Fig. 1: Future scenarios of human impacts on extratropical peatlands.
From: Ecological resilience of restored peatlands to climate change
a Draining and mining. Peatlands are typically drained by digging ditches. Dried-out peat layers become susceptible to rapid decay and can be mined for peat blocks, which can be used to generate energy when burned, and peat moss and Sphagnum peat can be used for compost and as a growing media for horticulture. Drained peat surfaces can also be converted into large-scale agricultural fields or for cattle grazing. b Restoration. Peatland restoration and rewetting typically involve drainage blocking and recolonization of the site with native plant species. Together this can lead to restoring net peat accumulation, carbon storage, and increased biodiversity. Artist: Patrick Campbell.
