Farming at Higher Water Tables on Peat
Defra have commissioned this piece of research, being undertaken by RSK ADAS, to investigate acceptable levels of raised water tables in peat without compromising crop yield and livestock welfare.​
Project aims
The research will explore the following questions:
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In lowland peat used for arable agriculture and horticulture, what is the potential threshold for raising the water table without reducing crop yields for different crops?
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In lowland peat used for pasture, what is the potential threshold for raising the water table without reducing livestock production and welfare? How does this differ by livestock type?
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What mitigation measures exist or could be developed to allow raising the water table without negative impacts on yield and welfare?
This project focuses on growing conventional arable and horticultural crops well as livestock health and welfare; however, the findings from this research could also help Defra determine which paludiculture crops might be most suitable on a commercial scale. We expect the report to be published in 2025.