Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a powerful greenhouse gas. Peatlands are large global nitrogen storages, and especially nutrient rich and drained peatlands can serve as N2O sources. As the climate warms, frequency of extreme weather events, such as wildfires and freeze-thaw episodes, increases. These events have been found to rapidly increase the release of N2O from soil. This project studies the N2O emissions of boreal peatlands post-fire and during freeze-thaw cycles. Studies in this area are currently lacking, which is why the current N2O emission estimates are uncertain. In this project we will perform a peat column experiment where the peat of managed and natural peatlands are exposed to fire and freeze-thaw cycles. The results provide information on episodic N2O emissions, which helps to predict total emissions and reduce their uncertainty. The research also promotes climate-smart solutions in the management of forestry and peatlands, as well as in environmental policy decision-making

2024

2028