Prescribed Burning Boosts Carbon Storage in Peatlands, New Study Finds
- Rob Beeson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A new three-year study from Northeast China sheds light on how prescribed burning can increase carbon storage in peatlands - a result that challenges common assumptions about fire and carbon loss. Researchers looked at peatlands in the Greater Khingan Mountains, where controlled burns are used to reduce wildfire risk. They found that plots subjected to prescribed burning saw soil organic carbon rise significantly - by up to 120g per kilogram of soil - compared to areas left unburned.
This increase is linked to two main factors:
Burning removes litter, allowing new plant growth to thrive. The resulting biomass boosts carbon stored in the soil.
Ash from the fires helps stabilise carbon and changes nutrient levels in the soil, reducing nitrogen limitations and helping plants grow more efficiently.
While there was a short-term drop in certain plant carbohydrates after burning, the overall result was a net gain in carbon and nutrient cycling, pointing to the longer-term benefits of well-managed fire use.
Importantly, plant biomass explained over 40% of the increase in soil carbon, showing just how critical healthy vegetation is for carbon storage.
This peer-reviewed research supports what many land managers in the UK already know from experience - that carefully planned burning, when done correctly, can help maintain healthy peatland habitats and reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.
Takeaway: For those managing our uplands, this study offers robust evidence that traditional techniques like controlled burning can support both conservation goals and long-term carbon storage.
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