Many of the functions of a mire is considered ecosystem services to man, e.g. its ability to store carbon and water. Especially its ability to store carbon has been given much focus in the last years’ climate debate. Peatmosses are the building blocks of Norwegian mires, and their health and growth is extremely important to the continuation of the carbon storage capacity.

We are studying questions related to this at several levels.

On a more basic level we are studying how diversity and competition will affect total growth and decomposition of peatmosses.

Further, different methods for reestablishment of peatmosses when restoring mires in Norway after disturbances such as ditching and excavation are explored.