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How is Peat Obtained in the Bogs Managed by LVM?

To provide Latvia and other European countries with the peat substrate indispensable in horticulture, forestry, and agriculture, as well as to promote the development of the national economy, JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) obtains peat on an area of ​​17 000 ha throughout the territory of Latvia. Responsible and sustainable management of bogs helps preserve the value of these unique ecosystems and ensures the availability of peat resources for future generations.

Bog ecosystems are a unique environment that contributes to the preservation of biological diversity by providing the necessary living space for various species. That is why peat is mined only in bogs where peat mining has already taken place historically.

Conditions for sustainable management

Responsible and sustainable use of bogs means following a number of important principles. Careful planning and an environmental impact assessment should be carried out before the start of operations. It helps identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. It is equally important to use environmentally friendly technologies and methods that minimize the negative impact of works on the bog ecosystem. For example, innovative technologies are used to measure the temperature of peat stacks, thereby preventively monitoring the heating of the stacks to reduce the risks of peat ignition.

Regular monitoring is another important aspect. This includes constant monitoring of the state of the environment to ensure that economic activity does not cause any unwanted changes in the adjacent ecosystem. Monitoring data helps identify and correct problems early, ensuring that operations are adjusted and improved as needed.

Photo: Peat extraction site, where peat extraction has historically been stopped and where it is planned to be resumed

Sustainable use of bogs also includes the planning and implementation of recultivation after the completion of economic activity. Even before the development of the bog, a detailed reclamation plan must be developed, which includes specific actions for the restoration of the bog. Often, developed bogs become forests or agricultural orchards after reclamation. In 2023 and 2024, the recultivation of peat extraction areas was completed in an area of 86.76 ha. 

First of all – to be safe for the environment

When conducting economic activities at peat extraction sites, it is important to follow certain principles to ensure environmental protection and sustainable use of resources. Bogs are sensitive ecosystems, so wrong handling can have very long-lasting and negative consequences. First of all, all applicable environmental protection laws must be followed. This includes obtaining the necessary permits and licenses before starting any economic activities. Peat mining and other industrial activities are strictly regulated to ensure that they are carried out in an environmentally friendly manner. Uncontrolled activities that could cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem, such as soil pollution, deterioration of adjacent areas, including inappropriate changes to the water regime or endangering biological diversity, must not be carried out.

The irreplaceable peat substrate

Bogs are unique and diverse natural formations. Peat bogs stand out for their biodiversity, they are home to many species of plants and animals, including rare and protected ones, so bogs are particularly important in the context of nature conservation. Peat is one of the main resources of the bog. Peat substrates are produced from the obtained peat or it is pre-processed and used for growing vegetables, flowers, tree seedlings and for beautification and greening of settlements.

Peat substrate is indispensable in growing plants due to its ability to store water and nutrients. One cubic metre of peat substrate can grow 7.5 thousand young pine seedlings. Milled peat and lump peat are mainly produced in Latvia. Milled peat is obtained with vacuum collectors, while lump peat is obtained with the method of cut peat.

Photo: Peat extraction by milling method

Latvia is the largest peat mining country in the world in terms of mining volumes, leaving behind such peat giants as Canada and Germany and thus ensuring the availability of peat substrates throughout Europe and the world.

Historically mined and used for heat

The first evidence of peat extraction in Latvia dates back to the end of the 18th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, the first public sector positions for the management of state resources were already created. Initially, peat was extracted to be used for heat energy. During the First World War, peat extraction was carried out in more than 300 bogs in Latvia, so that small farms and homesteads could provide themselves with fuel during the winter months. Peat was relatively widely used for heat energy production until the beginning of the 21st century. The use of peat as a fuel resource reached the greatest reduction in 2003, when the peat-fired TEC-1 central plant, peat factories and the peat sections of the drainage system were closed and privatized. Currently, peat is used as fuel up to 3 % of the total amount obtained.