The Impact of Land Use and Climate Change on Cultivated Peatlands

Peatlands are among the most efficient natural carbon stores on Earth, yet they are rapidly undergoing transformation. Globally, 10–20% of peatlands have been drained for agriculture, forestry, or peat extraction, and they already account for about 5% of global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. In some European countries and Southeast Asian regions, drained peatlands are responsible for more than 60% of Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) emissions, making them critical climate hotspots.

Growing demand for food, fiber, and timber is driving the conversion of intact peatlands to cropland and plantations, leading to deforestation, agricultural expansion, peat degradation, erosion, fires, and the disruption of nutrient, carbon, water, and energy cycles. Drainage and development alter the topo-hydrological nature of peatland and the physical properties of peat soils, accelerate decomposition and mineralization, and often result in subsidence and long-term loss of soil function.

Climate change further intensifies these risks. In northern peatlands, rapid warming accelerates peat decomposition; in tropical peatlands, more frequent and intense droughts lower groundwater levels and greatly increase the likelihood of peat fires. These changes amplify greenhouse gas emissions, peat degradation, and global warming.

In this Special Issue, “The Impact of Land Use and Climate Change on Cultivated Peatlands,” we seek the submission of original research and reviews based on field observations that achieve the following:

• Quantify key soil processes (drainage, peat fires, land cover change, and subsidence);
• Provide measurements at plot to landscape scales (carbon balance, water levels, and soil properties);
• Assess impacts (greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, biodiversity, and ecosystem services);
• Evaluate mitigation and adaptation options (water management and rewetting, compaction control, mineral soil addition or fertilization, and climate-smart land use systems).

By collating evidence from different climates and land use systems, through this Special Issue we aim to improve understanding of cultivated peatlands and support practical solutions for climate mitigation, sustainable production, and peatland conservation.

Dr. Lulie Melling
Prof. Dr. Ryusuke Hatano
Guest Editors

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