Circular peat landscape

Abstract

Peatlands are a rare landscape that only covers over 3% of the world’s land mass, but store nearly 30% of all soil carbon (Brooks, 2019). Peat oxidation, driven by the drainage of these wetlands for agricultural purposes, poses a severe threat to the ecological integrity of Friesland’s low midlands. Additionally, it leads to water management challenges, such as water shortages in higher areas and flooding in lower regions. The concept of a circular economy offers a promising solution to this complex problem. By transitioning from a linear model of production and consumption to one focused on reuse, recycling, and minimizing waste, the circular economy aims to reduce pressure on natural resources and mitigate environmental degradation. In the context of Friesland’s peatlands, embracing circular agricultural practices could offer a sustainable approach to relieve peat oxidation.

To determine if circular agriculture practices will alleviate peat oxidation in Friesland’s low midlands, the research question follows: What is the spatial framework based on circular agriculture to relieve peat oxidation in the ‘low midlands’ in Friesland, the Netherlands? With the sub questions: What are the characteristics of the peat landscapes in the low midlands, Friesland, the Netherlands? What agriculture practices have the potential of relieving peat oxidation? What is the relation of the agriculture practices that relieve peat oxidation to the circular agriculture system?

Development of the framework is done by looking into literature review, interviews with stakeholders and expert, and testing the implications of the findings through design research. Through this structured approach, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between peatlands, agricultural practices, and circular economy principles, with the goal of proposing sustainable solutions for preserving the ecosystems of Friesland’s low midlands.

In conclusion, the spatial framework involves an integrated approach combining water management, circular crop and livestock practices, community engagement, and integrating peat ecotypes within the agricultural system.

Maintaining higher water levels in peatlands is crucial to reducing peat oxidation. Circular crop practices include cultivating crops such as Reed, Cattail, and Willow, which thrive in wet conditions and originate from peat landscapes, thus preventing peat oxidation. These practices also support circular livestock practices in combination with strip grazing and flooding to maintain soil health. By reintroducing wooded banks and flooding in the agricultural landscape, traditional practices are preserved and the connection between the local community, nature, and the agricultural landscape is enhanced. A green corridor acts as a vital ecological link between Natura2000 areas ensuring that species can migrate and disperse. The local community plays a vital role in implementing and sustaining this circular agriculture system. The integration of agricultural products for housing materials or biogas creates a strong bond between the community and the landscape. Surplus products are distributed nationally and internationally, broadening market reach and economic benefits.

The study recommends expanding the range of agricultural practices suitable for high-water table environments, further research to understand the impact of different crops on specific peat strata, and investigating the detailed effects of the proposed dairy cattle system.