Impact of water table level on annual carbon and greenhouse gas balances of a restored peat extraction area

摘要: Abstract. Peatland restoration may provide a potential after-use option to mitigate the negative climate impact of abandoned peat extraction areas; currently, however, knowledge about effects on annual balances carbon (C) and greenhouse gas (GHG) exchanges is still limited. The aim this study was investigate contrasting mean water table levels (WTLs) C GHG treatments with high (ResH) low (ResL) WTL relative an unrestored bare (BP) site. Measurements dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes were conducted over full year using closed chamber method complemented by measurements abiotic controls vegetation cover. Three years following restoration, difference in resulted higher bryophyte lower vascular plant cover ResH ResL. Consequently, greater gross primary production autotrophic respiration associated observed ResL compared ResH. However, means measured net ecosystem CO2 (NEE) not significantly different between Similarly, no significant differences respective CH4 N2O exchanges. In comparison two restored sites, CO2, similar emissions occurred BP. On scale, ResH, BP sources 111, 103 268 g C m−2 yr−1 had positive 4.1, 3.8 10.2 t CO2 eq ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Thus, WTLs limited 3 restoration. considerably than due large reduction emissions. This therefore suggests that serve as effective impacts areas.