The Peat Issue
Carbondynamics in drained peatlands under vegetation Balance: not enough carbon is removed from the atmosphere than emitted = small to large source
CH4
ATMOSPHERE
CO2 CO2
Drainage ditch
Aerobic peat
DOC/POC/DIC
Anoxic peat
Key:
CH4 - Methane, CO2 - Carbon Dioxide, DOC - Dissolved Organic Carbon, POC - Particulate Organic Carbon, DIC - Dissolved Inorganic Carbon, Areobic Peat - Peat above the water line where the living plant material becomes the dead material ready for decomposition. Anoxic Peat - peat that always stays wet where the decomposition and sequestration of carbon occurs. Carbondynamics in peatlands cut for horticultural peat Balance: no carbon is removed whatsoever; only emission = large source
ATMOSPHERE
CH4
CO2
CO2
Drainage ditch
Aerobic peat
DOC/POC/DIC
Anoxic peat www.gardentradenews.co.uk
May/June 2021 19