Experimental re-introduction of mire plant species in milled, raised bogs in Northern Poland

Authors:
N.P. Hyvönen, J.T. Huttunen, N.J. Shurpali, H. Nykänen, N. Pekkarinen and P.J. Martikainen

Book:
After Wise Use – The Future of Peatlands, Proceedings of the 13th International Peat Congress: Peatland After-Use

Keywords:
bioenergy, greenhouse-gas-flux, methane, nitrous-oxide, peat-extraction

Documentfile:
Herbichowa et al. 2008: Experimental re-introduction of mire plant species

Summary:

All Baltic raised bogs in Poland have been affected by human impact, mainly by afforestation, drainage or peat extraction (including milling method). As a result, none of them remains in a pristine state. Abandoned, vacuum-mined bogs with very little spontaneous re-vegetation are the most problematic objects for restoration. A project, aimed at elaborating techniques for milled bog rehabilitation, has been in progress in Northern Poland since 2006. After improving bog hydrology, six Sphagnum species and five vascular plant species were transplanted into prepared post–mining areas. Preliminary results indicate that blocking the outflow from the bog caused a considerable rise of the groundwater level. The survival rate of particular Sphagnum species varies, but so far none of them has become extinct.