Study Guide

Objectives

The aim of the course is to give the student the skills to identify different types of natural bogs and types of drained peatlands, as well as the skills to plan and implement management measures for peatland forests in such a way that, at the same time, harmful effects on water bodies and greenhouse emissions are minimized.

After completing the course, the student:
• knows special ecological features of peatland forests and their impact on the management on peatland forests
• knows the site classification system of undrained and drained peatlands and is able to classify peatland sites in field conditions
• knows how to plan silvicultural operations on peatland forests and knows the special features of peatland forests from the point of view of water conditions and timber harvesting
• knows the importance of peatland forests for carbon balance and biodiversity, effects of the use of peatland forests on aquatic ecosystems and means to minimize harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems

Content

Classification of mires and drained peatlands, ecology of peatlands, the role of peatlands in global carbon and methan cycle, forest harvesting on peatlands, silviculture on peatland forests, effects of ditching and peatland management on aquatic ecosystems

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student knows how to outline the habitat classification of mires and peatlands and can use plant species as help in their identification. The student is able to draw some conclusions about forest management measures and the environmental impacts of forest management and harvesting on pealands.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student knows the habitat classification of mires and peatlands and is able to use plant species in a variety of ways to help to identify them. He/she knows how to make decisions on silvicultural and harvesting measures and knows how to minimize negative impact on the environment.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student knows how to classify both natural mire types and drained peatlands. He/she knows a comprehensive amount of peatland plant species. The student knows how to make well -prepared decisions about silvicultural and harvesting measures on peatlands and knows various methods of minimizing negative environmental effects of forestry on peatlands and their surroundings.