Paludiculture projects

At the University of Greifswald several research projects are focusing on the sustainable use of degraded peatland sites. The projects aim for the replacement of destructive forms of land use on peat soils such as maize cultivation, grassland use and peat mining with peat conservation and sustainable cultivation of adapted plants under wet conditions.

Sphagnum farming projects

At the University of Greifswald four research projects are focusing on the cultivation of Sphagnum since 2004 on degraded raised bog sites. The projects aim for the replacement of destructive forms of land use on peat soils such as maize cultivation, grassland use and peat mining with peat conservation and sustainable cultivation of Sphagnum under wet conditions.

Cultivated Sphagnum on the experimental site RamslohThe largest potential for conversion to Sphagnum cultivation with respect to area is the land use as grassland on peat soils. To ensure sufficient water supply for peat moss cultivation it may be necessary to establish water reservoirs. Evaporation can be minimized by covering the water surface with floating rafts bearing cultivated Sphagna. An array of different cultivation systems could present an optimal constellation for Sphagnum farming on degraded raised bog sites. However, Sphagnum cultivation on floating rafts is also applicable on lakes developing after open cast mining of lignite.

Pattern of degraded raised bog areas; current land use

Pattern of degraded raised bog areas; potential Sphagnum farming

Research objectives in the four projects focus on all aspects of production methods on peat and artificial water bodies as well as on the horticultural applicability of Sphagnum biomass as growing medium and potential environmental effects:

• production of diaspores
• establishment of cultivation areas
• methods of maintenance and harvest
• processing of Sphagnum biomass as a growing medium
• ecological assessment
• horticultural trials
• environmental monitoring of cultivation areas
• climate protective effects

Details of contents and results are shown in the introduction of each project respectively.