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

Summary

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.