Abstract

Peatlands (bogs and mires) cover >10% of the territory of Latvia, they are essential element of landscape and traditionally have been used for extraction of peat. Peat was identified as a resource of national significance after foundation of Republic of Latvia in 1918 and intensive research on peat composition and evaluation of its resources started. In 1936 Peat Institute was founded. After II World War research of peat expanded and new applications was elaborated. During last 30 years the peatland research in Latvia has concentrated in following directions: 1. Studies on peatland ecosystems and development of their protection system; 2. Restoration of abandoned peat mining sites. Development of sustainable peatland management strategies and applications; 3. Paleoecology of peatlands, studies of climate variability, hydrological regime, human pollution impacts on peat composition. Peatland fire impacts; 4. Greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands; 5. Applied research of peat mining technology development. New peat applications and products. Peat mining economy; 6. Innovation in peat applications: peat for production of sorbents, peat humic substances, peat activated carbon, use of low moor (black) peat. Peatland and peat research support sustainable management of peatlands as well as innovation in peat application with reduced environmental impact and possibilities to further develop use of this important resource.

Keywords: Peat; Growing media; Horticulture; Energy; Export