Long-term rewetting of degraded peatlands restores hydrological buffer function

Area of Science:

• Ecohydrology
• Peatland Biogeochemistry
• Hydrology

Background:

• Precipitation significantly influences shallow water table dynamics.
• Peatland groundwater response to precipitation is understudied.
• Understanding peatland hydrology is crucial for ecosystem management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of rewetting on peatland hydrological buffer capacity.
• To compare groundwater table response rates to precipitation in drained versus rewetted fens.
• To characterize ecohydrological processes in differently managed peatlands.

Main Methods:

• Field study comparing a drained and a rewetted fen.
• Analysis of groundwater table response rates following precipitation events.
• Multiple regression analysis to assess influencing factors.

Main Results:

• The rewetted fen exhibited a more than two times lower groundwater table response rate to precipitation compared to the drained fen.
• Higher specific yield in the rewetted fen's peat leads to slower water table rise.
• 20 years of rewetting created macropore-rich organic material, enhancing storage capacity.

Conclusions:

• Rewetting significantly improves the hydrological buffer function of fens against heavy precipitation.
• Long-term rewetting promotes peat accumulation and alters water table response.
• Restoration measures can effectively enhance the hydrological functions of percolation fens.