Metla Project 3485

Hydrological nutrient losses and methods of water quality protection on peatlands drained for forestry purposes

Duration: 2008-2011 Keywords: Drained peatland forests, ditching, fertilization, ground water level., harvesting, hydrological nutrient losses, interception, transpiration, water quality protection, wetland buffer zones
Research Programme: Production forestry in drained peatlands

Objectives

The proportion of drained peatland forests from the total forestry area is higher in Finland (nearly 20%) than anywhere else in the world. Different forestry operations (e.g., ditch network maintenance, fertilization, harvesting) increase nutrient loads from drained peatlands to lakes and rivers. Different water protection practices (e.g. riparian buffer zones) are used by forestry organisations to reduce these loads. In the present research project, information that is currently not available, is produced about the nutrient export (kg ha-1of treated area) resulting from forest harvesting, fertilization and ditching. The use of different water protection practices in decreasing nutrient loads to water courses is studied with a special focus on their cost-efficiency.

Project leader: Nieminen, Mika
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa Unit, PL 18, FI-01301 VANTAA, FINLAND
Phone: +358 10 211 2399 Telefax: +358 10 211 2206
E-mail: mika.nieminen@metla.fi

Other researchers: Ahti, Erkki (2008-09), Alenius, Virpi, RO (2008-09), Alm, Jukka, JO (2008-09), Hökkä, Hannu, RO (2008-09), Koivusalo, Harri (2008-09), Laine, Jukka, PA (2009), Lauren, Ari, JO (2009), Mikkola, Kari, RO (2008-09), Mäkitalo, Kari, RO (2009), Nousiainen, Hannu, VA (2009), Piirainen, Sirpa, JO (2008-09), Repola, Jaakko, RO (2008-09), Saarinen, Markku, PA (2009), Salminen, Hannu, RO (2009), Sarkkola, Sakari, VA (2008-09), Vuollekoski, Martti, VA (2008-09)

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Updated 17.03.2010
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