Extended dry spell conditions significantly decrease the capacity of peat to absorb additional carbon dioxide (CO2). One-half was exposed to mild drought, with the water level roughly 5 centimeters lower than the peat itself. The other half was subjected to severe dry spell conditions; in this case, the water was twenty centimeters below the peat. Credit: Bjorn Robroek, Radboud UniversityThese experiments revealed that peat exposed to moderate dry spell still takes in an affordable quantity of carbon. Robroek: Under severe drought conditions, nevertheless, the peat can hardly take on any more carbon.
Prolonged dry spell conditions substantially reduce the capacity of peat to take in extra carbon dioxide (CO2). Credit: Bjorn Robroek, Radboud UniversityThese experiments revealed that peat exposed to moderate drought still soaks up a reasonable quantity of carbon. Robroek: Under severe drought conditions, nevertheless, the peat can barely take on any more carbon.
