As part of the LIFE IP CARE4CLIMATE project, the Slovenian Forestry Institute monitored greenhouse gas emissions on the meadows of the Ljubljana Marshes, namely carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). There are various measuring devices to monitor such emissions, but their deficiency is that the measurement components and central part are separated and connected with cables and sampling piping. The Laboratory for Electronic Devices of the Slovenian Forestry Institute therefore developed a device integrating the measuring chamber and the central part. The device’s advantage is the analyser, which moves along carrier rails, continuously recording data on the state of the emissions of such greenhouse gases in different locations.
Nine micro-gates were pre-installed in selected tertiary ditches, which will contribute to the revitalisation of the wet meadows by retaining excess water. The devices will monitor CO2 and CH4 emissions on the swampy soils of marsh meadows and at the same time in drier control areas, where no measures will be taken. Such research has not yet been carried out in Slovenian wetlands, but foreign studies show a reduction in CO2 emissions or an increase in CH4 emissions after revitalisation.
In mid-December, the first greenhouse gas measuring device was installed near the ditch with two micro-gates. In January, the same device will be set up in the control area – the drier part of the same meadow – and an additional pair of devices next to another tertiary ditch within the same pilot area. Such devices will also be installed in the Goričko pilot area, where the impact of various practices or management methods (grazing, mowing and the control of invasive plant species) on greenhouse gas emissions will be studied on permanent grassland.
Image 1: Installation of the first device for measuring greenhouse gas emissions in the Ljubljana Marshes pilot area. (Photo by Andreja Ferreira)
Image 2: The device for measuring greenhouse gas emissions consists of two parts: below is the measuring chamber, and above it is the central part with the analyser. (Photo by Andreja Ferreira)
Image 3: The first device for measuring greenhouse gas emissions is located near the tertiary ditch with micro-gates. (Photo by Andreja Ferreira)