UWSpace is currently experiencing technical difficulties resulting from its recent migration to a new version of its software. These technical issues are not affecting the submission and browse features of the site. UWaterloo community members may continue submitting items to UWSpace. We apologize for the inconvenience, and are actively working to resolve these technical issues.
 

Effect of Plant Functional Type on Methane Dynamics in a Restored Minerotrophic Peatland

Thumbnail Image

Files

Strack et al. 2017 Plant and Soil accepted.pdf (685.86 KB)

Date

2017-01

Authors

Strack, Maria
Mwakanyamale, Kisa
Fard, Golnoush Hassanpour
Bird, Melanie
Bérubé, Vicky
Rochefort, Line

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Springer

Abstract

Background and Aims: Peatland methane (CH4) fluxes may vary between plant types; however, in mixed communities, the specific role of each species is difficult to distinguish. The goal of this study was to determine the individual and interacting effect of moss, graminoid and shrub plant functional types on CH4 dynamics of experimentally planted plots in a rewetted minerotrophic peatland. Methods We measured CH4 flux, pore water CH4 concentration and CH4 production and oxidation potential in pure stands of reintroduced Tomenthypnum nitens (Hedw.) Loeske, Carex aquatilis Wahlenb, or Myrica gale L., as well as mixtures of T. nitens + C. aquatilis and T. nitens + M. gale. Methane flux was also measured on bare peat plots. ResultsThe presence of both the graminoid C. aquatilis and the shrub M. gale resulted in the highest CH4 production potential in near surface peat (10 cm). The presence of moss (T. nitens) and C. aquatilis significantly increased CH4 oxidation potential. Water table position was a significant control on CH4 flux, but the presence of C. aquatilis maintained higher flux even at dry plots. Plots including C. aquatilis had significantly lower pore water CH4 concentration at 30 cm depth, likely reflecting CH4 oxidation and transport. Conclusions Management of restored sites aiming to reduce CH4 flux should focus on hydrology, i.e. water table position. The presence of graminoids enhances CH4 flux, while moss presence may result in lower CH4 emission.

Description

This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in [insert journal title]. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-016-2999-6

Keywords

methane, Carex aquatilis, fen, Myrica gale, Tomenthypnum nitens

LC Keywords

Citation

URI

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-016-2999-6
 http://hdl.handle.net/10012/18892

Collections

Waterloo Research
Geography and Environmental Management