Objective

With changing dry-wet cycles in small water bodies in agricultural landscapes, there is an increased release of CO₂ from drying water body sediments. Removal of pond sediments can contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions from water bodies by prolonging the periods with water, increasing the water surface areas and reducing the water body sediment as a source of CO₂. The project investigates the effectiveness of the rewetting of small water bodies through sediment removal as a measure to reduce CO₂ emissions. The results will be used to develop recommendations for agricultural practice.

Methodology

• In situ measurement of CO₂ emissions in rewetted water bodies and reference water bodies and during different hydrological seasons (infrared gas analysis)
• Identification of areas with increased CO₂ release ("hot spots") and recording of corresponding dynamics ("hot moments")
• Comparison of the dynamic development of CO₂ emissions of the rewetted and reference water bodies in the seasonal course

Climate effect under consideration

Reduction of CO₂ emissions from water sediments by avoiding repeated dry-wet-circles of small standing water bodies in the agricultural landscape