New Peat Soil Map Reveals Expanded Coverage Across Ireland’s Landscape

A recent study conducted by researchers from Trinity, the University of Galway, and Queens University Belfast has unveiled a groundbreaking new map showcasing the extensive presence of peat soils across Ireland‘s terrain. The map, which provides a 13% increase in peat soil coverage compared to previous versions, is a significant development in land use planning and environmental conservation efforts.

The research team applied a wider definition of peat soils based on recommendations from the United Nations Global Peatlands Initiative. This new Ireland Peat Soil Map (IPSM) now includes areas with shallow peat soils that contain substantial soil carbon deposits, essential for absorbing greenhouse gases and addressing critical environmental challenges in the country.

Lead author Dr. Louis Gilet from Trinity expressed the importance of continually updating such maps as new data emerges, highlighting the role of the IPSM in pinpointing peat soil locations accurately. This advancement can greatly assist in implementing regulations related to carbon-rich soils, climate change mitigation, and making informed decisions regarding land use, biodiversity conservation, and water management.

Historically, the value of peat soils was predominantly linked to economic purposes like extraction for agricultural or forestry practices. However, recent years have seen a shift in focus towards recognizing their role in environmental processes, as well as the cultural and scientific significance they hold.

Co-author Dr. Terry Morley from the University of Galway underscored the vital role peat soils play in helping Ireland achieve national and global targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as their contribution to regulating water quality, stream flow, and providing habitat for various species.

The new peat soil map represents a paradigm shift in the approach to mapping these soils, moving away from an agronomic perspective to one that emphasizes their environmental impact. Dr. Raymond Flynn from Queen’s University Belfast emphasized the importance of understanding the environmental processes influenced by peat and peat soils.

Dr. John Connolly, a geographer at Trinity and one of the authors of the Global Peatlands Assessment, highlighted the significant carbon stocks held within Ireland’s peatlands. He stressed the urgency of accurate identification, mapping, and management of peat soils to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and enhance biodiversity in the Irish landscape.

The research, recently published in the journal Geoderma, is part of the RePEAT project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The findings offer valuable insights into the vital role peat soils play in Ireland’s environmental sustainability and underscore the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these crucial ecosystems.