Management and restoration of peatlands - why the microbial world matters
Event details
| Date | 06.04.2009 |
| Hour | 16:15 |
| Speaker | Dr Rebekka Artz, The Macaulay Institute, UK |
| Location |
GR B30
|
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
Peatlands are a net sink for atmospheric CO2 , yet these ecosystems
have generally been severely degraded by drainage, afforestation or peat harvesting. Such peatlands unfortunately frequently act as net sources of C and hence there is growing interest in active management or even restoration of such ecosystems. Recent data suggest that a return to carbon sink function may be feasible within a few decades following active restoration. However, our understanding of the microbial processes and drivers that govern the turnover of C and hence affect the balance of decomposition losses versus net photosynthetic uptake of C is far from comprehensive. This seminar will provide an overview of our knowledge of the functions of soil micro-organisms in peatlands, their interactions with peatland vegetation and their responses to changes in the physicochemical environment. There is great interest in possible climate change related 'feedback' mechanisms. The evidence for and against these will be presented and implications for net C sequestration in peatland ecosystems discussed.
Practical information
- General public
- Free
Contact
- A. Berne