The effect of biomass harvesting on greenhouse gas emissions from a rewetted temperate fen

The growing demand for bioenergy increases pressure on peatlands. The novel strategy of wet peatlands agriculture (paludiculture) may permit the production of bioenergy from biomass while avoiding large greenhouse gas emissions as occur during conventional crop cultivation on drained peat soils. Herein, we present the first greenhouse gas balances of a simulated paludiculture to assess its suitability as a biomass source from a climatic perspective. In a rewetted peatland, we performed closed‐chamber measurements of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide exchange in stands of the potential crops Phragmites australis, Typha latifolia, and Carex acutiformis for two consecutive years. To simulate harvest, the biomass of half of the measurement spots was removed once per year. Carbon dioxide exchange was close to neutral in all tested stands. The effect of biomass harvest on the carbon dioxide exchange differed between the 2 years. During the first and second year, methane emissions were 13–63 g m^?2 a^?1 and 2–5 g m^?2 a^?1, respectively. Nitrous oxide emissions lay below our detection limit. Net greenhouse gas balances in the study plots were close to being climate neutral during both years except for the Carex stand, which was a source of greenhouse gases in the first year (in CO₂‐equivalents: 18 t ha^?1 a^?1). Fifteen years after rewetting the net greenhouse gas balance of the study site was similar to those of pristine fens. In addition, we did not find a significant short‐term effect of biomass harvest on net greenhouse gas balances. In our ecosystem, ~17 t ha^?1 a^?1 of CO₂‐equivalent emissions are saved by rewetting compared to a drained state. Applying this figure to the fen area in northern Germany, emission savings of 2.8–8.5 Mt a^?1 CO₂‐equivalents could possibly be achieved by rewetting; this excludes additional savings by fossil fuel replacement.     

The unexpected long period of elevated CH4 emissions from an inundated fen meadow ended only with the occurrence of cattail (Typha latifolia)

Drainage and agricultural use transform natural peatlands from a net carbon (C) sink to a net C source. Rewetting of peatlands, despite of high methane (CH₄) emissions, holds the potential to mitigate climate change by greatly reducing CO₂ emissions. However, the time span for this transition is unknown because most studies are limited to a few years. Especially, nonpermanent open water areas often created after rewetting, are highly productive. Here, we present 14 consecutive years of CH₄ flux measurements following rewetting of a formerly long-term drained peatland in the Peene valley. Measurements were made at two rewetted sites (non-inundated vs. inundated) using manual chambers. During the study period, significant differences in measured CH₄ emissions occurred. In general, these differences overlapped with stages of ecosystem transition from a cultivated grassland to a polytrophic lake dominated by emergent helophytes, but could also be additionally explained by other variables. This transition started with a rapid vegetation shift from dying cultivated grasses to open water floating and submerged hydrophytes and significantly increased CH₄ emissions. Since 2008, helophytes have gradually spread from the shoreline into the open water area, especially in drier years. This process was periodically delayed by exceptional inundation and eventually resulted in the inundated site being covered by emergent helophytes. While the period between 2009 and 2015 showed exceptionally high CH₄ emissions, these decreased significantly after cattail and other emergent helophytes became dominant at the inundated site. Therefore, CH₄ emissions declined only after 10 years of transition following rewetting, potentially reaching a new steady state. Overall, this study highlights the importance of an integrative approach to understand the shallow lakes CH₄ biogeochemistry, encompassing the entire area with its mosaic of different vegetation forms. This should be ideally done through a study design including proper measurement site allocation as well as long-term measurements.     

Evaluating the use of dominant microbial consumers (testate amoebae) as indicators of blanket peatland restoration

Peatlands represent globally-important ecosystems and carbon stores. However, large areas of peatland have been drained for agriculture, or peat has been harvested for use as fuel or in horticulture. Increasingly, these landscapes are being restored through ditch blocking and rewetting primarily to improve biodiversity and promote peat accumulation. To date we have little knowledge of how these interventions influence the microbial communities in peatlands. We compared the responses of dominant microbial consumers (testate amoebae) to drainage ditch restoration relative to unblocked ditches in a UK upland blanket peatland (Migneint, North Wales). Two techniques were used for restoration: (i) dammed ditches with re-profiling; and (ii) dammed ditches with pools of open water behind each dam. Testate communities in the inter-ditch areas changed markedly over time and between treatments illustrating the potential of this group of organisms as indicators of blanket peatland restoration status. However, the responses of testate amoebae to peat rewetting associated with restoration were partially obscured by inter-annual variability in weather conditions through the course of the experiment. Although there was considerable variability in the response of testate amoebae communities to peatland drain blocking, there were clearly more pronounced changes in samples from the dammed and reprofiled treatments including an increase in diversity, and the appearance of unambiguous wet-indicator species in relatively high abundances (including Amphitrema stenostoma, Archerella flavum, Arcella discoides type, Difflugia bacillifera and Difflugia bacillarium). This reflects a shift towards overall wetter conditions across the site and the creation of new habitats. However, water-table was not a significant control on testate amoebae in this case, suggesting a poor relationship between water table and surface moisture in this sloping blanket peatland. Our findings highlight the potential of testate amoebae as bioindicators of peatland restoration success; however, there is a need for caution as mechanisms driving change in the microbial communities may be more complex than first assumed. Several factors need to be taken into account when implementing biomonitoring studies in peatlands including: (i) the natural variability of the peatland ecosystem under changing weather conditions; (ii) any disturbance connected with the restoration procedures; and (iii) the timescales over which the ecosystem responds to the management intervention. Our results also suggest an indicator species approach based on population dynamics may be more appropriate for biomonitoring peatland restoration than examining changes at the community level.     

Nutrient limitations in an extant and drained poor fen: implications for restoration

In a species-rich poor fen (Caricetum nigrae) and a species-poor drained fen, the difference in nutrient limitation of the vegetation was assessed in a full-factorial fertilization experiment with N, P and K. The results were compared to the nutrient ratios of plant material and to chemical analysis of the topsoil. A rewetting experiment with intact sods was carried out in the glasshouse and the results are discussed in view of restoration prospects of drained and degraded peatlands. In the undrained poor fen the above-ground biomass yield was N-limited while the vegetation of the drained fen was K-limited. Experimental rewetting of intact turf samples, taken in the drained site, did not change the biomass yield or the type of nutrient limitation. It was concluded that mire systems which have been subjected to prolonged drainage are inclined to pronounced K-deficiency, probably due to washing out of potassium and harvesting the standing crop. This may hamper restoration projects in degraded peat areas where nature conservation tries to restore species-rich vegetation types with a high nature value.     

Testate amoebae response and vegetation composition after plantation removal on a former raised bog

Extensive drainage of peatlands in north-west Europe for the purposes of afforestation for timber production and harvesting has altered the carbon balance and biodiversity value. Large-scale restoration projects aim to reinstate hydrological conditions to keep carbon locked up in the peat and to restart active peat growth. Testate amoebae are an informal grouping of well-studied protists in peatland environments and as microbial consumers play an important role in nutrient and carbon cycling. Using a space for time substitution approach, this study investigated the response of testate amoebae assemblages and vegetation composition after tree removal on a drained raised bog. There was a clear difference in microbial assemblages between open and a chronosequence of restoration areas. Results suggest microbial recovery after rewetting is a slow process with plant composition showing a faster response than the microbial assemblage. Mixotrophic testate amoebae had not recovered seventeen years following plantation removal and the establishment of Sphagnum mosses in the wetter microforms. These results suggest that vegetation composition and Testate amoeba assemblages respond differently to environmental drivers at forest-to-bog restoration areas. Local physicochemical peat properties were a stronger driver of the testate assemblage compared with vegetation. Complete recovery of microbial assemblages may take place over decadal timescales.     

Simulated Small Scale Disturbances Increase Decomposition Rates and Facilitates Invasive Species Encroachment in a High Elevation Tropical Andean Peatland

Tropical alpine peatlands are important carbon reservoirs and are a critical component of local hydrological cycles. In high elevation peatlands slow decomposition rates result from a nutrient‐poor substrate resistant to decay. The responses of páramo peatland ecosystems to increased nutrient additions and physical disturbance due to agricultural activities are unknown. Here, we conducted a two‐year fertilization and physical disturbance experiment in a Sphagnum—dominated peatland in the Central Andes of Colombia. We hypothesized that fertilization and physical disturbance will diminish the ability of the peat to store organic matter by increasing decomposition and that vascular plants will displace Sphagnum as the dominant plant group. We simulated cattle activity by adding manure as a fertilizer and physical disturbance as a proxy for cattle trampling. Species composition varied in proportion to the intensity of disturbance. Sphagnum cover was reduced under any disturbance treatment. Non‐native grasses usually found in cattle pastures invaded treatments with fertilizer additions or physical disturbance. Overall aboveground plant biomass doubled in fertilized treatments, suggesting that plant biomass production was nutrient limited. Decomposition rates tripled in disturbed treatments as compared to controls. This reduces the ability of the peatland to store organic matter. Andean peatlands are prized ecological assets; however, our results show that the El Morro páramo peatland experienced increased decomposition rates over short time periods after small‐scale disturbances. This created profound consequences for the ecological services offered by these peatlands.     

The response of stocks of C,N, and P to plant invasion in the coastal wetlands of China

The increasing success of invasive plant species in wetland areas can threaten their capacity to store carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (C, N, and P). Here, we have investigated the relationships between the different stocks of soil organic carbon (SOC), and total C, N, and P pools in the plant–soil system from eight different wetland areas across the South‐East coast of China, where the invasive tallgrass Spartina alterniflora has replaced the native tall grasses Phragmites australis and the mangrove communities, originally dominated by the native species Kandelia obovata and Avicennia marina. The invasive success of Spartina alterniflora replacing Phragmites australis did not greatly influence soil traits, biomass accumulation or plant–soil C and N storing capacity. However, the resulting higher ability to store P in both soil and standing plant biomass (approximately more than 70 and 15 kg P by ha, respectively) in the invasive than in the native tall grass communities suggesting the possibility of a decrease in the ecosystem N:P ratio with future consequences to below‐ and aboveground trophic chains. The results also showed that a future advance in the native mangrove replacement by Spartina alterniflora could constitute a serious environmental problem. This includes enrichment of sand in the soil, with the consequent loss of nutrient retention capacity, as well as a sharp decrease in the stocks of C (2.6 and 2.2 t C ha^‐1 in soil and stand biomass, respectively), N, and P in the plant–soil system. This should be associated with a worsening of the water quality by aggravating potential eutrophication processes. Moreover, the loss of carbon and nutrient decreases the potential overall fertility of the system, strongly hampering the reestablishment of woody mangrove communities in the future.     

Inhibition of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zizania latifolia</Emphasis> growth by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phragmites australis</Emphasis>: an experimental study

The influence of Phragmites australis on the growth of Zizania latifolia, and the morphological characteristics of both species, were investigated at two nutrient levels. The experiment was carried out over three growing seasons between May 2003 and December 2005. The experimental plot was longitudinally divided into two equal halves, one of which was planted with Zizania latifolia (Zizania zone) and the other one with Phragmites australis (Phragmites zone). Four weeks after transplantation, the plot was again divided horizontally, perpendicular to the previous division, and subject to low (LN) and high nutrient (HN) treatments. Measured growth indices of the two species were more developed in the HN than in the LN treatments. Both species were observed to invade each other’s zone, but Phragmites latifolia seemed to out-compete Zizania latifolia individuals. This was evident from the decrease in below ground biomass of Zizania latifolia in the third growing season and deterioration in above ground organs with time. It was concluded that Phragmites australis out-competes Zizania latifolia due to better developed root and rhizome system.     

Impact of rewetting on the vegetation of a cut‐away peatland

Abstract. We tested whether rewetting improved environmental conditions during peatland restoration and promoted colonization and development of mire vegetation. Vegetation change was monitored in a cut‐away peatland one year before, and four years after, rewetting. Colonizers before rewetting were perennials, mostly typical of hummocks or bare peat surfaces. The main variation in vegetation was related to variation in the amounts of major nutrients and water table level. The wettest site with the highest nutrient level had the highest total vegetation cover and diversity, as well as some species typical of wet minerotrophic mires. Raising the water table level above, or close to, the soil surface promoted development of wet minerotrophic vegetation. Diversity initially decreased because of the disappearance of hummock vegetation but started to recover in the third year. Eriophorum vaginatum and Carex rostrata were both favoured, and bryophytes typical of wet habitats colonized the site. Moderate rewetting promoted the development of Eriophorum vaginatum seedlings and an increase in the cover of tussocks. Bryophytes typical of disturbed peat surfaces spread. In the control site development continued slowly towards closed hummock vegetation. The study showed that raising the water level to, or above, soil surface promotes conditions wet enough for a rapid succession towards closed mire vegetation.     

Biomass and nutrient stock of submersed and floating macrophytes in shallow lakes formed by rewetting of degraded fens

Ecosystem restoration by rewetting of degraded fens led to the new formation of large-scale shallow lakes in the catchment of the River Peene in NE Germany. We analyzed the biomass and the nutrient stock of the submersed (Ceratophyllum demersum) and the floating macrophytes (Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrhiza) in order to assess their influence on temporal nutrient storage in water bodies compared to other freshwater systems. Ceratophyllum demersum displayed a significantly higher biomass production (0.86–1.19 t DM = dry matter ha⁻¹) than the Lemnaceae (0.64–0.71 t DM ha⁻¹). The nutrient stock of submersed macrophytes ranged between 28–44 kg N ha⁻¹ and 8–12 kg P ha⁻¹ and that of floating macrophytes between 14–19 kg N ha⁻¹ and 4–5 kg P ha⁻¹ which is in the range of waste water treatment plants. We found the N and P stock in the biomass of aquatic macrophytes being 20–900 times and up to eight times higher compared to the nutrient amount of the open water body in the shallow lakes of rewetted fens (average depth: 0.5 m). Thereafter, submersed and floating macrophytes accumulate substantial amounts of dissolved nutrients released from highly decomposed surface peat layers, moderating the nutrient load of the shallow lakes during the growing season from April to October. In addition, the risk of nutrient loss to adjacent surface waters becomes reduced during this period. The removal of submersed macrophytes in rewetted fens to accelerate the restoration of the low nutrient status is discussed.     

Positive trends in plant,dragonfly, and butterfly diversity of rewetted montane peatlands

Drainage and afforestation of peatlands cause extensive habitat degradation and species losses. Restoration supports peatland biodiversity by creating suitable habitat conditions, including stable high water tables. However, colonization by characteristic species can take decades or even fail. Peatland recovery is often monitored shortly after restoration, but initial trends may not continue, and results might differ among taxonomic groups. This study analyzes trends in plant, dragonfly, and butterfly diversity within 18 years after rewetting of montane peatlands in central Germany. We compared diversity and species composition of 19 restored sites with three drained peatlands and one near‐natural reference site. Restoration resulted in improved habitat conditions and benefited species diversity, but there were marked differences among taxonomic groups. Dragonflies rapidly colonized small water bodies but their diversity did not further increase in older restoration sites. Characteristic peatland vegetation recovered slowly, since it depended on a high water holding capacity that was only reached after peat started accumulating. Generally, plant diversity developed toward reference conditions albeit incompletely, even 18 years after restoration. Butterflies responded less to peatland restoration; generalists increased only temporarily and specialists could not establish. In conclusion, peatland restoration improves habitat conditions and biodiversity, while trajectories of recovery are nonlinear and incomplete after two decades. This highlights the need for long‐term monitoring and a strategic selection of indicator species for evaluation of restoration success.     

Restoration of peat‐forming vegetation by rewetting species‐poor fen grasslands

Questions: Does succession of rewetted species‐poor fen grasslands display similar trends when different water levels, sites and regions are compared? Will restoration targets as peat growth and waterfowl diversity be reached? Location: Valley fen of the river Peene (NE‐Germany) and the Hanság fen (Lake Neusiedler See, NW‐Hungary). Methods: Analysis of permanent plot data and vegetation maps over a period of up to seven years of rewetting. The general relations between newly adjusted water levels and changes in dominance of helophytic key species during early succession are analysed considering four rewetting intensities (water level classes) and eight vegetation types (Phalaris arundinacea type, Carex type, Glyceria maxima type, Phragmites australis type, Typha type, aquatic vegetation type, open water type and miscellaneous type). Results: The initial period of balancing the site conditions and vegetation is characterised by specific vegetation types and related horizontal vegetation structures. Most vegetation types displayed similar trends within the same water level class when different sites and regions were compared. A significant spread of potentially peat forming vegetation with dominance of Carex spp. or Phragmites as desired goal of restoration was predominantly restricted to long‐term shallow inundated sites (water level median in winter: 0–30 cm above surface). Open water patches as bird habitats persisted mainly at permanent inundated sites (water level median in winter > 60 cm above surface). Conclusions: Site hydrology appeared as a main force of secondary succession. Thus the rewetting intensity and restoration targets have to be balanced adequately.     

Standing crop and mineral content of reed,Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. exSteudel,in Sweden—Management of reed stands to maximize harvestable biomass

The mean above-ground biomass of reed,Phragmites australis, in closed South Swedish stands was found to be 1 kg dry weight. m^?2 in August. Leaves, which are shed in the autumn in contrast to culms that remain standing, represent 26% of the total shoot weight. Because part of the culm will be covered by water, ice and snow 0.5 kg dry weight. m^?2 is available for winter harvest. Nutrient concentrations in shoots decrease throughout summer and winter. Although part of the maximal summer standing stock of N, P and K is lost in shed leaves, 55%, 75% and 80%, respectively, can potentially be recycled to rhizomes. Nitrogen fertilization and removal of standing litter in winter can increase above-ground biomass production in reed stands. Reed culms, cut in winter with agricultural machinery or amphibious harvesters, have been tested as a fuel for heating purposes in Sweden     

Impact of winter reed harvesting and burning on the nutrient economy of reed beds

The fringing reeds (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., Poaceae) at Lake Constance-Untersee were mown or burnt in winter thereby drastically reducing the addition of decomposable organic matter to the sediment. The purpose of this study was to test whether or not this management significantly decreased the contents of organic matter and nutrients in the surface sediment layer and if the oxygen conditions in the withinreed water body improved. Hypotheses were tested by monitoring 6 treated reed beds and 3 reference fields over a period of up to 4 years. The sediment/water system of reed beds was found to be well buffered against the removal of the current year's crop of dead Phragmites straw, because only slight, and mostly insignificant, differences between treated and untreated reeds were detected. Hence, the benefit of winter reed harvesting to reduce nutrient overloading of the reed-belts and the die-back of reeds remains dubious.     

河滨湿地不同植物群落根系分布特征与土壤理化性状的关系——以黄河中游荥阳段为例

在黄河中游郑州荥阳段,选择了5种河滨湿地植物群落进行根系和土壤性状特征研究,以期阐明不同植物群落的根系分布规律与土壤性状的关系,为河滨湿地植物群落组成以及土壤质量恢复提供科学参考。结果表明(1)在0—40 cm土层,根生物量密度与根长密度的平均值均表现为：芦苇群落(Phragmites australis)和芦苇-狗牙根(Cynodon dactylon)群落均大于芦苇-拂子茅(Calamagrostis epigeios)-狗牙根群落、拂子茅-狗牙根群落、拂子茅-狗牙根-水莎草(Juncellus serotinus)群落。拂子茅-狗牙根、芦苇-拂子茅-狗牙根、拂子茅-水莎草-狗牙根三种植物群落类型下根生物量密度、根长密度在0—20 cm表层土壤较大,芦苇群落和芦苇-狗牙根群落的根生物量密度、根长密度在10—40 cm的土层较大。(2)黄河河滨湿地芦苇群落、芦苇-狗牙根群落的土壤以粉粒为主,拂子茅-狗牙根群落、芦苇-拂子茅-狗牙根群落、拂子茅-狗牙根-水莎草群落的土壤主要以砂粒为主。在0—40 cm土层,芦苇群落、芦苇-狗牙根群落的土壤含水率、土壤有机质、有效氮和有效磷含量均显著高于...     

Effect of water table drawdown on peatland nutrient dynamics: implications for climate change

It is anticipated that a lowering of the water table and reduced soil moisture levels in peatlands may increase peat decomposition rates and consequently affect nutrient availability. However, it is not clear if patterns will be consistent across different peatland types or within peatlands given the natural range of ecohydrological conditions within these systems. We examined the effect of persistent drought on peatland nutrient dynamics by quantifying the effects of an experimentally lowered water table position (drained for a 10-year period) on peat KCl-extractable total inorganic nitrogen (ext-TIN), peat KCl-extractable nitrate (ext-NO₃ ^?), and water-extractable ortho-phosphorus (ext-PO₄ ^3?) concentrations and net phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) mineralization and nitrification rates at natural (control) and drained microforms (hummocks, lawns) of a bog and poor fen near Québec City, Canada. Drainage (water table drawdown) decreased net nitrification rates across the landscape and increased ext-NO₃ ^? concentrations, but did not affect net N and P mineralization rates or ext-TIN and ext-PO₄ ^3? concentrations. We suggest that the thick capillary fringe at the drained peatland likely maintained sufficient moisture above the water table to limit the effects of drainage on microbial activity, and a 20 cm lowering of the water table does not appear to have been sufficient to create a clear difference in nutrient dynamics in this peatland landscape. We found some evidence of differences in nutrient concentrations with microforms, where concentrations were greater in lawn than hummock microforms at control sites indicating some translocation of nutrients. In general, the same microtopographic differences were not observed at drained sites. The general spatial patterns in nutrient concentrations did not reflect net mineralization/immobilization rates measured at our control or drained peatlands. Rather, the spatial patterns in nutrient availability may be regulated by differences in vegetation (mainly Sphagnum moss) cover between control and drained sites and possibly differences in hydrologic connection between microforms. Our results suggest that microform distribution and composition within a peatland may be important for determining how peatland nutrient dynamics will respond to water table drawdown in northern peatlands, as some evidence of microtopographic differences in nutrient dynamics was found.     

The effect of nutrients on seedling growth of native and introduced Phragmites australis

Differing responses to abiotic stresses and increased nutrient availability may play a role in the invasion and spread of introduced Phragmites australis Cav. (Trin.) ex. Steud. and the decline of native P.a. americanus Saltonstall, P.M. Peterson & Soreng in North America. We present results from an outdoor experiment where native and introduced P. australis seedlings were grown under two nutrient treatments. Both subspecies responded positively to increased nutrients but introduced plants clearly outperformed natives, growing taller, producing more stems, and had three to four times higher biomass. The biomass of introduced P. australis growing in low nutrients was similar to that of the native in high nutrients. Aboveground:belowground biomass ratios were nearly 1.25 for both native and introduced plants across treatments and reflect the high investment P. australis seedlings place on shoot production in their first year of growth. Our results also demonstrate that introduced P. australis can have explosive growth over a single growing season, even when established from seed. This implies that management of young, newly established populations may be prudent where introduced P. australis is considered undesirable, irregardless of whether eutrophication is an issue.     

Shoot development and production studies of phragmites Australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steudel in Scottish Lochs

Studies were made on the development and production of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel (= Phragmites communis Trin.) stands from Forfar Loch-polytrophic, Balgavies Locheutrophic and Loch of the Lowes-mesotrophic. Differences were detected in the shoot height, shoot dry weight, standing crop biomass, leaf area index, crop growth rate and net efficiency of solar energy conversion among the three lochs. Such differences were partly due to the different nutrient levels of the three locations. The percentage ratio of leaf to shoot weight, leaf area ratio, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate for the reed stands in the three lochs were also calculated and were compared with values from other study areas.     

Status and restoration of peatlands in northern Europe

Environmental management of peatlands,landscape ecology and protection of keybiotopes have created needs and pressure torestore drained peatlands to natural mireecosystems. Here, we summarize differentapproaches and restoration techniquesdeveloped for peatland management inEstonia, Sweden, and Finland wherepeatlands are abundant. Without rewetting,plant colonisation on abandoned cut-awayareas is slow due to harsh hydrological andmicroclimatic conditions. However, after restoration, cut-away peatlands may returnto a functional state close to that ofpristine mires, and therefore restore a netcarbon sink function within a few years. Inaddition, restoration techniques can helpto create buffer zones between terrestrialand limnic ecosystems that reduces thenutrient loading imposed on watercourses byforestry operations. Restoration may alsobe important for peatland conservationprograms as drained peatlands are part ofpresent and future conservation areas.Finally, restoration actions in themselvescan have negative environmental impacts.For instance, inundation of peat surfacesresulting from the rewetting process oftenincreases phosphorus leaching. Efforts onpeatland restoration should focus onenvironmental monitoring, research onrestoration and its environmental impact aswell as public relations activities. Inthat respect, knowledge transfer betweenacademics and managers should generatesynergy benefits.     

Restoration of Sphagnum and restiad peatlands in Australia and New Zealand reveals similar approaches

Peatlands in Australia and New Zealand are composed mainly of Restionaceous and Cyperaceous peats, although Sphagnum peat is common in wetter climates (Mean Annual Precipitation > 1,000 mm) and at higher altitudes (>1,000 m). Experimental trials in two contrasting peatland types—fire‐damaged Sphagnum peatlands in the Australian Alps and cutover restiad bogs in lowland New Zealand—revealed similar approaches to peatland restoration. Hydrological restoration and rehydration of drying peats involved blocking drainage ditches to raise water tables or, additionally in burnt Sphagnum peatlands, peat‐trenching, and the use of sterilized straw bales to form semipermanent “dam walls” and barriers to spread and slow surface water movement. Recovery to the predisturbance vegetation community was most successful once protective microclimates had been established, either artificially or naturally. Specifically, horizontally laid shadecloth resulted in Sphagnum cristatum regeneration rates and biomass production 3–4 times that of unshaded vegetation (Australia), and early successional nurse shrubs facilitated establishment of Sporadanthus ferrugineus (New Zealand) within 2–3 years. On severely burnt or cutover sites, a patch dynamic approach using transplants of Sphagnum or creation of restiad peat “islands” markedly improved vegetation recovery. In New Zealand, this approach has been scaled up to whole mine‐site restoration, in which the newly vegetated islands provide habitat and seed sources for plants and invertebrates to spread onto surrounding areas. Although a vegetation cover can be established relatively rapidly in both peatland types, restoration of invertebrate communities, ecosystem processes, and peat hydrological function and accumulation may take many decades.