Peatuste

Peatuste is a term used in ecological restoration and peatland management to describe the process by which degraded peatlands recover toward a self-sustaining, peat-forming state. It encompasses hydrological restoration, vegetation reestablishment, and peat accumulation that, over time, supports long-term carbon storage and biodiversity.

The word appears in scholarly and practice-oriented literature as a concept rather than a universally standardized label. Its exact definition and scope can vary among studies, but the core idea is a managed trajectory from disturbance—such as drainage or erosion—to renewed peat formation and functional peatland ecosystems.

The peatuste process typically involves several interrelated steps. Hydrological restoration aims to raise the water table by reducing drainage and reestablishing natural waterflow. Rewetting creates anoxic conditions that slow peat decomposition and favors peat-forming mosses, especially Sphagnum, which contribute to peat accumulation. Vegetation management supports a mosaic of microhabitats, including hollows and hummocks, that sustain diverse plant communities. Over time, dead plant material accumulates faster than it decomposes, gradually increasing peat depth and soil organic matter.

Ecological and climate significance is tied to enhanced carbon sequestration, improved water regulation, and restoration of habitat quality for specialized species. Peatuste projects face challenges such as climate variability, subsidence, invasive species, and ongoing management needs. Monitoring typically tracks water table levels, peat depth, vegetation composition, and carbon flux to assess progress toward a stabilized, peat-forming state.

See also: peatland restoration, carbon sequestration in peatlands, boreal wetlands.