Our CAU team is involved in the implementation of various AMooRe work packages. As part of Work Package 4 (Knowledge Building), we are studying the hydrology of Austrian peatlands in detail, using selected areas as examples. Within Work Package 12 (Monitoring), we are developing a hydrological-soil monitoring concept together with the scientific coordination team, which will be established on site during the first three years of the project.
To continuously record water levels, numerous hydrological measuring instruments – such as groundwater gauges – are being installed. We also drill soil profiles to depths of one to five meters to reconstruct the development of the peatlands and analyze their current condition. At selected locations, we use high-precision differential GPS to measure terrain elevations in order to document long-term changes in the peat body – such as new peat formation resulting from raised water levels. In certain peatland areas, climate stations are also installed to capture weather-related influences (e.g., precipitation, air temperature) on peatland processes.
This work makes an essential contribution to the long-term monitoring of the success of AMooRe measures, which are being implemented as part of “good practice projects” across Austria. The primary focus is on evaluating the climate impact and conservation value of the peatland areas.
© M. Filipinski 
© M. Filipinski 
© L.T. Kroll We “northerners” carry out fieldwork during two to three approximately 14-day campaigns per year. In doing so, long distances inevitably have to be covered using CAU’s official vehicles. To make our field deployments as effective as possible, extensive pre-planning in Kiel and close coordination with the Austrian regional conservation departments are essential.
After returning, the field data are checked for plausibility and then made available to the project. In addition, the collected soil samples are further analyzed in the CAU laboratory for key parameters such as the carbon content of the peat.
Our first field campaign in spring 2025 took us to the peatlands of Upper Austria and Tyrol. The upcoming campaigns this year will mainly take place in Styria and Vorarlberg.
Post: Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel