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LVM is Looking for Opportunities for Beneficial Use of Historical and Degraded Bogs

JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) manages areas of bogs where peat extraction takes place, as well as areas where peat extraction does not take place due to various reasons. To find the best and most efficient ways of using land areas and increase the efficiency of land use, LVM has started the process of identifying historical peat mining sites and degraded bogs.

The future use of historic peat extraction sites and degraded bogs is determined by various factors, which are assessed by surveying the specific area in nature. While on site, the hydrological regime and the condition of the drainage system, the thickness of the remaining peat layer, the type of peat, the relief, the chemical composition of the inflowing mineral water, the adjacent territories and other factors are evaluated. When evaluating future activity or possible activity restrictions in a specific area, one of the most important conditions is the natural values found there.

“If, after surveying the territory of the bogs, it is concluded that the restoration of the bog is possible, then the best solutions are sought for how to do it, because it is a long-term investment for future generations, ensuring potential peat extraction, which is an important source of income for the Latvian economy.

As the bog regeneration process is very slow, LVM is examining various options as part of this recultivation process, such as planting sphagnum, growing semi-arid crops, which are part of the bog formation process. These are innovative solutions that are still at the research stage, but such knowledge and experience would also be useful for LVM to achieve its future goals, looking for alternatives to compensate for depleted natural resources or new ecological solutions to replace existing raw materials,” says Dārta Amelija Pūliņa, Reclamation Specialist at LVM Zemes dzīles.

In those places where it is not possible to restore the bog-like environment in the near future, other useful and environmentally friendly ways of use are being sought. One of them is afforestation. Afforestation not only generates added value for the environment and the economy of Latvia, but also reduces the environmental risks that an open peat field may have, such as soil degradation, sharp fluctuations in the groundwater level, and fires. In turn, in places where it is not possible to restore or afforest the swamp, alternatives are being considered, such as installing solar panels and wind generators for the production of renewable energy.

To find the best solutions for the beneficial use of historical and degraded bogs, LVM establishes cooperation with Latvian and foreign bog recultivation specialists, jointly surveying bogs within the framework of various recultivation projects.