Horstermeer

Summary

General

At the Horstermeer experimental wetland restoration site we monitor ecosystem CO2, CH4 and N2O exchange since 2003. Eddy covariance for CO2 started in 2003, for CH4 in 2005; N2O emissions have been determined with chambers from 2004 till 2009. The eddy covariance equipment for CH4 is based on the Los Gatos Cavity Ringdown Laser. Due to air pollution problems fouling the mirrors of the instrument it is only used for short campaigns. In 2014 an automatic chamber system will be installed for CH4 measurements. Nitrogen deposition has been measured durig the NitroEurope project, and is currently monitored by RIVM. Grid power supply is available at the site. Currently we are developing facilities for online data acces for the eddy covariance system.

The site is a former agricultural area on peat soil. In the late 90′s a wetland restoration project has been started for which the water table has been raised to just below the soil surface, and all agricultural management has ceased. The area is developing towards a reed / willow vegetation. In 2005-2009, a comparative study on the greenhouse gas balance has been made by comparing with agriculturally managed sites. The site is located within the footprint of the Cabauw tall tower.

The site offers a unique opportunity to quantify greenhouse gas balance changes from changing management and vegetation succession. For the coming years a further increase of the water table was planned, but the water management plan is subject to intense debate between local inhabitants, water board and nature conservancy organizations and has been postponed.

Access

Access and space will be provided for users of existing instruments and/or for additional instruments mobilised for intercomparison studies on CH4 and N2O flux measurements, and related process studies. Access of a user or user group is admitted after request to the operating organization, based on a clear description of work and planned instrumentation. VUA will then provide scientific, technical, logistic and administrative support for external users of the site. Administrative support will include a request to the terrain owner for admission of the site. Logistic support may consist of assistance with transport of equipment to and from the site. Technical support may consist of advice on equipment installation, connection to power supply and technical assistance with installation and maintenance of equipment. If required, temporary office facilities can be offered at VUA, at 25 km distance of the site.