A new study by the University of Cambridge and the RSPB shows that farming on wetter peatlands can benefit both nature and farmers. This method is called paludiculture. It means growing crops that can live in wet soil. Instead of draining the land for normal farming, farmers keep it wet and grow special plants that thrive in these conditions.
Researchers say this approach can support more birds, reduce harmful emissions, and still allow farmers to earn a living. Peatlands are essential for the environment. They store large amounts of carbon, which helps slow down climate change. Since the 1600s, farmers in the UK have drained many peatlands to create space for agriculture.
Today, about 90% of lowland peatlands have been dried out. While this practice has helped agriculture, it has also caused problems. Drained peat releases carbon into the air, adding to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, these lands now contribute around 4% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Paludiculture offers a different way of farming. Instead of drying out the soil, farmers keep it wet and grow plants that can survive in these conditions. This helps protect the peat and reduces the amount of carbon released.
At the same time, it keeps the land productive. In the study published in Ecological Solutions and Evidence, scientists compared three types of land: natural wetlands, wet farms using paludiculture, and dry grasslands used for grazing. The research took place in the Netherlands. The results indicated that wet farming areas had three times more birds than drained grasslands. In fact, the number of birds in these areas resembled that of natural wetlands. The researchers also found a wide mix of bird species in these wet farming areas. Birds that typically inhabit grasslands were observed alongside reed warblers and sedge warblers, which prefer wetlands.
This created a rich and diverse bird population. Some of the species found are considered important for conservation, meaning they need protection due to declining numbers. Although paludiculture does not fully replace natural wetlands, it still provides a valuable habitat for wildlife. It can act as a middle ground between farming and conservation. Experts say that if farmers carefully plan when they harvest crops, they can avoid disturbing birds during their breeding season.
This makes the land even more suitable for wildlife. Researchers believe this type of farming could help solve several problems at once. It reduces emissions, supports biodiversity, and allows farming to continue. This method is especially important as demand for land increases. Farmers need ways to stay productive while also protecting the environment, such as adopting sustainable practices and technologies that enhance crop yields without harming ecosystems. Paludiculture could also play a role in helping countries meet their climate goals. By cutting emissions from peatlands, it supports efforts to reach net zero targets.
At the same time, it can produce useful materials, such as food and plant fibres, adding economic value. However, the method is still new, so it needs more support to grow. Farmers may need training, money, and proper guidance to change to this way of farming. There also needs to be a viable market for crops that grow in wet land. Without these, it can be challenging for farmers to make the switch.
Some projects are already testing how this method works in real life. For example, trials are being done to grow bulrush, a plant that grows well in wet soil. Researchers are also studying if these plants can help clean water by removing extra nutrients from nearby farms.
This could improve the health of surrounding wetlands. Experts warn that the time to protect peatlands is limited. Drained lands are continuing to degrade, and current farming methods may not be sustainable in the long term, leading to further loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services that peatlands provide.
Paludiculture, together with restoring natural wetlands, offers a hopeful solution. In the future, farming on wetter land could become an important part of agriculture. With the right support, it can benefit nature, the climate, and people. It also provides farmers a way to adapt and continue their work. At the same time, it helps create a more sustainable and balanced environment for everyone.
