Impacts of water table rise on the hydrology and carbon balance in commercial forests on drained peatlands

Returning of water to conservation mires has recently become a common practice in order to improve the condition of pristine mire habitats that have dried as a result of nearby forestry drainage, and to reduce the nutrient loadings to water courses by forestry. The project will produce new research data on the effects of this method on peatland hydrology, carbon cycle and stand growth and vitality in the area affected by wetting. The results can be used directly by forest owners and forestry operators and will be taken to practical forest management recommendations. The results are used to assess the climate impact and diversity benefits of the method and its potential as a relevant carbon compensation tool. The project is part of a consortium project coordinated by Tapio Oy Ltd and the partner is also the Finnish Forest Center. The project receives funding from Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Finland (Hiilestä-Kiinni -programme).