Peat Extraction and Land Use Change: Managing Trace Gas Emissions.

Peat is extracted from northern peatlands for both horticultural and fuel uses although peat fuel use in North America is currently limited. While both burning peat as fuel and decomposition of peat in growing media results in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and accounts for the majority of trace gas fluxes from these activities, according to life-cycle analysis land use change associated with peat extraction may account for up to 15% of greenhouse gas emissions. Drainage, extraction, and abandonment of peatlands create conditions that disturb the natural functions of the ecosystem by removing the productive vegetation cover and increasing decomposition via enhanced aeration. Post extraction, peatlands are left abandoned and the hydrological and ecological conditions necessary for long-term peat accumulation rarely return to a functional or natural state. Moreover, any remaining organic matter continues to oxidize representing a persistent source of atmospheric CO2. As a result, management of peatlands is often required where active restoration techniques are used to create favorable conditions for peat accumulation, and therefore long-term carbon sequestration. Here, the land use impacts and implications of horticultural peatland extraction and current restoration strategies will be briefly considered. Emerging wet peat extraction and restoration techniques will be introduced and their potential to reduce trace gas fluxes associated with land use change evaluated, as related to extraction of peat for both horticultural and fuel uses.