The positive impact of paludicultures on the greenhouse gas balance of a former grassland on fen peat

• We measured the greenhouse gas exchange of reed (Phragmites australis) as well as of narrowleaf and broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia und T. angustifolia) grown as paludicultures at an experimental site in Lower Saxony.
• We found a considerable mitigation potential (around 48 t CO₂-equivalents per hectare and year) compared to a neighbouring grassland under low-intensity use.
• Water levels below ground during the establishment phase fostered the dominance of undesirable species, especially common rush (Juncus effusus).