Greenhouse gas emissions and agronomic feasibility for forage production on inverted peat soil.

Summary in the original language of the document

We studied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CH4 and N2O), agronomic performance and soil conditions in a grassland on an inverted peat soil that was earlier cultivated and tile-drained, and compared it with grassland on conventionally tile-drained peat. A neighbouring undrained peat was used as a reference for GHG emissions. Preliminary results (2-year field data) revealed reduced GHG emissions from the inverted peat relative to the tile-drained peat, mainly caused by lower CH4 emissions. Our data suggest that peat inversion can improve the agronomic feasibility of forage production in cool-moist areas with abundant organic soils, and can offer a way of agronomic adaptation to a climate with increased precipitation. At the same time it may reduce the GHG footprint of forage production.