A comparison of porewater chemistry between intact, afforested and restored raised and blanket bogs

Afforestation is a significant cause of global peatland degradation. In some regions, afforested bogs are now undergoing clear-felling and restoration, often known as forest-to-bog restoration. We studied differences in water-table depth (WTD) porewater chemistry between intact, afforested, restored at raised bog blanket location. Solute concentrations principal component analysis suggested that drawdown higher electrical conductivity (EC) ammonium (NH 4 -N) were associated with afforestation. contrast, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) phosphate (PO -P) deforestation. Drying-rewetting cycles influenced seasonal variability solute concentrations, particularly shallower the WTD was significantly deeper oldest restoration site (~9 years post-restoration) than intact (mean difference = 6.2 cm). However, (~17 post-restoration), where furrows had been blocked, comparable to 1.2 When averaged for all depths, NH -N sites 0.77 mg L ?1 ) whereas included PO -P 70 ?g DOC 5.6 ), EC 19 ?S cm lower SUVA 254 0.13 m bog. Results indicate felled waste (brash) may be source soluble C -P. Mean two five times drains which brash accumulated compared other locations same not accumulated. Creating maintaining brash-free buffer zones therefore minimise freshwater impacts. • Elevated forestry. clear-felling. different from furrows. The legacy effects afforestation by sea-salt deposition.