What is paludiculture and how does it help Irish farmers?

Paludiculture is farming on wet peatlands. It helps Irish farmers by creating new income streams through growing specific crops and selling carbon credits, while also reversing environmental degradation.

How can farmers in Ireland earn money from peatlands?

Farmers in Ireland can earn money by implementing paludiculture, cultivating crops on wet peat, and by selling carbon credits generated from the avoided CO2 emissions on their re-wetted peatlands.

What is the Peatlands for Prosperity project?

The Peatlands for Prosperity project is an initiative in Ireland's Midlands that trials paludiculture on farms to demonstrate how wet peatlands can be economically viable and environmentally beneficial.

Home / Environment / Watered Peatlands: Ireland's New Green Gold Rush

Watered Peatlands: Ireland's New Green Gold Rush

6 Jan

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Summary

Paludiculture uses water to revitalize dry, polluting peatlands in Ireland.
Farmers can earn income by selling carbon credits from re-wetted peatlands.
The Peatlands for Prosperity project trials diverse crops on wet peat soils.

Watered Peatlands: Ireland's New Green Gold Rush

In Ireland's Midlands, a pioneering initiative called Peatlands for Prosperity is unlocking economic potential in previously polluting peatlands. The project champions 'paludiculture,' a farming method centered on reintroducing water to dry peat soils. This approach not only combats environmental pollution but also creates new income streams for farmers.

Led by Green Restoration Ireland, the project has established trial farms testing a variety of crops, including herbs, fruits, and horticultural materials, suitable for wet peat conditions. Farmers are encouraged to visit these sites to learn about the diverse possibilities offered by this innovative agricultural practice.

Beyond crop cultivation, re-wetted peatlands can generate revenue through carbon credits. By preventing CO2 emissions—estimated at 11-12 tonnes per hectare annually—farmers can potentially earn significant income, turning environmental remediation into a direct financial benefit.