Saline Peatland Degradation in the Mezzano Lowland: 66 Years of Agricultural Impacts on Carbon and Soil Biogeochemistry

Aaron Sobbe (), Valentina Brombin, Enzo Rizzo and Gianluca Bianchini
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Aaron Sobbe: Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via G. Saragat, 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
Valentina Brombin: Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via G. Saragat, 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
Enzo Rizzo: Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via G. Saragat, 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
Gianluca Bianchini: Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via G. Saragat, 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-21

Abstract: The conversion of wetlands into croplands often leads to significant losses of peat soil salinity and soil organic matter (SOM), though quantifying these changes is challenging due to limited historical data. In this study, we compared current soil physicochemical properties with rare historical data from the Mezzano Lowland (ML) in Northeastern Italy, a former wetland drained over 60 years ago. The transformation, which affected approximately 18,100 hectares, was achieved through the construction of a network of drainage canals and pumping stations capable of removing large volumes of water, enabling intensive agricultural use. Results showed a marked decrease in electrical conductivity (EC) and sulphate concentration, indicating extensive salt leaching from the upper peat soil layers. EC dropped from historical values up to 196 m S /cm (1967–1968) to a current maximum of 4.93 m S /cm, while sulphate levels declined by over 90%. SOM also showed significant depletion, especially in deeper layers (50–100 cm), with losses ranging from 50 to 60 wt % , due to increased aeration and microbial activity post-drainage. These climatic and environmental changes, including a marked reduction in soil salinity and sulphate concentrations due to prolonged leaching, have likely shifted the Mezzano Lowland from a carbon sink to a net source of CO 2 and CH 4 by promoting microbial processes that enhance methane production under anaerobic conditions. To detect residual peat layers, we used Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), which, combined with soil sampling, proved effective for tracking long-term peat soil changes. This approach can inform sustainable land management strategies to prevent further carbon loss and maintain peat soil stability.

Keywords: soil organic matter; salinity; carbon sequestration; wetland drainage; peat soil; climatic change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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