%0 Research Notes
%T Estimates of carbon stores in four Northern Irish lowland raised bogs
%A Tomlinson, Roy
%A Davidson, Laoise
%D 2000
%J Suo - Mires and peat
%V 51
%N 3
%U http://suo.fi/article/9801
%X Soils store more carbon (C) than does vegetation and in Northern Ireland peat has been estimated to account for about 42% of the soil C store. This estimate, however, was based on incomplete field evidence, including uncertainty on peat depths and peat bulk density. This paper aims to show how the estimate might be improved, taking into account bulk density and carbon density measurement. Trial 3-D models are presented to estimate total C content of individual bogs. Results suggest that C stores in northern Irish lowland raised bogs are lower than previously estimated primarily because of low bulk densities which showed no consistent increase with peat depth. Bulk density varied within and between bog profiles on the same bog and between bogs leading to different estimates of C stores. The research indicates a need for more precise modelling of bogs based on stratigraphy and dating of layers and a need for standardised measurement of peat bulk density and carbon storage. The findings, particularly if they apply to the extensive blanket bog, affect local and national totals of soil C stores and have implications for national policies on increasing/preserving C stores.