Project description:
Despite growing research on peatland restoration, the recovery of CH₄ cycling in relation to different plant species remains poorly understood, particularly their influence on belowground processes over time. The effects of plant-driven changes in peat properties, SOM, and DOM quality on microbial CH₄ production and oxidation remain unclear. Additionally, the interactions between DOM composition, P availability/limitation, and microbial activity in regulating CH₄ fluxes are not well defined. A deeper understanding of these processes is essential for predicting and optimizing peatland restoration and for modelling of C cycling.
Project aim:
The overarching goal is to identify mechanistic links connecting soil organic matter quality and plant species with methane cycling in restored peatlands, including the composition and activity of methanogens and methanotrophs, and to integrate these processes into ecosystem-level recovery assessments.
Project focus especially on:
- CH₄ emissions in situ and plant species effect
- Plant litter leachate characteristics and its effect on CH₄ production and oxidation
- WP3 Effect of SOM quality on CH₄ production
- Effect of soil DOM quality and P availability on CH₄ emissions
