Intensified forestry, especially more spruce plantations, caused that the water in boreal lakes and watercourses has become increasingly browner over the past 100 years. Brown water is a problem for the drinking water supply. Even in Lake Bolmen, which is a drinking water source for almost half a million people, steadily increasing color numbers have been measured. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to ensure Bolmen's water quality and high natural values.
What we know: A pilot study showed leakage of brown color from younger spruce forest and uptake/degradation of humic substances in wetlands. On the other hand, wetlands can very well leak humic substances and contribute to the browning if they are located on old peatlands.
What we do: We will carry out a one-year field survey that monitors the effect of ditching and spruce cultivations in peat wetlands on brownification. The study examines watercolor in ditched and unditched spruce forests and in ditched and unditched peat wetlands.
Goal: The study aims to answer the question whether it is ditching of wetlands that is causing leakage of the brown color or spruce cultivation. The project intents to increase knowledge about the value of wetlands and ecosystem services, such as water purification. In addition, we plan to help the municipality to invest in the right measures by pointing out particularly important wetlands to protect or particularly suitable areas for the restoration of wetlands with the aim of minimizing brownification.