Are phenolic enrichments along with rewetting a necessary approach towards carbon sequestration, impeding decomposition, and optimized Sphagnum productivity?

Peatlands act as vast carbon (C) reservoirs by regulating decomposition over millennia. Considerable changes due to anthropogenic activities such as peat extraction have shifted long-term C sink to atmospheric C source. Previously, bioengineering tools as rewetting were used to reverse post-extracted peatland hydro-physical properties, and phenolic addition was used on small scale to test the enzymic latch process but ends up with contradictory results. Therefore, we aimed to combine rewetting with phenolic addition on large scale to strengthen enzymic latch and to test how it can suppress enzymes activities, reduce peat decomposition, promote Sphagnum productivity, and limit greenhouse gas emissions. For this, multiple measurements such as carbon flux, decomposition rate, Sphagnum biomass and productivity will be conducted in Quebec, while extracellular enzymes activities will be analyzed in Bangor University, Wales. It is expected that proposed technique will strengthen the enzymic latch and will help to formulate strategies for reducing C emissions in the peatland ecosystem.

Faculty Supervisor:

Line Rochefort

Student:

Partner:

Bangor University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université Laval

Program: