Ecosystem-level Monitoring of Environmental Impact after Peatland Rewetting

We introduce a comprehensive observation and measurement framework designed to monitor ecosystem-level changes in a former peat extraction area using advanced instrumentation and digitalisation tools. This system aims to deliver accurate scientific data to support peatland management decisions and provide reference measurements for carbon emission calculations in the land use sector. In Finland, peat extraction for energy is being phased out as part of the green transition. Former extraction sites are commonly restored through rewetting, yet the short- and long-term impacts on water quality, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we have established an intensive monitoring site at the Turvesuo–Miehonsuo peat extraction area in the Sanginjoki catchment near Oulu, Finland. Peat extraction ended in 2023, and rewetting is planned for 2025–2026. Our monitoring integrates online and cloud-based data transfer, model input, and visualisation from: 1) continuous high-frequency water quality and aquatic gas measurements, 2) eddy covariance and chamber-based GHG flux monitoring, 3) drone surveys for spatial variability assessment, 4) hydrological monitoring of surface and groundwater, 5) microbial and algal community analyses, and 6) detailed vascular plant and bryophyte inventories. This approach will provide a robust dataset for evaluating the environmental impacts of peatland rewetting using latest technological advances.