Peat Harvesting Potential of Agricultural Peatlands in the Seinäjoki Region in Finland

Authors:
Haapaniemi Frans, Vasander Harri, Virtanen Kimmo, Valpola Samu, Yli-Petäys Mika

Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress

Venue:
Stockholm

Keywords:
agriculture, gis-analysis, peat-field, peat-harvesting

Documentfile:
Haapaniemi et al 2012: Peat Harvesting Potential of Agricultural Peatlands in the Seinäjoki Region in Finland

Summary:

Theme II. Peat for horticulture, energy and other uses

SUMMARY

Peat harvesting from agricultural fields has a smaller impact on nature than traditional peat harvesting. The original mire state has already been destroyed in agricultural fields and the peat is decomposing rapidly. Therefore, it would be wise to harvest peat from agricultural fields instead of pristine peatlands. This is why peat harvesting possibilities of agricultural land in western Finland were studied.
The fields with best peat production possibilities were searched with Geographical Information System (GIS)-analysis and field measurements.

The GIS-analyses alone were not enough to give precise information about the peat thickness but gave information about interesting sites. In total 13 field sites were studied; 3 had good peat harvesting possibilities, 10 had moderate or poor peat harvesting possibilities due to thin peat layer, small harvestable area or high mineral content.