RESOURCES
The objective is to develop a portal for any relevant information that can be shared around the community and help others discover paludiculture. This is of course an organic process (excuse the pun) and the site will continue to evolve with time. To help us achieve this we would appreciate your input. If you have any content or links to videos, podcasts, companies, publications or other research that you think we should consider including please email us at paludiculture@niab.com.
Links to other sites
An important part of this page is linking openly to other websites. This approach offers access to more detailed information and a chance to check out a different perspective. We select links we consider are suitable and relevant to the sites content. Whilst external links are reviewed on a regular basis, NIAB cannot accept responsibility for the content of external internet sites. The inclusion of a link to an external website should not be understood to be an endorsement of that website or the site’s owners, products, or services.
A Semi‑Commercial Case Study of Willow Biomass Production in the Northeastern United States.
2021
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Montes F., et al.
This long‑term case study assesses willow biomass productivity, stand uniformity, plant densities, and harvest efficiency over two 3‑year rotations on a 14.5‑ha plantation. Willow yields reached 8 Mg/ha/yr, below the biophysical potential of 14 Mg/ha/yr. Harvesting was slow (≈1 ha/h), contributing to high operational costs. Pest pressure, including beetle defoliation and fungal diseases, reduced yields in certain cultivars. The findings highlight operational constraints—particularly harvesting machinery efficiency—relevant for scaling willow paludiculture in temperate regions
UK Peatland Strategy 2018-2040
2021
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IUCN UK
The UK’s first collaborative Peatland Strategy has been developed by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme to capture and embed, for the long term, a shared vision for our peatlands, helping maintain a focus across a broad partnership and allowing progress to be marked and celebrated.
Methane fluxes from a rewetted agricultural fen during two initial years of paludiculture.
2020
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Kandel T.P., Karki S., Elsgaard L., Labouriau R. and Lærke P.E.
Rewetting peatlands for paludiculture sharply increases methane emissions—especially under continuous flooding—showing that groundwater levels must be kept just below the soil surface during warm periods to avoid creating major CH₄ emission hotspots.
Common Reed for Thatching in Northern Germany:Estimating the Market Potential of Reed of Regional Origin
2020
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Becker L, Wichmann S, Beckmann V
Reed has a long tradition as locally available thatching material, but nowadays thatch is a globally traded commodity. Germany and other major importing countries such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Denmark rely on high import rates to meet the national consumption. This study aimed at providing a detailed picture of the thatching reed market in Northern Germany and at assessing the market potential for reed of regional origin. Resources 2020, 9, 146
Growing Sphagnum.
2020
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Glatzel & Rochefort
This detailed review explains techniques for establishing and cultivating Sphagnum moss on degraded peat surfaces, particularly for restoration and horticultural applications. It highlights the ecological importance of restoring Sphagnum vegetation, challenges in sourcing propagules (due to protection status), the increasing industrial demand for Sphagnum fibre, and the benefits of Sphagnum farming as an efficient method of producing raw material (90% biomass loss before becoming peat). The paper also covers agronomic challenges and emerging methods for sustainable moss production.
Suitability of Wild Phragmites australis as Bio‑Resource: Tissue Quality and Morphology of Populations From Three Continents.
2020
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Eller F., et al.
This comparative study evaluates reed biomass quality from Denmark, USA, and China. Despite geographical differences, all populations showed high biomass potential and relatively low ash content (3.9–8.5%), suggesting strong energy potential. Some nutrient concentrations (N, S, Fe) exceeded thresholds for combustion, but alternate harvest timing could reduce problematic mineral levels. The study supports reed as a versatile bioresource for biocombustion, biomethane production, and various bio‑based materials.
Greater Manchester Peat Pilot
2020
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Smart T., Caporn S., Field C., Johnson S., Rogers K., Rowson J., Thomas P. and Wright A.
Greater Manchester has set a target of net carbon neutrality by 2038. Modelling currently used by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) suggests that 50- 75% of peatland in the city region will need to be restored in order to achieve these targets, but this modelling may significantly underestimate the role of peat in net emissions budgets.
Using a combination of best available evidence and engagement with key partners and stakeholders, this report provides evidence on the spatial extent, condition, and depth of the peat resource in the city region, and associated GHG emissions based on current land use. Providing case studies of current issues around peat management in upland and lowland settings, and describe alternative options on a trajectory to good peat condition.
Machinery Requirements for Paludiculture
2020
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Defra report
Current agricultural machinery is generally too heavy for use on wet peat soils and may not be appropriate for planting and harvesting certain paludiculture crops. This report fulfils three of the five objectives of Year 1 and Year 2 of the Machinery Pathway, namely:
1. Plan out whole-chain machinery requirements for priority crops, including off-site transport.
2. Review potential machinery solutions from other industries and countries for moving materials and working on wet soils.
3. Undertake a gap analysis of the whole-chain machinery requirements.