Latest EPA Research output confirms importance of intact peatlands for combatting climate change by storing carbon. Irish bogs have been drastically altered by human activities and the sampled peat properties reflect the nature and magnitude of the impact of land use and management. A recognition of the heterogeneity found across Irish peat soils, together with an understanding of the relationships between key soil properties, are critical for developing effective strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of these degraded ecosystems. The findings clearly support the need for a site-by-site approach for rewetting management schemes.

For the full report and supporting infographic see: https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/land-use-soils-and-transport/research-401.php