Drained and forgotten peat extraction sites: economic and carbon impacts of peat and water loss in spontaneously forested Lithuanian peatlands

This study examines the condition and environmental impact of abandoned peatland quarries in Lithuania. Using spatial data and field investigations, we identified 33 abandoned peat quarry sites covering over 3,854 ha, which were abandoned between 1940 and 2020. Detailed field assessments were conducted at each abandoned peatland quarry to evaluate the peat depth, pH, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, decomposition, water table levels, and wood volume. Despite past extraction, many sites still contain substantial peat layers along with significant carbon and water storage potential. However, ongoing drainage continues to drive peat loss and carbon dioxide emissions. We estimate that peat loss from extraction totaled 77.5 million m3, which equates to a current value of €899 million in revenue. Nonetheless, the abandoned peatland quarries still host peat deposits ranging from 0.5 m to 2 m in depth. The drying and degradation of the peatlands has also reduced the water storage capacity across the 33 study sites. This loss is estimated at approx. 62 million liters of water, which equals approx. €33 million. This substantially affects local hydrology and increases the vulnerability to drought, fire, flood and natural biodiversity. Carbon emissions from drained peat soils are also substantial. We estimate approx. 14.2 t CO2 emissions equaling €813 million were lost from peat extraction alone. These emissions are often unreported if such areas are classified simply as “forests.” Our findings highlight the need for active restoration, particularly rewetting, to stop further degradation. Rewetting would reduce emissions, improve water retention, and support biodiversity recovery while offering clear opportunities to align peatland restoration with EU climate and nature goals.