Drainage Ditches Contribute Considerably to the CH4 Budget of a Drained and a Rewetted Temperate Fen

Small water bodies including drainage ditches can be hotspots for methane (CH4) emissions from peatlands. We assessed the CH4 of a drained and rewetted temperate fen managed unmanaged over course 2.5 years, covering three vegetation periods. Ditch in were significantly higher than fen. In contributed up to 91% annual budget, despite only 1.5% area. solely made ditch emissions. When uptake by peat soil, balance was neutral. Dissolved organic carbon concentrations likely had an enhancing effect on while nitrate sulfate seem have inhibitory effect. Air temperature controlled seasonal variability ebullitive as well diffusive Ebullition less 10% overall budget ditches. Drainage represent hotspot need therefore taken into account when assessing success rewetting projects