Using clay in peat to reduce CO2 emissions

On the farm of CONO dairy farmer Marco Visser in De Rijp, the 'clay in peat soil' pilot has started with a spreading demo. The pilot aims to prevent degradation of peat and thereby reduceCO2 emissions. The project is part of CONO's climate program: a climate-positive cheese chain in 2030.

In practice
Using a manure spreader, a 1 centimeter thick layer of clay soil is applied to over 20 acres of land. The clay particles sink into the peat soil where they attach themselves to peat particles, thereby reducingCO2 emissions. Measurements show that in soils with a high clay content, less organic matter is decomposed. It is possible that clay increases the soil quality and bearing capacity of peat plots, which could benefit dairy farming in peatland areas.

Marco Visser is enthusiastic: "When we were approached to participate in this pilot I didn't have to think for long. We are participating because I hope the clay will make our land less dry and prevent subsidence. And of course to reduceCO2 emissions. In the coming years we will experience this. We are positive!"

Multi-year research
Clay in peat makes peat soils more robust. Scientific research has shown that clay adheres to organic matter. As a result, organic matter is better protected against decomposition. For peatlands, this could mean that subsidence is prevented and lessCO2 is emitted. For three years, the Louis Bolk Institute will conduct research from VIPNL into greenhouse gas emissions, soil quality and biodiversity.

Project management is in the hands of Vereniging Agrarisch Natuur- en Landschapsbeheer Water, Land & Dijken. Project partners are CONO Kaasmakers, Province of North Holland and the Peat Meadow Innovation Program NL (VIPNL).