12 May 2022 – In the Kaigu peat bog in the Jelgava region, as part of a restoration programme for former peat extraction fields, the company Laflora expanded its pine plantations by 5 hectares and, in cooperation with the Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, organised a seminar to demonstrate scientific research results and transfer knowledge to state and private foresters regarding the afforestation of peat soils suitable for Latvian conditions.
This year, pine plantations on former peat extraction fields were increased by 5 hectares, with over 5,000 pine seedlings planted in peat soil improved with wood ash (5-10 t/ha). Wood ash is a widely available local material, which is significant in the context of a circular economy. The total afforested area in the Kaigu peat bog has now reached 25 ha, with the potential to sequester 203 t of CO2 equivalent per year, partially offsetting the emissions generated by the company during peat extraction and processing.
The pine plantations were established in cooperation with the Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, based on long-term afforestation research in Laflora's Kaigu peat bog. To demonstrate research results and transfer knowledge to the forestry sector, Laflora organised a field seminar alongside this year's tree planting. Participants included representatives from the Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, the University of Latvia, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, JSC Latvijas valsts meži, the Forest Certification Council of Latvia, the Nature Conservation Agency, the Jelgava municipal council, and others.
Scientific solutions suitable for Latvian conditions
At the field seminar, the Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava demonstrated and explained the benefits of improving peat soils with wood ash. Wood ash is an effective, natural way to improve peat soil with long-lasting effects that significantly exceed those of mineral fertilisers.
Scientists also demonstrated the process for measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provided insights into the impact of afforestation on GHG emissions from peat fields. As determined in the EC environment and climate programme project LIFE REstore, which tested the cultivation of various tree species in peatlands at Laflora’s Kaigu peat bog, pines specifically provide the greatest reduction in GHG emissions and promote CO2 sequestration, allowing for the most effective offsetting of GHG emissions produced during peat extraction and processing.
Restoration programme for former peat extraction fields
In accordance with Laflora's concept of responsible peatland management, the company has implemented a restoration programme covering over 200 ha in the part of the Kaigu peat bog where extraction has concluded. The creation of pine plantations for forest cultivation began three years ago. Afforestation is one method of restoration—or subsequent land use—that allows for the offsetting of GHG emissions generated during peat extraction and processing, and is a step towards Laflora's climate neutrality. The company has also implemented restoration scenarios such as the propagation and cultivation of lingonberries, the growing of rhododendrons, heather, and marsh Labrador tea, beekeeping, the cultivation of sphagnum moss and other paludicultures, and the growing of highbush blueberries and large-fruited cranberries.
The next stage in Laflora's restoration programme is the development of a wind farm and a Green Industrial Zone in the Kaigu peat bog, which will play a significant role in the climate-neutral development of the entire Zemgale region.
Photos by Laflora and zemeunvalsts.lv used
