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Subsidence rates of peat since 1924 in the Rukuhia swamp

TR 2004/20
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Report: TR 2004/20

Author: Neil Fitzgerald; Malcolm McLeod, Landcare Research Ltd.

Abstract

Rukuhia Swamp is one of a number of peat bogs in the Waikato region that have been drained and converted to agriculture and horticulture. Conversion results in subsidence of the peat due to consolidation and loss of organic matter through peat mineralisation (Schipper & McLeod 2002).

Obtaining information on subsidence rates is important for future land-use management and the development of mitigation strategies to reduce subsidence rates and CO2 emissions.

Subsidence Rates of Peat Since 1924 in the Rukuhia Swamp [PDF, 301 KB]