Finnish researchers investigate peat production alternatives in Kontiolahti

Finnish researchers are investigating how abandoned peat production areas can be repurposed. A pilot project in Kontiolahti, North Karelia, focuses on cultivating sphagnum moss. “We need alternatives to peat for both energy and food production. We are exploring whether wetland cultivation of sphagnum moss could be one viable option,” explains Teemu Tahvanainen, an associate professor and researcher from the University of Eastern Finland.

In the area previously used for peat extraction, a ten-hectare bird wetland has already been established, alongside a wetland cultivation field. The initiative is funded by the EU’s Just Transition Fund, which supports regional efforts towards climate neutrality. As peat usage declines, workers in the peat industry require new employment opportunities, and sphagnum moss cultivation could serve as one potential solution.

Sphagnum moss holds significant market potential as a substitute for peat in food production. The moss is lighter and has mild antiseptic properties, reducing the growth of certain harmful microbes. With peat being the most widely used growing medium globally, both peat extraction and the drainage of peatlands for forestry have serious environmental impacts. In Finland, these practices are particularly prevalent, necessitating the exploration of alternative wetland solutions such as restoration and cultivation.

The research at Kyyrönsuo focuses on cultivating two species of sphagnum moss. The experimental site has been prepared with drainage ditches and to manage water flow. Researchers are monitoring the effects of added biochar on moss growth rates. This pilot project not only aims to secure a sustainable future but also considers integrating solar energy production in the area, potentially leading to innovative agricultural practices that can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.