SHORT-TERM EFFECT OF RESTORATION ON VEGETATION CHANGE AND METHANE EMISSIONS FROM PEATLANDS DRAINED FOR FORESTRY IN SOUTHERN FINLAND

Methane (CH4) fluxes from fixed sample plots in a minerotrophic fen an d an ombrotrophic bog in southern Finland were measured by using a sta tic chamber technique 1 year before and 2 years after a rewetting trea tment. Methane emissions rose with rising water table after rewetting from 0.1 to 2.1 g.m(-2).a(-1) at the fen site and from 0.8 to 4.6 g.m( -2).a(-1) at the bag site remained at a lower level than emissions fro m similar pristine site types. At the fen site the emissions were rela ted to the short-term succession of cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum L.). Emissions showed high spatial and temporal variation with high em ission peaks at the bog site. Temporal fluctuation of the emissions du ring the measurement season (from the end of May to the end of Septemb er) was correlated with pear temperature, while the seasonal fluxes we re dependent on the moisture conditions in different microsites.