benefits rather than carbon sequestration. The results from this study could support discussions regarding future management of the uplands, trade-offs between loss of carbon in soils, carbon sequestration in woodlands and conservation of biodiversity, as well as stakeholders likely to be affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, annual emissions from managed organic soils accounts for up to 5% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Climate-wise management and restoration of degraded organic soils could reduce GHG emissions quickly and at relatively low costs. The European Union (EU) Member States that have large areas of organic soils with high GHG emissions are Sweden, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Netherlands, and the Baltic countries. To meet the climate targets and objectives of the Paris Agreement the land-use sector is indispensable and mitigation policies targeting organic soils will be needed. The international regulatory framework is broad and quite unspecific. In contrast, the European Union has initiated binding regulation for the land-use sector through the EU Climate Law, the EU LULUCF regulation, and the proposed EU Nature Restoration Law. However, even this regulatory approach is not on track to deliver on its binding ambitions, indicating the need for more effective implementation measures also on organic soils in the EU and its member states. Furthermore, we argue that appropriate policy selection should consider current knowledge regarding the climate impacts of management options of organic soils. Lastly, we need more studies on GHG emissions, and standardized methods for GHG inventories, to resolve uncertainties surrounding the impacts of management to GHG emissions. Successful policy implementation requires more efforts but also improved scientific justification through continuous consideration of climate policy integrity and strengthening of the reliability of GHG inventories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient resorption (NR) is a critical ecological process in forest ecosystems. However, there is a lack of knowledge about this process in the peatlands of Indonesia, and this may be seen as a research gap. In the present study, NR in young trees of three native species (Macaranga pruinosa, Cratoxylum arborescens, and Macaranga gigantea) and one exotic species (Acacia crassicarpa) in a drained tropical peatland was investigated. This study was conducted at an experimental plot in Pelalawan-Riau, Indonesia. Nutrient resorption efficiency (RE) and proficiency (RP) were calculated and correlated with soil properties, foliar nutrients, and growth variables. Our results revealed that M. pruinosa exhibited an RE value for phosphorus (PRE) that was 64% higher than that for the second-ranked native species but still significantly (84%) lower than that for A. crassicarpa. RE values for nitrogen (NRE) and potassium (KRE) did not differ significantly among species, ranging from 39 to 42% and 41 to 56%, respectively, for native species, with figures of 45% and 66%, respectively, for A. crassicarpa. Finally, PRE exhibited strong and significant correlations with PRP and tree growth, a finding that indicated that the uptake and conservation of P nutrients are essential for the fitness of the three native species. Overall, the results of the present study may be seen as beneficial for species selection and the management of nutrients by those engaged in restoration of tropical peatland forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field‐scale experiments have shown the Natural Flood Management (NFM) potential of peatland restoration. The likelihoods of effectiveness are yet unknown at scales and storms large enough to impact human lives. Using GMD‐TOPMODEL, we upscale a rare Before‐After‐Control‐Intervention empirical data set to a 25 km2 catchment with >600 properties at flood‐risk, and test storms of up to a 1,000‐year return period (RP). Under these scales/storms, we find that it is not necessary (nor feasible) to delay the outlet flow‐peak to meaningfully attenuate it. Enhancing catchment "kinematic" storage, for example, through restoration, can be sufficient to reduce flow magnitudes without detectable changes to peak‐flow timing. NFM benefit increases exponentially with restoration area size under smaller storms, but linearly under larger storms. At RP ≤ 100 years, longer‐lasting frontal‐type storms are more challenging to defend against via NFM, but at RP > 100 years shorter‐duration convectional‐type events become more challenging. In the order of 1,000–10 years storms: (a) revegetating the bare‐peat areas in 15% of the catchment is 31%–61% likely to reduce peak‐flows by >5%; (b) revegetating & damming the erosion gullies in ∼20% of the catchment is 42%–71% likely to reduce peak‐flows by >5%; (c) Growth of Sphagnum in the dammed gullies of ∼20% and ∼40% of the catchment increase the likelihoods of >5% peak reductions to 65%–86% and 90%–98%, respectively. The numerical evidence of significant NFM benefit due to Sphagnum re‐establishment is an important finding, because it shows that meaningful flood‐risk mitigation in headwater catchments under scales/storms relevant to communities at risk can be delivered alongside other ecosystem benefits of Sphagnum re‐establishment. Key Points: At catchment scale, it is not necessary (nor feasible) to delay the flood‐wave to meaningfully attenuate it at the outletDeferring only a portion of the flood volume to the receding limb can be sufficient for meaningful flood risk mitigation at catchment scaleThrough Sphagnum re‐establishment, significant Natural Flood Management + ecosystem benefits can be delivered at scales/storms relevant to communities at risk [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many habitat-specialist organisms occur in distinct, patchy habitat, yet do not occupy all patches, and an important question is why apparently suitable habitat remains unoccupied. We examined factors influencing patch occupancy in near-threatened, little-known Diademed Plovers (Phegornis mitchellii), arguably the bird most specialized to life in High Andean peatlands. Andean peatlands are well-suited to occupancy modelling because they are discrete patches of humid habitat within a matrix of high-altitude steppe. We hypothesized that Diademed Plovers occupy preferably larger and more humid peatlands, and avoid peatlands used for grazing by llamas and vicuñas, which may trample vegetation and nests. From December 2021 to February 2022 (breeding season), we conducted plover occupancy surveys (2–4) on 40 peatlands at Lagunas de Vilama, a landscape of arid steppe and wetlands above 4,500 m in NW Argentina. We measured peatland size, grazing pressure, topographic and remotely-sensed variables that correlate with humidity, and incorporated these as covariates in occupancy models. Occupancy models showed that more than 50% of the studied peatlands were used by Diademed Plovers and most showed signs of reproduction, highlighting the importance of the Vilama Wetlands for Diademed Plover conservation. Within peatlands, Diademed Plovers were most often associated with headwaters. The top ranked occupancy model included constant detection, random spatial effects, and a single occupancy covariate: mean NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index, an index correlated with water content and humidity) over the previous three years. Contrary to our prediction, Diademed Plovers preferred less water-saturated peatlands (lower NDWI), possibly to avoid nest flooding. This may be especially important in wet years, like the year when we conducted our surveys. Neither peatland size nor grazing by llamas and vicuñas affected peatland use by Diademed Plovers, suggesting that llama grazing at current levels may be compatible with plover conservation. For organisms that specialize on humid habitats, such as peatlands, factors affecting occupancy may vary temporally with variation in climate, and we recommend follow-up surveys across multi-year timescales to untangle the impact of climate on animals' use of humid habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher-dimensional models of peatland development are required to analyse the influence of spatial heterogeneity and complex feedback mechanisms on peatland behaviour. However, the current models exclude the mechanical process that leads to uncertainties in simulating the spatial variability in the water table position, vegetation composition, and peat physical properties. Here, we propose MPeat2D, a peatland development model in two dimensions, which considers mechanical, ecological, and hydrological processes together with the essential feedback from spatial interactions. MPeat2D employs poroelasticity theory that couples fluid flow and solid deformation to model the influence of peat volume changes on peatland ecology and hydrology. To validate the poroelasticity formulation, the comparisons between numerical and analytical solutions of Mandel's problems for two-dimensional test cases are conducted. The application of MPeat2D is illustrated by simulating peatland growth over 5000 years above a flat and impermeable substrate with free-draining boundaries at the edges, using constant and variable climate. In both climatic scenarios, MPeat2D produces lateral variability in the water table depth, which results in the variation in the vegetation composition. Furthermore, the drop in the water table at the margin increases the compaction effect, leading to a higher value of bulk density and a lower value of active porosity and hydraulic conductivity. These spatial variations obtained from MPeat2D are consistent with the field observations, suggesting plausible outputs from the proposed model. By comparing the results of MPeat2D to a one-dimensional model and a two-dimensional model without the mechanical process, we argue that mechanical–ecohydrological feedbacks are important for analysing spatial heterogeneity, shape, carbon accumulation, and resilience of peatlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) is critical for the restoration of degraded ecosystems and active afforestation of degraded peatlands has been suggested as a restoration measure under the NRL. Here, we discuss the current state of scientific evidence on the climate mitigation effects of peatlands under forestry. Afforestation of drained peatlands without restoring their hydrology does not fully restore ecosystem functions. Evidence on long-term climate benefits is lacking and it is unclear whether CO2 sequestration of forest on drained peatland can offset the carbon loss from the peat over the long-term. While afforestation may offer short-term gains in certain cases, it compromises the sustainability of peatland carbon storage. Thus, active afforestation of drained peatlands is not a viable option for climate mitigation under the EU Nature Restoration Law and might even impede future rewetting/restoration efforts. Instead, restoring hydrological conditions through rewetting is crucial for effective peatland restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peat makes up approximately a quarter of Scotland's soil by area. Healthy, undisturbed, peatland habitats are critical to providing resilient biodiversity and habitat support, water management, and carbon sequestration. A high and stable water table is a prerequisite to maintain carbon sink function; any drainage turns this major terrestrial carbon store into a source that feeds back further to global climate change. Drainage and erosion features are crucial indicators of peatland condition and are key for estimating national greenhouse gas emissions. Previous work on mapping peat depth and condition in Scotland has provided maps with reasonable accuracy at 100‐m resolution, allowing land managers and policymakers to both plan and manage these soils and to work towards identifying priority peat sites for restoration. However, the spatial variability of the surface condition is much finer than this scale, limiting the ability to inventory greenhouse gas emissions or develop site‐specific restoration and management plans. This work involves an updated set of mapping using high‐resolution (25 cm) aerial imagery, which provides the ability to identify and segment individual drainage channels and erosion features. Combining this imagery with a classical deep learning‐based segmentation model enables high spatial resolution, national scale mapping to be carried out allowing for a deeper understanding of Scotland's peatland resource and which will enable various future analyses using these data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal nutrient loads from point sources such as rivers are mostly well-monitored. This is not the case for diffuse nutrient inputs from coastal catchments unconnected to rivers, despite the potential for high inputs due to intensive land use. The German Baltic Sea coastline consists of numerous peatlands that have been diked and drained. However, some of the dikes have been removed in order to re-establish the hydrological connection to the Baltic Sea, restore local biodiversity, and promote natural CO2 uptake. Since these peatlands were used for agriculture, their rewetting may release accumulated nutrients, leading to nutrient export into the Baltic Sea and intensified coastal eutrophication. Data on these potential nutrient exports are mostly lacking. Therefore, this study investigated nutrient exports from two former agricultural, coastal peatlands: Drammendorfer Wiesen, rewetted in 2019, and Karrendorfer Wiesen, rewetted in 1993. Nutrients (NO3–, NO2–, NH4+, PO43–), nitrous oxide (N2O), particulate organic matter (POM, comprising POC and PON; δ13C-POC), chlorophyll-a, and nitrification rates were analyzed in surface water and porewater sampled weekly to monthly in 2019 and 2020 to compare the effects of different time scales after rewetting on nutrient cycling and potential exports. NH4+, NO2−, and PO43− concentrations were higher in the porewater than in the overlying water at both sites, while nutrient concentrations were generally higher at the recently rewetted Drammendorfer Wiesen than at the Karrendorfer Wiesen. NO3− concentrations in porewater, however, were lower than in the overlying water, indicating NO3− retention within the peat, likely due to denitrification. Nitrification rates and N2O concentrations were generally low, except for a high N2O peak immediately after rewetting. These results suggest that denitrification was the dominant process of N2O production at the study sites. Both peatlands exported nutrients to their adjacent bays of the Baltic Sea; however, N exports were 75% lower in the longer-rewetted peatland. Compared to major Baltic Sea rivers, both sites exported larger area-normalized nutrient loads. Our study highlights the need to monitor the impact of rewetting measures over time to obtain accurate estimates of nutrient exports, better assess negative effects on coastal waters, and to improve peatland management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a book review of "The Vulnerability and Transformation of Indonesian Peatlands: Navigating Social-Ecological Tipping Points for Resilient Futures." The book explores the degradation and transformation of peatlands in Indonesia, focusing on the ecological, social, and economic impacts. It discusses the historical resilience of these landscapes and the current challenges they face, such as deforestation, fires, and land conversion. The book also examines efforts to restore peatlands and promote sustainable management. It provides insights into the complex dynamics of peatland disturbances and offers guidance for adaptation and transformation in the face of ongoing crises. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Jurnal Tanah dan Sumberdaya Lahan is the property of Brawijaya University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses the use of camera traps for observing small mammals in wildlife ecology research. While camera traps are commonly used for medium-to-large animals, they are rarely used for small cryptic animals like mice or shrews. The article presents the development of a low-cost camera trap called "MouseCam" that provides top-down images of small mammals. The MouseCam system consists of a mini trail camera, modified buckets, and other components. The authors have successfully deployed MouseCams in coastal Virginia, capturing thousands of photos and identifying multiple small mammal species. The article highlights the benefits and limitations of using camera traps for small mammal research and education. [Extracted from the article]

Peatland restoration and rehabilitation action has become more widely acknowledged as a necessary response to mitigating climate change risks and improving global carbon storage. Peatland ecosystems require restoration time spans of the order of decades and, thus, cannot be dependent upon the shorter-term monitoring often carried out in research projects. Hydrological assessments using geospatial tools provide the basis for planning restoration works as well as analysing associated environmental influences. "Restoration" encompasses applications to pre-restoration and post-restoration scenarios for both bogs and fens, across a range of environmental impact fields. The aim of this scoping review is to identify, describe, and categorize current process-based modelling uses in peatlands in order to investigate the applicability and appropriateness of ecohydrological and/or hydrological models for northern peatland restoration. Two literature searches were conducted using the entire Web of Science database in September 2022 and August 2023. Of the final 211 papers included in the review, models and their applications were categorized according to this review's research interests in seven distinct categories aggregating the papers' research themes and model outputs. Restoration site context was added by identifying 229 unique study site locations from the full database, which were catalogued and analysed against raster data for the Köppen–Geiger climate classification scheme. A majority of northern peatland sites were in temperate oceanic zones or humid continental zones that experienced snow. Over one in five models from the full database of papers were unnamed and likely intended for single use. Key themes emerging from topics covered by papers in the database included the following: modelling restoration development from a bog growth perspective, the prioritization of modelling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dynamics as a part of policymaking, the importance of spatial connectivity within or alongside process-based models to represent heterogeneous systems, and the increased prevalence of remote sensing and machine learning techniques to predict restoration progress with little physical site intervention. Models are presented according to their application to peatlands or broader ecosystem and organized from most to least complex. This review provides valuable context for the application of ecohydrological models in determining strategies for peatland restoration and evaluating post-intervention development over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands, shaped by centuries of human activities, now face a primary threat from mining activities. Vulnerable to drainage and hydrological instability, peatland areas encounter challenges that compromise their ecological integrity. This study hypothesised that permanent water reservoirs within mines could serve as refugia for water beetles from adjacent areas prone to drying in the summer. Employing standard methods, including entomological scraping and water traps, samples were collected. Results revealed that, in most cases, water beetles exhibited a preference for the Nature 2000 area untouched by mining. Despite unfavourable conditions, the Nature 2000 area showcased a more diverse water beetle fauna. Remarkably, the selected Nature 2000 area, despite its identified degradation based on flora, remained a biodiversity hotspot for peatland water beetle fauna. The study underscores the significance of assessing insects, particularly beetles, as rapid responders to environmental changes. This evaluation holds crucial implications for peatland restoration planning and decision-making regarding mining investments in proximity to peatland areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatland fires are a common problem requiring urgent and comprehensive action. Therefore, this research aimed to examine perceptions of farmers regarding paludiculture model in peatland restoration efforts. The methodology used was a case-study design, while sampling was carried out with a deliberate method, producing a total of 50 farmers. Data analysis was performed through tabulation followed by interpretation using Likert tables. Statistical tests were conducted with chi-square, multiple linear regression, and logistic analysis. The results showed that perceptions of farmers were in a good category, with the influencing factors being social, economic, and environmental. Efforts made by the government and academics produced significant results regarding the factors influencing perceptions to adopt paludiculture model. Adopters were divided into five categories of farmers with the largest number being the initial majority, namely 23. Chi-square analysis identified variables strongly related to perceptions of farmers, including income, production amount, and education. The decision of farmers depends on the assessment of perceptions regarding the paludiculture model. In conclusion, the paludiculture model is a solution for making informed decisions to sustain peatland and yield significant profits for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate may regulate dissolved organic carbon (DOC) composition across the peat‐water interface, but experimental evidence is scarce. We manipulated the climate in peatland and recipient surface water mesocosms to reflect four different climate warming scenarios. In half of the mesocosms, the water level was managed to avoid drought, after which responses were recorded during two annual cycles. It was hypothesized that warming and drought increase the aromaticity and humic‐like fluorescence character of DOC, and that this change propagate to recipient waters. Pore water DOC concentrations increased with temperature and peaked in hydrologically unmanaged mesocosms. Aromaticity increased as expected after drought in the warmest scenario (+3.2°C), but the overall evidence for hypothesized changes in DOC aromaticity and fluorescence composition (%) was limited. In managed warming scenarios, one aromatic humic component expectedly increased together with microbially derived humic fluorescence, whereas two other humic‐like components decreased. In the unmanaged mesocosms which were exposed to drought, water level exerted an overriding control of humic DOC; for example, as the microbially derived humic fluorescence diminished after drought in all climate scenarios. In the surface water recipients, warming had nearly no impact on humic‐like fluorescence, but there were decreases in protein‐like fluorescence. Overall, this experiment revealed no conclusive support for the hypothesized aromatization and humification of peatland‐derived DOC in response to drought or warming. Nonetheless, both factors increase the quantity of DOC in peatland pore waters and affect composition in complex ways, calling for further investigation of chemical and functional traits of peatland DOC in a changing environment. Plain Language Summary: It is well known that peatlands leach organic carbon into recipient freshwaters, affecting their water quality. We hypothesized that warming and drying of peatlands make the material that leaches out from the peat more aromatic and brownish‐colored. Such a browning would, chemically, be comparable to what happens in a fruit or vegetable that becomes brown faster due to air exposure or being taken out from the fridge. This hypothesis was tested in a laboratory experiment with peatland and receiving surface water ecosystems in glass tanks, in which the climate and water level were manipulated. Warming increased the concentrations and fluxes of dissolved organic carbon, but the "brownness" of the leached material generally did not change. Nonetheless, we found that different groups of fluorescent organic compounds either increased or decreased because of the combined influence of climate and water level. Thus, despite lacking support for our overall hypothesis, peatland leachate responses to climate change and water level clearly exist but are more complex than what could be expected. Our study underscores the importance of further characterization of the organic matter that leaches from peatlands in a changing environment, and how the freshwater network is affected. Key Points: Water level variations strongly modulate the climate warming impact on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) composition in peatland mesocosmsThe climatic and hydrological impacts on the aromaticity of peatland DOC are weak in laboratory settings [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical peatlands store copious amounts of carbon (C) and play a critical role in the global C cycle. However, this C store is vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, leading these ecosystems to become weaker C sinks or even net C sources. Variabilities in water table (WT) greatly influence the magnitude of greenhouse gas flux in these biomes. Despite its importance in C cycling, observations of the spatiotemporal dynamics of tropical peatland WT are limited in spatial extent and length. Here, we use in situ WT measurements from tropical peatlands in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Peru to evaluate the satellite‐based Optical Trapezoid Model (OPTRAM). The model uses the pixel distribution in the shortwave infrared transformed reflectance and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) space to calculate indices that are then compared against in situ WT data. 30‐m resolution Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 images were utilized for model parameterization. We found OPTRAM to best capture tropical peatland WT dynamics in minimally forested and non‐forested areas (low to intermediate NDVI) (0.7 < R < 1) using the "best pixel" approach (the pixel with the highest Pearson‐R correlation value). In areas with relatively higher NDVI, OPTRAM index did not correlate with WT (average R of −0.04 to 0.24), likely due to trees being less sensitive to WT fluctuations. OPTRAM shows potential for reliably estimating tropical peatland WT without the need for direct measurements, which is challenging due to site remoteness and harsh conditions. Plain Language Summary: Tropical peatlands store copious amounts of carbon in their soil and biomass. The position of the water table (WT) relative to the soil surface plays a large role in how much greenhouse gases (GHGs) (i.e., carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) is emitted or taken up and may also give insight into areas most vulnerable to fire. Therefore, estimating tropical peatland WT fluctuations over space and time is essential for understanding the global carbon and GHG budgets. Due to harsh environmental conditions and site remoteness, direct measurements of tropical peatland WT are limited in spatial extent and length. As a result, other methods must be developed to estimate the spatiotemporal variability of this parameter. Through manipulation of satellite surface reflectance, we demonstrate the feasibility of estimating fluctuations in tropical peatland WT from space. This method is tested on sites spanning Peru, Indonesia, and Malaysia. We find that WT fluctuations are accurately quantified over areas that are minimally forested or non‐forested. Our findings provide a pathway to map tropical peatland WT from space leading to improved understanding of WT‐dependent processes such as GHG emissions and fire risk, both of which contribute greatly to global climate change. Key Points: OPTRAM is capable of accurately capturing the temporal variability of tropical peatland water tableOPTRAM performs optimally over minimally forested and non‐forested areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of People & Nature is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Drainage and deforestation of tropical peat swamp forests (PSF) in Southeast Asia cause carbon emissions and biodiversity loss of global concern. Restoration efforts to mitigate these impacts usually involve peatland rewetting by blocking canals. However, there have been no studies to date of the optimal rewetting approach that will reduce carbon emission whilst also promoting PSF regeneration. Here we present results of a large-scale restoration trial in Sumatra (Indonesia), monitored for 7.5 years. Water levels in a former plantation were raised over an area of 4800 ha by constructing 257 compacted peat dams in canals. We find peat surface subsidence rates in the rewetted restoration area and adjoining PSF to be halved where water tables were raised from ~ − 0.6 m to ~ − 0.3 m, demonstrating the success of rewetting in reducing carbon emission. A total of 57 native PSF tree species were found to spontaneously grow in the most rewetted conditions and in high densities, indicating that forest regrowth is underway. Based on our findings we propose that an effective PSF restoration strategy should follow stepwise rewetting to achieve substantial carbon emission reduction alongside unassisted regrowth of PSF, thereby enabling the peat, forest and canal vegetation to establish a new nature-based ecosystem balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All over the world, peatlands have been drained, often for agricultural purposes, resulting in CO2 emissions, soil subsidence and biodiversity loss. To combat these negative effects, drained peatlands are being rewetted, but knowledge of the effects of rewetting on peat biogeochemistry is still incomplete, especially since a variety of rewetting methods and rewetting degrees exists. We conducted a mesocosm experiment in which we exposed 100 intact agricultural fen peat cores (80 cm, 20 cm Ø) to five different water levels (0, 20, 40, 60 cm and variable—surface), two nutrient application levels to mimic continued agricultural use, and two water origins. Over an eight-month period, we harvested above-ground plant biomass five times and sampled pore water at two depths each month. Samples were analysed for nutrients. Our results show increased phosphate and ammonium availability upon fully rewetting (0 cm—surface) and less so under partially rewetted circumstances (20 cm—surface). Above-ground biomass was strongly affected by nutrient application, especially in the high water level treatments. Vegetation was primarily N-limited, and N in the vegetation decreased with increasing water levels, indicating stronger nitrogen limitation upon rewetting. We conclude that nature restoration under fully rewetted conditions will likely be challenging as a result of the large release of nutrients from the system which may also affect surrounding nature areas. Furthermore, we conclude that partial rewetting combined with low-intensity agricultural use can be a solution to slow down the adverse effects of drainage, although this will lead to decreased agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livelihood loss and lower income because of peatland mismanagement are crucial issues that must be resolved in peatland areas. Although many studies have assessed farmers' livelihoods and income enhancement, progress in addressing these problems remains inadequate. To address this issue, this study aimed to analyze various existing alternative livelihoods in the peatland community in Ogan Komering Ilir District, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia, and analyze scenarios for creating livelihoods and increasing people's incomes through changes in peat ecosystem management and peatland restoration programs. This study used a survey method conducted in South Sumatra Province's OKI District, one of the four priority peat-restoration districts in the province. We used three sampling stages, while descriptive, tabulated, and mathematical methods were used for analysis. We analyzed the feasibility of livelihoods that used benefit-cost analysis. The results showed that Sonor cultivation of paddies and catching fish in Rawang (swamp) were the livelihoods of farmers in peatlands. The community has also been processing peatland commodities into other products, such as Purun woven, and Gula Puan (buffalo milk processing). Several alternative livelihood scenarios that are financially profitable and can be developed include salted and smoked fish, Purun woven handicrafts, paludiculture, and agrosilvofishery, which can provide farmers with short-, medium-, and long-term income opportunities. This study can contribute to policymaking by fully considering the role of peat resources in rural livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degraded peatlands release large amounts of greenhouse gases. The development of effective mitigation and management measures requires an understanding of relevant site‐specific biogeochemical and hydraulic processes. However, the simulation of water fluxes and vadose zone state variables of degrading peatlands relies on proper process description, parameterization of hydraulic functions, and representation of the boundary conditions. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of unimodal versus bimodal soil hydraulic functions and pressure head versus flux‐type lower boundary conditions (LBCs) on the calculated hydraulic characteristics of a degraded peat profile. HYDRUS‐1D was used to study the hydraulic flow dynamics parameterized with data from a weighable groundwater lysimeter for the period from May 1 to December 31, 2019. Simulations comparing uni‐ and bimodal hydraulic functions showed only minor differences. Simulations of soil water pressure at a depth of 30 cm using a flux‐type LBC (RMSE: 27 cm, where RMSE is root mean square error) performed better than simulations using a pressure head LBC (RMSE: 48 cm). The pressure head LBC performed better at simulating volumetric water contents in 30‐cm depth than the flux LBC variant (RMSE: 0.05 vs. 0.09 cm3 cm−3). For specific site conditions with a shallow, fluctuating groundwater table and temporary air entrapment, the choice of LBC was important for a more accurate simulation of soil water fluxes and volumetric water content. Core Ideas: Understanding degraded peatland hydraulics based on groundwater lysimeter data.Simulation of the peat soil water balance as affected by water table dynamics.Comparing unimodal with bimodal soil hydraulic models in water balance simulation.Analyzing the choice of the lower boundary conditions by scenario simulations.Discussion on missing processes not accounted for to improve simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands have become a focal point in climate mitigation strategies as these ecosystems have significant carbon sequestration capacities when healthy but release CO2 and other greenhouse gases when damaged. However, as drought episodes become more frequent and prolonged, organisms key to the functioning of some peatlands are increasingly under pressure from desiccation. The Sphagnum mosses, which tend to keep their ecosystem waterlogged and many of whom promote peat formation, are only mildly desiccation-tolerant in comparison to other mosses. The role of Sphagnum anatomy and colony structure is poorly understood in the context of desiccation resilience. Using four different Sphagnum species belonging to four different subgenera and positions along the gradient of the water table, we show that plant morphological traits and colony density are important determinants of water storage capacity. Our results show that, as previously postulated, the majority of the water is stored in an easily exchangeable form, probably extracellularly, and that plant morphological traits, specifically the type and presence of branches, are major contributors to water storage and can explain some of the interspecies variation. We also show that plant density is another important determinant for water storage capacity as higher densities hold larger quantities of water per unit of biomass for all four species, which increases resilience to desiccation. The results presented here suggest that species choice and planting density should receive more attention when considering peatland restoration strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) is a pollutant that bioaccumulates in the food web, leading to health issues in humans and other fauna. Although anthropogenic Hg deposition has decreased over the past 20 years, our watersheds continue to be sources of Hg to downstream communities. Wetlands, especially peatlands in the Boreal Region of the globe, play a vital role in the formation of bioaccumulative methylmercury (MeHg). Few studies have assessed how increases in temperatures such as those that have already occurred and those predicted will influence the hydrologic transport of Hg to downstream communities or the net fluxes of gaseous Hg. The results indicate that peatland pore water concentrations of MeHg are increasing with ecosystem warming, and to some degree with elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) in the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) experiment at the Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) in northern Minnesota, USA. Similar to SPRUCE, in the Biological Response to A Changing Environment (BRACE) experiment in Canada, mesocosm pore water MeHg concentrations increased with soil warming. However, long-term peatland watershed streamflow fluxes of MeHg at the MEF indicate that the competing effects of climate warming and decreased atmospheric deposition have led to overall decreases in watershed MeHg transport. Mesocosm studies in the PEATCOSM experiment in Upper Michigan, USA, indicate that simulated fluctuating water tables led to higher concentrations of MeHg in peatland pore water that is available for downstream transport when water tables rise and the next runoff event occurs. Results from a winter peatland soil freeze/thaw simulation from large mesocosm cores from Jennie's Bog at the MEF indicate higher total Hg (THg) upon soil thawing but lower MeHg, likely a result of cold temperatures limiting methylation during thawing. Although there are lower MeHg concentrations after thawing, more THg is available for methylation once soils warm. Results from PEATCOSM and the literature also suggest that plant community changes that result in higher densities of sedges also lead to elevated MeHg in pore water. From a climate warming perspective, it appears that two complementary mechanisms, both related to decomposition, are at play that lead to increased pore water MeHg concentrations with warming. First, warming increases decomposition rates, leading to a higher availability of many ions, including Hg (and sulfur) species. Higher decomposition rates also lead to increases in soluble carbon which complexes with Hg species and assists in downstream hydrologic transport. However, if streamflow is decreasing with climate change as a result of landscape-level changes in evapotranspiration as suggested at MEF, the combination of less direct watershed Hg deposition and lower streamflow results in decreases in the watershed transport of MeHg. Given changes already occurring in extreme events and the rewetting and restoration of hydrology during peatland restoration, it is likely that methylation and pore water MeHg concentrations will increase. However, the landscape-level hydrologic cycle will be key to understanding the connection to downstream aquatic communities. Finally, gaseous Hg fluxes increase with warming and lead to decreases in peatland pools of Hg that may influence future availability for downstream transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree establishment on peatlands has various adverse effects on the environment, with one of the most significant being their transformation from carbon sinks to carbon sources. This transformation has largely been instigated by economic-driven ditching initiatives. In this study, 80 peat-rooted pine seedlings were subjected to hydrological scenarios corresponding to natural, ditched, and rewetted conditions to investigate how different management strategies affect tree growth and survival. The study was conducted in a greenhouse where all plants were exposed to identical conditions except for the water level, and focused on factors like stomatal conductance, plant survival, length, biomass, and radial tree growth. Wet conditions, specifically treatments rewetted and natural, resulted in consistently lower stomatal conductance compared to drier treatments. Plant survival was affected, with 15 deaths in the rewetted and 2 in natural groups. Moreover, length, biomass, radial growth, and cell formation were significantly lower for the groups exposed to wet conditions. Rewetting can therefore effectively control tree colonisations, and thereby preventing water consumption, litter fertilisation, and other positive feedback effects for the trees that might be negative for the carbon uptake and biodiversity in peatlands. This study thereby offers valuable insights for rewetting initiatives in tree colonised peatland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norway launched a national action plan on wetland restoration in 2016. So far, 90% of the restoration effort has been on peatland restoration, with about 140 mires restored so far. There are three main restoration goals stated in the action plan: 1) limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, 2) climate adaptation and 3) improved ecological condition. Quantifying the outcome of the restoration actions is necessary to evaluate whether the goals of the action plan are met. A vegetation monitoring protocol was suggested before restoration started and has been implemented at five restoration sites. As the peatland restoration effort in Norway is increasing, it is timely to evaluate if the data currently collected can measure peatland restoration outcome. We evaluate the monitoring protocol based on statistical analyses of the data collected at two sites, describe how indicator species can be identified using generalized composition data used as the basis for classifying habitats in Norway (EcoSyst framework), and suggest the way forward for peatland restoration monitoring in Norway. Data collected according to the monitoring protocol can document changes in species composition at restoration sites, but has limitations when the ecological complexity at the sites increases and reference sites are unavailable. We argue that adjusting the monitoring protocol will: 1) facilitate alignment with existing peatland research; 2) connect better with monitoring programs where data is collected applying EcoSyst framework principles; and 3) enable upscaling to cover the wide variation emerging in peatland restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document, titled "Editorial: Peatlands for climate change mitigation in agriculture," discusses the importance of peatlands in storing carbon and their role in climate change mitigation. Peatlands store a significant amount of carbon, but they have been extensively drained for agricultural purposes, leading to greenhouse gas emissions. Peatland restoration is seen as a key measure to reduce these emissions and restore carbon stocks. The document also highlights the need for more research and monitoring of peatlands to support conservation and restoration efforts. [Extracted from the article]

Management of drained peatlands may pose a risk or a solution on the way towards climate change mitigation, which creates a need to evaluate the current state of forestry-drained peatlands, the magnitude of degradation processes and indicators for carbon (C) loss. Using a large dataset (778 profiles, 891 peat samples, collected between 1977 and 2017) from peatlands having different fertility classes across Finland, we investigate whether the surface peat profiles of undrained and forestry-drained peatlands differ in C:N, von Post and dry bulk density. The utility of element ratios (C:N:H stoichiometry) as site indicators for degradation were further analyzed from a subsample of 16 undrained and 30 drained peat profiles. This subsample of drained sites had carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes measured allowing us to link peat element ratios to annual C gas effluxes. Element ratios H:C, O:C and C:N and degree of unsaturation (combining C, N, H changes) were found widely valid: they captured both differences in the botanical origin of peat as well as its potential decomposition pathway (C lost via a combination of dissolved organic C and C gas loss and/or the gaseous loss predominantly as CO2). Of the stoichiometric indexes, peat H:C ratio seemed to be the best proxy for degradation following drainage, it indicated not only long-term degradation but also explained 48% of the variation in annual CO2 emission. The O:C ratio positively correlated with annual CH4 flux, presumably because high O:C in peat reflected the availability of easily degradable substrate for methanogenesis. The differences in C:N ratio indicated notable decomposition processes for Sphagnum-dominated peatlands but not in Carex-dominated peatlands. Degree of unsaturation showed potential for an integrative proxy for drainage-induced lowering water table and post-drainage changes in peat substrate quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Germany, emissions from drained organic soils contributed approximately 53.7 Mio. t of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-eq) to the total national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2021. In addition to restoration measures, shifting management practices, rewetting, or using peatlands for paludiculture is expected to significantly reduce GHG emissions. The effects of climate change on these mitigation measures remains to be tested. In a 2017 experimental field study on agriculturally used grassland on organic soil, we assessed the effects of rewetting and of predicted climate warming on intensive grassland and on extensively managed sedge grassland (transplanted Carex acutiformis monoliths). The testing conditions of the two grassland types included drained versus rewetted conditions (annual mean water table of − 0.13 m below soil surface), ambient versus warming conditions (annual mean air temperature increase of + 0.8 to 1.3 °C; use of open top chambers), and the combination of rewetting and warming. We measured net ecosystem exchange of CO2, methane and nitrous oxide using the closed dynamic and static chamber method. Here, we report the results on the initial year of GHG measurements after transplanting adult Carex soil monoliths, including the controlled increase in water level and temperature. We observed higher N2O emissions than anticipated in all treatments. This was especially unexpected for the rewetted intensive grasslands and the Carex treatments, but largely attributable to the onset of rewetting coinciding with freeze–thaw cycles. However, this does not affect the overall outcomes on mitigation and adaptation trends. We found that warmer conditions increased total GHG emissions of the drained intensive grassland system from 48.4 to 66.9 t CO2-eq ha−1 year−1. The shift in grassland management towards Carex paludiculture resulted in the largest GHG reduction, producing a net cooling effect with an uptake of 11.1 t CO2-eq ha−1 year−1. Surprisingly, we found that this strong sink could be maintained under the simulated warming conditions ensuing an emission reduction potential of − 80 t CO2-eq ha−1 year−1. We emphasize that the results reflect a single initial measurement year and do not imply the permanence of the observed GHG sink function over time. Our findings affirm that rewetted peatlands with adapted plant species could sustain GHG mitigation and potentially promote ecosystem resilience, even under climate warming. In a warmer world, adaptation measures for organic soils should therefore include a change in management towards paludiculture. Multi-year studies are needed to support the findings of our one-year experiment. In general, the timing of rewetting should be considered carefully in mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands play a crucial role in the global carbon (C) cycle, making their restoration a key strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and retaining C. This study analyses the most common restoration pathways employed in boreal and temperate peatlands, potentially applicable in tropical peat swamp forests. Our analysis focuses on the GHG emissions and C retention potential of the restoration measures. To assess the C stock change in restored (rewetted) peatlands and afforested peatlands with continuous drainage, we adopt a conceptual approach that considers short-term C capture (GHG exchange between the atmosphere and the peatland ecosystem) and long-term C sequestration in peat. The primary criterion of our conceptual model is the capacity of restoration measures to capture C and reduce GHG emissions. Our findings indicate that carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most influential part of long-term climate impact of restored peatlands, whereas moderate methane (CH4) emissions and low N2O fluxes are relatively unimportant. However, lateral losses of dissolved and particulate C in water can account up to a half of the total C stock change. Among the restored peatland types, Sphagnum paludiculture showed the highest CO2 capture, followed by shallow lakes and reed/grass paludiculture. Shallow lakeshore vegetation in restored peatlands can reduce CO2 emissions and sequester C but still emit CH4, particularly during the first 20 years after restoration. Our conceptual modelling approach reveals that over a 300-year period, under stable climate conditions, drained bog forests can lose up to 50% of initial C content. In managed (regularly harvested) and continuously drained peatland forests, C accumulation in biomass and litter input does not compensate C losses from peat. In contrast, rewetted unmanaged peatland forests are turning into a persistent C sink. The modelling results emphasized the importance of long-term C balance analysis which considers soil C accumulation, moving beyond the short-term C cycling between vegetation and the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has proposed that organic matter transfer and transformation into and through a peatland is dominated by preferential loss of carbohydrates and the retention of lignin-like molecules. Here we used elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis to analyse the biomass, litter, peat soil profile, particulate organic matter, and dissolved organic matter fluxes sampled from a continental raised bog in comparison a maritime blanket bog. The macromolecular composition and thermodynamic analysis showed that in the raised bog there had been little or no transformation of the organic matter and the accumulation was rapid with comparatively little transformation with only 13% loss of cellulose by 1 m depth compared to 92% removal of cellulosic material in the blanket bog. The lack of transformation is reflected in a difference in long term carbon accumulation rates between raised and blanket bog sites. We propose that raised bogs, with their lack of a stream outfall, have high stable water tables that mean the pore water become thermodynamically closed and reactions cease higher in the peat profile than in a blanket bog where sloping sites mean a frequent flushing of pore water and discharge of water leading to fluctuating water tables, flushing of reaction products and pore spaces remaining open. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drained peatlands emit large amounts of greenhouse gases and cause downstream nutrient pollution. Rewetting aids in restoring carbon storage and sustaining unique biodiversity. However, rewetting for nature restoration is socio-economically not always feasible. Cultivation of Sphagnum biomass after rewetting allows agricultural production. In the short term, Sphagnum paludiculture is productive without fertilization but it remains unclear whether it sustains its functionality in the longer-term. We studied nutrient dynamics, organic matter build-up, and carbon and nutrient accumulation at a 16-ha Sphagnum paludiculture area in NW-Germany. Site preparation included topsoil removal and inoculation with Sphagnum and it was rewetted five and ten years ago and managed with mowing, irrigation, and ditch cleaning. The unfertilized sites were irrigated with (compared to bog conditions) nutrient-rich surface water and exposed to atmospheric nitrogen deposition of 21 kg N/ha/yr. Our data reveal that ten years of Sphagnum growth resulted in a new 30 cm thick organic layer, sequestering 2,600 kg carbon, 56 kg nitrogen, 3.2 kg phosphorus, and 9.0 kg potassium per ha/yr. Porewater nutrient concentrations were low and remained stable over time in the top layer, while ammonium concentrations decreased from 400–700 to 0–50 µmol/L in the peat profile over 10 years. Hydro-climatic fluctuations most likely caused the variation in ammonium in the top layer. We conclude that Sphagnum paludiculture enables rapid carbon and nutrient accumulation without active fertilization provided the biomass is not harvested, and provides perspective for bog restoration on agricultural peatlands. Large-scale application of Sphagnum paludiculture may mitigate environmental issues of unsustainable peatland-use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatland restoration usually aims at restarting the peatlands' function to store carbon within peat. The soil properties of the near-surface peat can give a first understanding of this process. Therefore, we sampled pH value, total organic carbon content (TOC), total nitrogen content (TN), C/N ratio as well as dry bulk density (BD), and describe the structure of near-surface peats in six restored fens in North-East Germany before (2002-2004) and after (2019-2021) restoration. Before restoration, the study sites showed peat degradation to various extents in their near-surface peats. pH values remained relatively stable over time. Comparing the degraded peat horizons, TOC increased significantly in four study sites, ranging from 35.7% to 47.8% in 2002-2004 and from 42.5% to 54.0% in 2019-2021. TN varied from 1.5% to 3.5% in 2002-2004 and from 1.8% to 3.2% in 2019-2021, but changes were only significant in one site, showing a slight decrease. In three sites, the increase in C/N ratio was significant, indicating lower nutrient availability. BD ranged from 0.08 to 0.48 g/cm3 in 2002-2004 and from 0.10 to 0.16 g/cm³ in 2019-2021, decreasing significantly in four sites. The structure of the degraded peat horizons changed after restoration to a more homogenous, sludge mass with larger re-aggregates. In three sites, new peat moss peat layers above the degraded soil horizon were present in 2019-2021, with a mean thickness of 6.8 to 36.1 cm. The structure was comparable to typical, slightly decomposed peat moss peat. Our findings suggest that within about 17 years after fen restoration, and thereby a water table rise close to surface, TOC of the near-surface peats increased to values that are typical for undisturbed peatlands. This indicates that restoration can lead to the re-establishment of peatlands as potential carbon sinks, with TOC within the near-surface peat as one key factor in this process. Further, we assume that the decrease in nutrient availability, decrease of BD, and new, undisturbed peat layers can favor the establishment of mire-specific biodiversity and support ecosystem services similar to near-natural mires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a book titled "Governing Climate Change in Southeast Asia: Critical Perspectives," which provides an in-depth analysis of climate change governance in Southeast Asia. The book examines the challenges faced by countries in the region, including diverse political systems and vulnerability to climate change impacts. It includes chapters written by regional experts from various institutions and covers topics such as climate change impacts, governance at the national and local levels, and stakeholder involvement. The book also highlights the different approaches to climate governance in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, which have made significant commitments to reduce emissions. This text provides an overview of climate change policies and governance in Southeast Asian countries, specifically Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. It highlights the challenges and obstacles faced in integrating climate change into national development plans and the different approaches taken by each country. The text emphasizes the need for multi-level governance and social transformation to achieve climate change mitigation targets and sustainable development goals. Overall, the book offers critical perspectives on climate governance in Southeast Asia and is recommended for students, academics, and policymakers interested in the topic. [Extracted from the article]

Peatlands store large amounts of carbon in wetland ecosystems. The hydrological conditions within peatlands are important factors that affect the biochemical cycle and patterns of greenhouse gas emissions in these peatlands. This study was carried out in Changbai Mountain Jinchuan peatland to investigate variations in carbon dioxide and methane emissions in peat swamps that have undergone distinct saturation conditions. Three peatland types (high water levels (S1); medium water levels (S2); low water levels (S3)) at different flood depths were selected as specific sampling points. The static box and gas chromatography methods were used at different time periods (6:00; 12:00; and 18:00) from July to September. The discharge flux of CO2 and CH4 slowly increased with the increase in the water level. The results indicate similarity in the fluctuation trends between the fluxes of CO2 and CH4 in S1 and S2 to the fluctuations of water levels. During the entire growth season, the flux range of CO2 and CH4 was −695.329~859.907 mg m2h−1 and 259.981~147.155 mg m2h−1, respectively. Furthermore, there was variation in mutation characteristics between two gases, the CO2 exhibited larger mutation range (−7.08~3.40) than CH4 (−1.79~1.26). In terms of daily flux changes, CO2 showed an upward trend, while CH4 had a downward trend. These results indicate variations in saturation conditions tend to affect discharge of greenhouse gases, with subsequent effects on climate change. This study highlights potential theoretical support to reduce anthropogenic activities on peatlands. This can be achieved by undertaking measures to conserve peatlands and explore mitigation measures to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and hence impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]