Restoration strategies for block cut peatlands: A hydrological and plant community analysis

Typical bog species naturally return to block cut peatlands after abandonment; however, they have a distinctly low level of Sphagnum cover. The objective of this study was to develop restoration strategies for the bryophyte community of these peatlands. We conducted two experiments to fulfill this objective: (1) modification of the hydrology through the creation of peat dams and (2) plant inventories and characterization of the rate of return of Sphagnum in a site dammed 6 years ago. The primary ditch dam positively affected the hydrology of the site. Water tables were higher (+10 to 15 cm) and soil tension lower within an area that extended between 30 and 150 m from the main ditch blockage. The effects of the secondary trench dams did not significantly enhance rewetting during the experiment. Sphagnum frequency increased to over 30% on portions of a second site which had been blocked for 6 years.