Sustainable use of Estonian peat resources and environmental challenges Mall Orru The Geological Survey of Estonia
Background Peatlands cover 22.3% of Estonian territory (1 009 100 ha) ~60% of peatlands are formed as paludification of mineral soils and ~40% as lake paludification Total number of the peatlands is 9836; 85% of them are small (1-10 ha) Average thickness of peat layer is 3-4 m
Background Peatlands cover 22,3% of Estonian territory (1 009 100 ha) 60% of peatlands are formed as paludification of mineral soils and 40% as lake paludification Total number of the peatlands is 9836, 85% of them are small (1-10 ha) Average thickness of peat layer is 3-4 m
Investigation of Estonian peatlands Work started in 1967 in the Geological Survey of Estonia (EGK) All mires with area >1 ha were investigated and mapped (1:10 000, 1:25 000) Thickness of peat layer, peat type, ash content, ph, moisture, hydrological, and geological condition were studied ~70 000 samples were analysed in laboratory
Environmental register, list of deposits Started in 1996 in EGK, recently hold by Estonian Land Board List of deposits consists 279 peat deposits Area of peat deposits is ~260 000 ha, which contains 26% of total peatlands area and 8% of Estonian territory List of deposits is complemented constantly
Peat resources Total resources 2.37 billion tons Active proved reserves Active probable In list of peat deposits 0.22 billion reserves 0.82 1.60 billion tons tonnes billion tonnes (16% light humified, 84% well humified) Passive reserves 0.56 billion tonnes
Peat extraction It is extracted from 77 deposits Production fields area is 20 550 ha Peat is mainly used for horticulture and fuel Peat production ranges from 0.9-1.5 million tons
Peat extraction 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 1953 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 0 Light humified peat Well humified peat According to the Sustainable Development Act the extraction can not exceed 2.6 million tons per year
Mire protection Mire protection area 161 575 ha With Natura 2000 protected areas 211 421 ha 72% of them are raised bogs 22% of Estonian mires are under protection
Alternative use of peat Environmental technological solutions Like sorbents, wastewater treatment etc. Peat balneology Research has been carried out by EGK Clinical experiments in progress
Abandoned peat production areas 154 abandoned peat production areas in Estonia with area 8500 ha Peat reserves not totally exhausted yet there High CO 2 emission due peat humification Peat mineralises in such areas
Revision of abandoned peat production areas Carried out by EGK since 2005 At the end of 2007 the revision will be completed in 12 counties Study questions: remained peat resources; state of water regime; drainage network; revegetation etc.
Põlliku peatland
Põlliku peatland 2
Imsi peatland
Hõreda peatland
Rabivere peatland
Viru peatland
Hara peatland
Hara peatland 2
As the results of the study To provide information for decisionmakers weather reestablish mire, turn into wetland, reforest, plant with berries or make a body of water The above-described problem is topical in the other countries as well In 2008, XIII International peat Congress After Wise Use the Future of Peatlands will be organised by the International Peat Society in Tullamore, Ireland
Plantation of berries Plantation of cranberries and blueberries in abandoned peatlands Studies carried out by Estonian University of Life Sciences
Conclusions Continue and develop sustainable use of peat resources and peatlands Find alternative usage for peat Better co-operation between scientists, decisionmakers, peatproducers etc. Make the linking of borders of peat deposits, protection areas, and peat production available Improve scientific studies of abandoned peat areas multidisciplinary analyses geologist, ecologist, botanist, hydrologist
Thank you for your attention! Contact: orru@egk.ee