Agricultural Peat Soils

This one day training on agricultural peat soils is designed for conservation professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the unique properties and management challenges associated with these soils. The course will provide a comprehensive overview of peat soil formation, hydrology, nutrient dynamics, and carbon storage potential. Participants will explore how agricultural use impacts peat soils, with a focus on subsidence, nutrient loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. The morning classroom session will cover foundational concepts and best management practices for minimizing environmental impacts while maintaining agricultural productivity. In the afternoon, participants will engage in a field based training at a nearby peat soil site, applying concepts from the classroom to assess soil conditions, identify management challenges, and observe conservation practices in action. Hands on activities will include soil sampling, water table measurement, and discussions on monitoring and adaptive management strategies. Additionally participants will hear from industry experts and producers on how these soils are best managed. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with practical knowledge to support sustainable agricultural practices on peat soils.