Rewetting degraded peatlands for climate and biodiversity benefits: Results from two raised bogs

摘要: Abstract Globally, peatlands are under threat from a range of land use related factors that have significant impact on the provision ecosystem services, such as biodiversity and carbon (C) sequestration/storage. In Ireland, approximately 84% raised bogs (a priority habitat listed in Annex I EU Habitats Directive) been affected by peat extraction. While restoration implies return services were characteristic pre-disturbed ecosystem, achieving this goal is often challenge degraded post-drainage conditions vary considerably between sites. Here, we present multi-year greenhouse gas (GHG) vegetation dynamics data two former Ireland drained either industrially extracted (milled) or cut margins for domestic subsequently rewetted (with no further management). When upscaled to level, nutrient poor cutover peatland was net sink dioxide (CO2) (−49 ± 66 g C m−2 yr−1) source methane (CH4) (19.7 ± 5 g C m−2 yr−1), while rich industrial cutaway CO2 (0.66 ± 168 g C m−2 yr−1) CH4 (5.0 ± 2.2 g C m−2 yr−1). The site exhibited expected micro-habitats species composition found natural (non-degraded) counterparts. contrast, despite successful rewetting, did not exhibit typical bog flora. This study demonstrated environmental management variables can influence and, therefore, regeneration sites, has highlighted climate benefits rewetting terms reduced GHG emissions. However, major some cases reintroduction bryophytes may be more difficult than achievement proper emission savings.