@inproceedings{6ecc8b612bc34ad6a22def0b6d095fb3,
title = "Effects of raised groundwater tables and grassland use on load-bearing capacity of agricultural peatlands",
abstract = "Dutch agricultural peatlands are typically drained to promote production. However, this drainage leads to peat oxidation and CO2 emissions. Rewetting by raising groundwater tables can reduce these impacts but may compromise load-bearing capacity (LBC). This study examined the relationships between raised groundwater tables (to −20 cm, using an active water infiltration system), seasonal variation, grassland use, and LBC—measured as penetration resistance—in an on-farm experiment. A linear mixed model was developed to predict LBC. Raising the groundwater table from −50 to −20 cm reduced LBC by 0.25–0.34 MPa. LBC was on average 0.38 MPa higher in autumn than in spring, and 0.07–0.12 MPa higher in grazed fields than in mown fields. Understanding the interplay between seasonal variation, grassland use, and groundwater tables in determining LBC and accessibility of agricultural peatlands can refine models that assess the financial and practical implications of rewetting for farmers.",
author = "M. Jongbloed and N.J. Hoekstra and J.C.J. Groot and \{van den Hout\}, M. and I.E. Hoving and P.W.L. Janssen and \{van Eekeren\}, Nick",
year = "2026",
language = "English",
series = "Grassland Science in Europe",
publisher = "Brill",
pages = "111--114",
editor = "H. Trindade and J.P.F. Almeida and J.P. Carneiro and D. Fangueiro and M. Castro and M.C. D{\textquoteright}Abreu and B. Ma{\c c}{\~a}s and J. Madruga and O. Moreira and J.S. Silva and M.B. Freitas and C. Cruz",
booktitle = "Challenges and innovations for grasslands resilience",
address = "Netherlands",
note = "31st General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation (EGF2026) : Challenges and innovations for grasslands resilience ; Conference date: 12-04-2026 Through 16-04-2026",
}