Peatland Restoration Research
Restoring Balance and Capturing Carbon
In Finland, researchers are exploring how restoring peatlands can improve water retention, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and revive native vegetation. The goal is to elevate water levels, restore natural peatland ecosystems, and enhance long-term carbon storage.
Precision Monitoring with Sensor-Based Insights
The University of Oulu is assessing how blocking drainage ditches impacts local water cycles, aiming to evenly distribute surface water, raise groundwater levels, and lower emissions. To capture these changes accurately, XEL’s wireless sensors provide continuous, precise measurements, while ground-penetrating radar is used to map peat layer thickness and soil permeability.
These data streams power advanced hydrological models, helping predict how restoration efforts will impact water systems for the next 50 years, supporting data-driven environmental management.
Tracking Greenhouse Gases and Ecosystem Shifts
The Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Natural Resources Institute Finland are monitoring greenhouse gas levels before and after restoration to assess immediate and long-term impacts. While water levels adjust rapidly, vegetation responds over time, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Researchers also analyze microbial activity with advanced sequencing technologies to understand carbon and nitrogen cycling within the restored peatlands. By combining simulations with real-time measurements, the project generates long-term projections of peat accumulation and resilience against climate change.
This research is part of the EU-funded LIFE PeatCarbon project, conducted in collaboration with international partners to advance climate-smart restoration strategies.