Subsidence rates of peat since 1923 in the Hauraki Plains area

TR 2004/18
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Report: TR 2004/18

Author: Malcolm McLeod, Amy Taylor, Louise Duncan, Landcare Research

Abstract

Significant areas of peatland in the Hauraki Plains area have been drained and converted to agriculture, horticulture or mining, although a large undeveloped scientific reserve remains. As a result of conversion, subsidence occurs from consolidation and from losses of organic matter, due to peat mineralization (Schipper & McLeod, 2002). Obtaining information on subsidence rates is important for future land use management as much of the peat and surrounding land is prone to flooding. Information on subsidence rates may also be important for developing mitigation strategies to reduce CO2 emissions.

Subsidence rates of peat since 1923 in the Hauraki Plains area [PDF, 1.4 MB]