Response of soil respiration to changes in soil temperature and water table level in drained and restored peatlands of the southeastern United States

• DOI: 10.1186/s13021-022-00219-5
• Publication Date: 2022-11-19T11:02:59Z
• Authors: E. E. Swails; M. Ardón; K. W. Krauss; A. L. Peralta; R. E. Emanuel; A. M. Helton; J. L. Morse; L. Gutenberg; N. Cormier; D. Shoch; S. Settlemyer; E. Soderholm; B. P. Boutin; C. Peoples; S. Ward
• Keywords: Ecosystem respiration; Soil respiration; Soil carbon

Abstract Background Extensive drainage of peatlands in the southeastern United States coastal plain for purposes agriculture and timber harvesting has led to large releases soil carbon as dioxide (CO 2 ) due enhanced peat decomposition. Growth mechanisms that provide financial incentives reducing emissions from land use land-use change could increase funding hydrological restoration reduces CO these ecosystems. Measuring respiration physical drivers across a range site characteristics histories is valuable understanding how decomposition may respond raising water table levels. We combined measurements total respiration, depth surface, temperature drained restored at three locations eastern North Carolina one location Virginia investigate relationships among drivers, develop models relating parameters can be easily measured monitored field. Results Total increased with deeper tables warmer temperatures both hydrologically peatlands. Variation was more strongly linked (R = 0.57, p < 0.0001) than sites 0.28, 0.0001). Conclusions The results suggest amplifies impact warming on Proxy estimation represent considerable cost reduction compared direct flux managers contemplating potential climate restoring peatland sites. Research help factors influencing variation addition variables such temperature.