Recognizing the importance of soil functional biodiversity

Soil microbes regulate greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands. At Luke, we study how changes in peatland hydrology—such as drainage and rewetting—affect microbial functional diversity. Different microbial groups and their genes are active at different times, influencing greenhouse gas emissions. This information is essential for planning and monitoring peatland restoration, assessing its benefits, and promoting sustainable peatland use.

In the MiDiPeat project (2024–2026), funded by the EU Biodiversa network, we identify key microbial groups affecting greenhouse gases and carbon cycling under different land uses. We link these changes with plant functional groups—such as vascular plants, sphagnum mosses, and forest mosses—and peat biochemical quality.

In the LIFE PeatCarbon project (2022–2027), we are restoring two drained peatlands in the Pallas region of Northwest Lapland and two in Latvia. Our goal is to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands in both countries. We are developing innovative measurement methods for greenhouse gases, hydrology, vegetation, and microbial diversity and activity.

To support monitoring, we are also developing repeatable and transferable remote-sensing tools for long-term observation and modeling.

Wood-derived soil amendments have shown potential to increase microbial biomass and soil carbon. Tiny soil fauna play a critical role in decomposing organic plant material and are vital to nutrient cycling. The SOFASU project (2023–2027), funded by the Academy of Finland, investigates the role of these little-known organisms in carbon storage. Soil amendments also have strong links to nutrient availability, food system resilience, and Finland’s nutrient self-sufficiency.