Paludiculture as exciting new farming practice
Paludiculture is an emerging farming practice that seeks to utilize the natural capacity of wetland ecosystems to produce goods and services. This practice works to increase the production of goods and services, while at the same time conserving or restoring wetland ecosystems.
Paludiculture can be used to increase the diversity of wetland habitats, to reduce the risk of flooding, and to increase water filtration and carbon sequestration. It can also help control the spread of invasive species, increase pollinator habitat, and reduce erosion and siltation.
To implement a successful paludiculture practice, it is important to understand the specific characteristics of the wetlands in which it is to be implemented. The selection of the right plants is also critical, as some species can be beneficial while others can be invasive.
Paludiculture is still a new practice, and there are many challenges associated with the implementation of this practice. One of the main challenges is the lack of knowledge and understanding of the wetland environment and how to best utilize it. Additionally, there is a need for more research to determine which plants are suitable for paludiculture practices in different wetland ecosystems.
Overall, paludiculture is an exciting new farming practice that could potentially provide a variety of goods and services, while at the same time conserving or restoring wetland ecosystems. It is important to have an understanding of the wetland environment in order to determine which species are suitable for paludiculture, and to ensure that the practice is successful.
Prof. em. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans Joosten of the Greifswald Mire Centre (GMC) elaborates how the concept of paludiculture has developed from a niche management option into an inevitable and comprehensive policy strategy to comply with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Both political and technical progress has been impressive but is still far from sufficient. Hans discusses the constraints, challenges, options and perspectives to scale up paludiculture worldwide to reach the ultimate goal. Having all peatlands wet again by 2050.
Contact and further information
Prof. em. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans Joosten
Member of the GMC Coordinating Committee
Email – Phone +49 (0) 3834 4204177 – Curriculum Vitae
Advise for farmers
The Greifswald Mire Centre offers advise for farmers with regard to climate-smart agriculture on peat soils and switching to paludiculture.
Email – Phone: +49 (0) 3834 8354218 – Website