Reducing CO2 Emissions: Model Study of Innovative Peatland Rewetting

Water for agriculture

In a feasibility study, Acacia Water surveyed the extent to which a drip infiltration system (DIS) can contribute to the rewetting of peat soils and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This modeling study shows the effect of different DIS variants on groundwater levels, soil moisture, temperature, and emissions. Drip irrigation is already being used successfully in agriculture. The application is new when focused on the goal of peat rewetting. For this application the effects of the measure on groundwater levels, soil moisture, resulting greenhouse gas emissions and grassland yield are not yet well known or tested.

Key Takeaways

  • Hydrological plot scale models that take into account the hydrology of the unsaturated zone provide insights into important parameters for peat decomposition.
  • Using these models it is possible to systematically simulate different implementation variants of the measure and to determine theeffect of different parameters.
  • Agricultural effects that influence the feasibility of the measure can also be estimated using hydrological calculations with an unsaturated zone model.
  • Based on moisture and temperature in the soil, the CO2 emissions from peat decomposition can be calculated for different scenarios using the calculation method from SOMERS 2.0.
  • By supplementing the model calculations with local data, the approach can also be used more specifically for a particular plot or area.

Project Details

Started: 2025 – Completed: 2025
Ref: 251603 | Status: Completed
Title: Haalbaarheidsstudie DIS (Feasibility Study DIS)

Background

Peat meadows are a major source of greenhouse gases. Drainage of peat soils allows oxygen to enter the peat, causing it to decompose. This releases the greenhouse gas CO2. Rewetting peat soils can slow down this decomposition. However, under very wet conditions, the powerful greenhouse gas methane can also be released. CO2 emissions are influenced by factors such as soil moisture and temperature, while methane emissions are strongly related to the groundwater level. Hydrological plot scale models can therefore provide insight into the effectiveness of rewetting measures to combat these greenhouse gases and the risks related to the measures.

Drip infiltration systems (DIS) are being investigated as a measure within the VIP-NL program. The aim is to use drip hoses to reduce greenhouse gases produced by peat soils. Drip infiltration is successfully used for irrigating agricultural land, but its use to combat peat decomposition is new. Knowledge and insights are still developing, and widespread use of DIS is not yet on the agenda.

Prior to a larger-scale field study, VIP-NL wanted to explore the possible effects of the measure on water management and greenhouse gases in a peat soil. Using model scenarios, we can make an estimate and provide insight into the effect of various parameters. The follow-up practical research of VIPNL-DIS makes use of the results from this feasibility study.

Activities

For this feasibility study, hydrological insights from plot models were combined with calculations of CO2 emissions according to the SOMERS 2.0 calculation methodology. Acacia Water set up hydrological plot models in Hydrus2D that simulate the measure of drip infiltration in a peat soil and calculate the expected effect on groundwater levels, moisture, and soil temperature.

The SOMERS 2.0 methodology, as developed within the National Research Program on Greenhouse Gases in Peat Meadows (NOBV), was then applied to the hydrological results to calculate the associated CO2 emissions. The SOMERS 2.0 method incorporates the latest scientific insights into the mechanisms in peat soil that lead to decomposition.

The calculations in this study provide insight into the effect of different implementation variants (such as depths, distances, and drip fluxes of the drip tape) on the groundwater level, soil moisture, soil temperature, and CO2 emissions. An estimate has also been made of the possible effects on other greenhouse gases and on agricultural practices. These effects will be monitored and tested in the coming period in the VIPNL-DIS practical research on different variants (such as depth, width, and fluxes of the infiltration with drip tape).

Findings

The modeling method used for this study can be applied more broadly to calculate the effect of all kinds of rewetting measures on a peat parcel and to gain insight into the effect and sensitivity of various parameters when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions and agricultural effects.

The feasibility study was conducted as part of VIP-NL-DIS (project number V6800) with Rienk Schaafsma as the lead theme holder on behalf of the VIC. The report can be found on the VIC website (Drip Infiltration – Peat Meadows Innovation Center, VIC) and via the download button on this page.

Project Areas

Dutch peatland

Geographic scope: Regional

Downloads and Links

Eindrapport Haalbaarheidsstudie DIS – Potentiële effecten van druppelinfiltratie op veenafbraak (Acacia Water 2025). (Dutch only)

In Cooperation With

Commissioned by:

Veenweiden Innovatiecentrum (VIC)

Funded by:

Veenweiden Innovatiecentrum (VIC) Veenweiden Innovatie Programma voor Nederland (VIPNL)

Project partners:

Acacia Water

Contact

Tessa van Hateren

Hydrologist

+31 6 27 20 86 99
tessa.vanhateren@acaciawater.com
tessa-van-hateren

Related topics

Climate resilience, DIS, Drought, Peat, Water Infiltration System

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