Bergsma, Daphne (2023) The effect of water management on groundwater levels, soil moisture, and CO2 emission of grassland clay-on- peat soils in Friesland, the Netherlands. Bachelor thesis, Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL).
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Abstract
Background: Globally, peatlands are degrading and emitting CO2. This is because of the global intensification of agricultural practices to feed the increasing global population. However, this is at the expense of the soil’s health. Peatlands, in particular, are susceptible to degradation due to lowered water levels, resulting in CO2 release and land subsidence. However, if well managed, peatland can act as a carbon sink. This research aims to investigate the impact of different water management strategies on groundwater fluctuations, CO2 emissions, and soil moisture in grassland clay-on-peat soils during the early growing season in Friesland, the Netherlands. Methods: The research study was conducted on two organic farms in Friesland, focusing on clay-on-peat grassland. The data collection consisted of three rounds in the field in the early spring, with measurements taken at different locations within the fields. Measurements included CO2 flux, soil moisture, soil organic matter (SOM), groundwater level, soil structure, penetration resistance, vegetation height, and grass-herb percentage. Lab work involved analysing SOM using the Loss on Ignition (LOI) method. A survey was conducted with farmers to gather information on water management practices. Data analysis was performed using statistical tools including Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS). The study also considered weather data from the closest weather stations to understand its influence on the variables. Ethical considerations were taken into account, including obtaining permission from landowners and pseudonymizing the data to ensure privacy. Results: The results did not confirm the hypothesis. There were no clear trends found in the CO2 emissions, groundwater level, and soil moisture, through the growing season Additionally, several variables that were regressed against the CO2 flux did not show significant trends. Reasons why the results differ from the hypothesis are due to unanticipated weather conditions and the capacity of the soil to absorb water.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Name supervisor: | Kraamwinkel, C.T. and Howison, R.A. |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Sep 2023 10:56 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Sep 2023 10:56 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/350 |
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