ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ

Abstract

Peat soils, often called "black gold" for their exceptional productivity, are scattered throughout the West Midlands. Preserving these soils, which have been drained for agriculture, presents a viable strategy for achieving Net Zero, as their ongoing use contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Description

Peat soils, often called "black gold" for their exceptional productivity, are scattered throughout the West Midlands. Preserving these soils, which have been drained for agriculture, presents a viable strategy for achieving Net Zero, as their ongoing use contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Interest is growing in paludiculture as a sustainable alternative to current agricultural practices. With approximately 75% of lowland peat in England under private ownership and cultivation, economically viable alternatives are crucial. Effective water management is a key challenge in paludiculture, as is the monitoring of nutrient loads essential not only for crop growth and development but also to mitigate environmental impacts from leaching and run-off. These factors collectively influence GHG emissions, soil biological communities, nutrient cycling and the processes of carbon breakdown, preservation or accumulation in peat soils. This study at ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ seeks to contextualise the shift from arable to a paludiculture system by creating a nationally significant resource and establishing a long-term research and educational facility.