RESOURCES

This resource provides a comprehensive explanation of Sphagnum paludiculture—defined as the cultivation of peat moss on rewetted peatlands to supply renewable biomass for horticultural substrates. It outlines suitable cultivation sites (degraded raised bogs, cut‑over peatlands, floating rafts), ecosystem benefits such as CO₂ reduction, water purification, biodiversity restoration, and economic opportunities. It also describes unique properties of Sphagnum biomass—low pH, high water/air storage, and low nitrogen mobilisation—making it valuable as a peat alternative.

The paper finds that pioneering German farmers adopt paludiculture because they recognise the environmental and economic risks of drained peatlands and see benefits in wetter, more sustainable farming. However, wider uptake is held back by high costs, weak markets, regulatory barriers, and limited technical support. Stronger incentives, clearer policies, and better farmer networks are needed to enable broader adoption.

A comprehensive review showing how wet peatland agriculture reduces GHG emissions, prevents land subsidence, supports biodiversity, and contributes to multiple SDGs. Synthesises ecological, economic, and climate related benefits of paludiculture.

The study shows that Typha‑based paludiculture on re‑wetted peat supports far more breeding birds than drained agricultural grassland and reaches similar abundance levels to natural wetlands, hosting both generalist species and several wetland specialists. Although it doesn’t fully replicate natural wetland biodiversity, paludiculture provides an important intermediate habitat that boosts bird numbers, enhances landscape connectivity, and offers clear ecological benefits alongside reduced greenhouse‑gas emissions.

The paper shows that rewetting drained temperate fens and cultivating wetland crops can turn peatlands from major greenhouse‑gas sources into strong climate sinks. Across five plant species, paludiculture achieved substantial net GHG reductions—especially when water tables were kept near the surface—making it one of the most effective nature‑based climate solutions for reducing emissions from organic soils.

This study evaluates reed biomass for biochar production and its agricultural uses in Vietnam. Reed biomass was converted into biochar capable of adsorbing nutrients (N, P, K) from sources such as pig urine and mineral fertiliser. Biochar formulations were tested on watermelon crops, showing potential as a bio-organic fertiliser. The research also highlights reed removal as a wildfire‑risk mitigation strategy, given seasonal accumulation of dry biomass.

A practical resource with crop specific instructions for Typha, Phragmites, alder, willow, grasses, and Sphagnum. Includes guidance on machinery and site adaptation.

Long-term biodiversity monitoring showing how Sphagnum cultivation supports (but does not yet fully replicate) peatland associated beetle communities.

The paper argues that shifting UK peatlands from drained agriculture to paludiculture—farming on rewetted peat—could significantly cut greenhouse‑gas emissions and support net‑zero goals, but progress is limited by cultural resistance, policy gaps, and undeveloped markets; overcoming these barriers will require coordinated policy reform, financial incentives, evidence-building, and market development.

This guide describes the adaptation of conventional agricultural machinery for use on wet peat soils. It emphasises challenges of managing wet peatland surfaces—such as low bearing capacity, variable hydrology, and the need for lightweight, low‑pressure equipment. The document identifies machinery requirements for different paludiculture crops, including reeds, Typha, Sphagnum, and wet meadows, noting that specialised equipment or modified low‑ground‑pressure tractors are often required. The section “Adaptation of land management equipment” highlights the need for flotation tyres, track systems, and machinery capable of operating under permanently wet conditions.