NorPeat platform (26 ha) is a cultivated peatland under normal grass rotation for beef cattle feed production. Environmental effects are monitored year-round including GHG emissions as well as flow and quality of subsurface drainage water and overflow. The field is divided into 8 plots and peat depth varies from 15 to 75 cm. Individual plots can be cultivated differently to monitor the effect of various manipulation options e.g. different crops, fertilization, management options etc. Water storage reservoir (0,7 ha) next to the field is connected to subsurface drainage system allowing subsurface irrigation and manipulation of water table level in individual plots. The reservoir is filled with rain water and water coming from the upper catchment area. Environmental parameters are monitored with multiple sensors and loggers to support the datasets of GHG emissions and leaching. Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) Eddy covariance tower is located in the middle of the research field and provides field-level greenhouse gas data and weather data year-round.
Continuous opportunity to participate in long term GHG and leaching studies. Experiments conducted in the NorPeat research field enables multidisciplinary approach combining e.g. agrology, soil science, environmental science, atmospheric sciences and hydrology studies. Research barn located next to the Ruukki infrastructure gives option to link grass cultivation to animal feeding offering possibility to study the forage production as a whole. The maintenance and agricultural operations in addition to standard agrological and environmental monitoring of the research field are run by the local staff. Additional services are possible, but may need reserving in advance: different scales, drying ovens, plant chipper, freezers, refrigerators, greenhouse. Other services can be negotiated with Luke Oulu personnel. Also possibility of space for own equipment testing.