Submerged Infiltration to Halve Subsidence and GHG Emissions of Agricultural Peat Soils

Authors:
J.J.H. van den Akker, P.C. Jansen, R.F.A. Hendriks, I. Hoving, M. Pleijter

Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress

Venue:
Stockholm

Keywords:
ghg-emissions, oxidation, peat-soils, submerged-drains, subsidence

Documentfile:
Van den Akker et al 2012: Submerged Infiltration to Halve Subsidence and GHG Emissions of Agricultural Peat Soils

Summary:

Theme III. Agricultural use of peat and peatlands

SUMMARY

Biological degradation (oxidation) of peat soils used in dairy farming causes subsidence rates up to 13 mm.y^-1 and emissions of CO₂ and N₂O equal to about 3% of the annual anthropological CO₂ emission in the Netherlands. In 2003 experiments started with subsurface irrigation by submerged drains to raise groundwater levels to reduce oxidation and so subsidence and GHG emissions. Subsidence and so CO₂ emissions were reduced with 50%; amount of inlet water increased on average up to 30%; trafficability improved. Dairy farmers accept and see advantages of the use of submerged drains, which makes them a promising tool to preserve the valued peat soil landscape.