Peat Production Research Articles

Optimalisasi Rancang Bangun Mesin Mobile Husk Decorticator (Pengupas Tapas Mampu Pindah) untuk Mengolah Tapas Kelapa

A tool called the "Moveable Tapas Peeler" or Mobile Husk Decorticator is used to beat or pound the coconut tapas. This method breaks down the coconut fiber (coconut fiber) and peat (coco peat), which is the fiber created when the coconut tapas is decomposed. Peat is the remaining powder left over from the processed coconut tapas. The purpose of this research is to modify the prototype machine that was previously made because of the unmet production capacity needs and to test the process of modifying the coconut fiber processing by the machine. After the performance of the coconut tapas processing machine has been improved, the machine is expected to be able to achieve production goals, becoming 1) 100 kg / hour; 2) 30 kg / hour of coir fiber production (cocofiber); 3) 70 kg / hour of peat production (cocopeat). The refinement process is based on the Pahl & Beitz design methodology. Working drawings, machine requirements, materials, component standards, and assembly processes determine the machine manufacturing process. The condition of the coconut fiber (dry or soaked) is one of the test factors studied. The crusher speed is 900 rpm and 1260 rpm. This research method is research and development (R & D). The data collection techniques in this study are literature study and observation. The results of the experiment on the coconut processing machine test showed promising performance with the weight of coconut processed reaching 69.67 kg per hour and the coconut fiber produced as much as 169.04 kg per hour. However, the second prototype of this machine still has some shortcomings, especially in terms of coconut fiber decomposition. In this prototype, the coconut fiber has not been completely decomposed during the processing process. As a result, to ensure the quality and uniformity of the final product, an additional filtering machine is needed after the coconut tapas decomposition process. This filtering machine aims to separate coconut fiber that is not properly decomposed so that the final product can meet the quality standards required for sale. The use of this filtering machine is expected to increase the efficiency of the process and the final results of coconut fiber processing, making it more suitable for market needs.

Examining the Ecosystem-Scale GHG Exchange Following the Acrotelm Harvesting Method (ACM) in Eastern Quebec

Traditional horticultural peat production involves the removal of vegetation and drainage of peatlands, resulting in significant ecological disturbances and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Acrotelm Harvesting Method (ACM) was developed as a more sustainable alternative, designed to reduce these impacts by allowing peat extraction without large-scale ecosystem alterations. However, the ACM still necessitates the passage of machinery over the peat, potentially disturbing surface vegetation and altering the carbon dynamics. My project, based at a field site near Baie-Comeau, QC, represents the first comprehensive assessment of the ACM’s impact on net ecosystem exchanges of main GHGs. I focused on evaluating the ecosystem-scale effects by analyzing data collected from paired eddy covariance towers installed at both the control (unharvested) and harvested sites. These towers provide temporally continuous, spatially integrated flux measurements. Preliminary findings indicate that the site subjected to ACM exhibits altered surface topography, leading to overall wetter conditions, compaction of hummocks, and vegetation damage. These changes have resulted in reduced carbon dioxide uptake and increased methane emissions at the harvested site. Through the analysis and interpretation of this data, my research contributes to a better understanding of the ACM’s environmental impact and its potential as a sustainable peatland management strategy. This research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Ian Strachan in the Atmospheric Environmental Research (AER) lab.

Role of land cover in Finland’s greenhouse gas emissions

We present regionally aggregated emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from five land cover categories in Finland: artificial surfaces, arable land, forest, waterbodies, and wetlands. Carbon (C) sequestration to managed forests and unmanaged wetlands was also assessed. Models FRES and ALas were applied for emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O) from artificial surfaces and agriculture, and PREBAS for forest growth and C balance. Empirical emission coefficients were used to estimate emissions from drained forested peatland (CH4, N2O), cropland (CO2), waterbodies (CH4, CO2), peat production sites and undrained mires (CH4, CO2, N2O). We calculated gross emissions of 147.2 ± 6.8 TgCO2eq yr−1 for 18 administrative units covering mainland Finland, using data representative of the period 2017–2025. Emissions from energy production, industrial processes, road traffic and other sources in artificial surfaces amounted to 45.7 ± 2.0 TgCO2eq yr−1. The loss of C in forest harvesting was the largest emission source in the LULUCF sector, in total 59.8 ± 3.3 TgCO2eq yr−1. Emissions from domestic livestock production, field cultivation and organic soils added up to 12.2 ± 3.5 TgCO2eq yr−1 from arable land. Rivers and lakes (13.4 ± 1.9 TgCO2eq yr−1) as well as undrained mires and peat production sites (14.7 ± 1.8 TgCO2eq yr−1) increased the total GHG fluxes. The C sequestration from the atmosphere was 93.2 ± 13.7 TgCO2eq yr−1. with the main sink in forest on mineral soil (79.9 ± 12.2 TgCO2eq yr−1). All sinks compensated 63% of total emissions and thus the net emissions were 53.9 ± 15.3 TgCO2eq yr−1, or a net GHG flux per capita of 9.8 MgCO2eq yr−1.

Potentials of Constructed Wetland for the Treatment of Wastewater from Cocopeat Production Industry

The cocopeat production industry generates a significant amount of wastewater containing high organic loads and chemical residues, posing environmental challenges and economic concerns. This study aims to assess the potential of constructed wetlands as an innovative and sustainable approach for managing coco peat production industry wastewater. An artificial wetland was created and filled with 30% soil, 40% sand, 10% bio and hydrochar, and 20% gravel along with Canna indica was used as the plant component. Three types of hydraulic loading rates were studied: 5 ml/min, 10 ml/min, and 15 ml/min, with a retention time of 7 days.
 The results showed that the wastewater contains significant levels of Electrical Conductivity (5.24 – 6.31 dS m-1), Total Dissolved Solids (4190 - 5150 mg/L), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (730 - 818 mg/L), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (1825 – 2045 mg/L). The utilization of artificial wetlands along with Canna indica decreased the pollution loads by 42% of Electrical Conductivity, 41% of Biochemical Oxygen Demand, and Chemical Oxygen Demand, 45% of Total Suspended Solids, and 55% of Total Dissolved Solids.
 Based on the above results, constructed wetlands are recognized as a reliable wastewater treatment technique and a good solution for the treatment of coirpith washwater, which is a step towards a greener and more sustainable future. By integrating these natural filtration systems into the wastewater treatment process, industries can foster a harmonious coexistence with the environment, ensuring a balance between economic growth and environmental well-being.

Influence of forest management changes and reuse of peat production areas on water quality in a northern river

In Northern Finland, the most significant land use challenges are related to bioenergy production from peat extraction and forest biomass. Increasing societal demand for bioenergy may increase production rates. However, environmental impacts of peat extraction are of increasing concern, which has led to a decline in production, thereby freeing up these areas for other uses. Using storylines for different societal futures and process-based models (PERSiST and INCA), we simulated the effect of simultaneous land use change and climate change on water quality (phosphorus, nitrogen and suspended sediments concentration). Conversion of peat extraction areas to arable land, together with climate change, may pose a risk for deterioration of ecological status. On the other hand, continuous forestry may have positive impacts on water quality. Suspended sediment concentrations in the river do not exceed water quality requirements for salmonids, but nitrogen concentrations may exceed threshold values especially during high flows. A storyline emphasizing sustainable development in energy production led to the best outcome in terms of water protection.

Mathematical Model and Numerical Method of Calculating the Dynamics of High-Temperature Drying of Milled Peat for the Production of Fuel Briquettes

Milled peat must be dried for the production of peat fuel briquettes. The current trend in the creation of drying technologies is the intensification of the dehydration process while obtaining a high-quality final product. An increase in the temperature of the drying agent, above 300 °C, significantly accelerates the reaching of the final moisture content of the peat. In the final stage, it is also accompanied by partial thermal decomposition of the solid phase. Its first stage, which is the decomposition of hemicellulose, contributes to a decrease in weight and an increase in the caloric content of the dry residue. The development of high-temperature drying modes consists of determining the temperature and velocity of the drying agent, wherein the duration of the material reaching the equilibrium moisture content will be minimal and the temperature of the material will not rise above the second-stage decomposition temperature of cellulose. This problem can be solved by the mathematical modeling of the dynamics of peat particles drying in the flow. The article presents a mathematical model of heat and mass transfer, phase transitions, and shrinkage during the dehydration of milled peat particles. The equations of the mathematical model were built based on the differential equation of mass transfer in open deformable systems, which, in the absence of deformations, turns into the known equation of state. A numerical method for implementing a mathematical model has been developed. The adequacy of the mathematical model is confirmed by comparing the results of numerical modeling with known experimental data.

A systematic approach to the peat machines and equipment classification development

The «National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2030» prioritises the use of resource-saving and waste-free technologies for natural resource extraction and processing, import substitution of mining equipment in the Russian mining sector, and the introduction of digital technologies at all stages of resource extraction and processing in the mining industry to improve their safety. The aim of the article is to study the gradual development of peat machinery classification and the relevance of its improvement through integrated mechanization devices to create waste-free extraction and processing of peat deposits using fullcycle mobile complexes with the development of environmentally friendly and resource-saving technologies for peat production. The methodological basis of the research includes post-event analysis, peat machine design theory, and systems analysis. As a research result, new system factors influencing the development of the classification of currently available machinery and equipment for peat production, as well as classification variants combining the processes of extraction and processing of peat deposit resources are provided, which allow modeling the structure of full-cycle mobile complexes for extraction and processing of peat deposit resources without waste. In terms of practical application, the classification of peat machinery enables the development of a rational decision-making data system for optimizing the structure of the technological machinery and equipment fleet of peat extraction enterprises, taking into account the deteriorating conditions of peat resources and development technologies, the economic conditions of the industry and the current trends of digitalization in the extractive industry.

Drainage‐induced browning causes both loss and change of benthic biodiversity in headwater streams

AbstractConcentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) have increased over the past few decades, causing freshwater browning. Impacts of browning on biodiversity have been little studied, despite many of the individual stressors associated with browning being known to control freshwater communities. We explored the responses of benthic invertebrates along a wide gradient of DOC concentrations (3.6–27 mg L−1) in 63 boreal streams variously impacted by peatland drainage or peat production. DOC was a prime determinant of macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance, with the strongest negative response in algal scrapers. Threshold indicator taxa analysis indicated an abrupt community change at 12–13 mg DOC L−1, with only four taxa increasing, while 13 taxa decreased along the gradient. Our findings of both a gradual loss and abrupt change of biodiversity along a browning gradient provide a benchmark against which changes to stream biodiversity relative to the predicted browning trend can be gauged.

Peat production for horticultural use in the Latvian context: sustainability assessment through LCA modeling

– Peat is used in various fields, from energy sources to fertilizer substrates. Peat bogs account for 3% of the earth's surface and represent a significant natural environment and carbon sink. Latvia is one of the European countries with the highest percentage of them and peat extraction plays an important role in the national economic market. Thus, the peat sector must be sustainably managed to regulate exploitation. In this context, this study's objective is to evaluate the overall environmental impact of the peat product chain. The tool used is a Life Cycle Assessment analysis (LCA), using a database made with primary data from a Latvian peat company and secondary data from a life cycle inventory database (Ecoinvent v3.7.1). The functional unit chosen is 1 m3of peat substrate made for professional and non-professional horticultural use, a reference that consistently compares other standard substrates, namely coir pith and rock wool. The system boundaries include all the procedures from peat extraction to the product's end-of-life. Results of the study expressed with an ecological score (i.e., Pt) show that the stage that produces the most significant impact is that of the distribution of the final product for Human health (2.3 mPt), Climate change (1.39 mPt), and Resources (1.48 mPt) indicators and it is related to use of the diesel fuel. While for the Ecosystem quality indicator is peat extraction (1.59 mPt) and it is connected to the peat bogs opening. From the comparison with other alternative substrates for horticultural use, it has been concluded that coir pith has the highest impact (48.51 mPt), followed by rock wool (10.6 mPt) and peat (6.79 mPt).

The Belarusian peat industry: State-of-the art and development prospects

The article presents an economic analysis of the current peat industry in the Republic of Belarus. It is shown how, thanks to the active state policy of the peat industry, it has become possible to overcome crises (the crisis of the 90s caused by the collapse of the USSR, and the 2015 crisis associated with the termination of fuel briquettes export to the EU), and to maintain peat production capacity due to the domestic demand. The Belarussian peat industry annually extracts about 2 million tons of milled peat, produces more than 1 million tons of fuel products (about 10% of which is exported) and more than 250 thousand tons of agricultural peat products (about 50% are exported). It has been stated that the peat industry is of great importance for diversifying the country’s fuel and energy balance and energy security, as well as for supporting the socio-economic development of peat mining regions (as a rule, small settlements). Within the framework of the adopted state program, the further development of peat production is expected both in the direction of expanding the use of peat for fuel purposes in the domestic market, and increasing the production of non-fuel peat products, including for the purpose of export. Taking into account future changes in the structure of energy resources in the Republic of Belarus (reaching full capacity of the Belarussian NPP), the prevailing negative dynamics of fuel peat consumption by households in rural areas and small towns, updating the global environmental agenda, as well as increasing external threats and risks to energy security, the authors propose a number of measures aimed to increase the economic stability of the Belarusian peat industry.

Performance and duty types of lump peat machine moulding mill with regard to the final product quality

Wide-spreading of peat deposits allows long-term and promising production of lumpy peat for the purposes of energy generation, i.e. as a local municipal fuel, which, in turn, can reduce fuel shortage, especially in the non-gasified regions of Russia. The analysis of a small-size peat milling flowsheet, from the point of view of both energy cost saving and final product quality enhancement, allows development and expansion of the local municipal peat fuel production. During the study, the qualitative characteristics of small-size lumpy peat produced by moulding mill in various types of duty and the values of these characteristics at the minimum energy input are examined. To this effect, the peat strength testing procedure and machine are developed to simulate loading process similar to the real-life production conditions. The resultant values of lumpy peat strength and density are reflective of the efficient mode of moulding milling at the minimum energy input at the head coefficient of 2.22. A variant is proposed for the combination of design variables and duty types of the existing small-size lumpy peat machine moulding mills by the final product quality criteria, which should be taken into account in the machine design and operation. Small-size lumpy peat production in efficient duty modes ensures minimum energy input of milling at the required quality of the final product, and reduces losses of peat during milling. The proposed efficient duty types and design options of peat milling equipment can be correlated with this research findings in terms of lumpy peat machines that are both in operation and under design.

Processing of sunflower hulls and peat with production of melanin and composite fuel briquettes

The article discusses production of composite peat fuel briquettes from butter-making waste represented by sunflower hulls. The experiments prove manufacturability of briquettes at the quality of the standard first-grade peat fuel briquettes. The specific heats of sunflower hulls and composite briquettes are determined. Furthermore, the experimental tests show that ultrasonic treatment used to extract melanin from sunflower hulls changes the chemical composition of the raw material and its reactivity worth, as well as promotes an increase in the specific heat of sunflower hulls from 17.5 to 19.7 MJ/kg. The ultrasonic treatment degrades lignified tissue matrix of sunflower hulls. The Fouriertransform infrared spectra of lignin from sunflower hulls are analyzed before and after the ultrasonic treatment. Despite the strong resemblance, the spectra display differences in the structure of lignin, as well as in the ranges of fluctuation of methyl and methylene groups. It is shown that the yield of melanin from sunflower hulls in the optimized extraction conditions in the ultrasonic field (temperature 60 0С, extraction time 25 min, density 414 W/cm2, sunflower hulls : extractant ratio 1 : 40) totals 7.6% of the biomass of sunflower hulls. The size of melanin particles is 457–465 nm. The accomplished research proves feasibility of the integrated approach to processing of sunflower hulls to produce bio-active melanin and composite peat fuel briquettes.The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, Project No. 20-69-47084.

Environmental aspects of efficient use of peatlands dropped out of commercial operation

Peat belongs to nonrenewable natural resources, and its commercial production involves some environmental problems. Peat mining and use as a source of fuel began on the European continent as early as the 17th century. Peatland development is only possible after preliminary drainage of bogs, and the steady decline in the area of such bogs conditions rising environmental concerns. Peat mining to be efficient also needs that peat beds are sufficiently thick. The lack of macro- and micro-elements required for the successful cropping on mined-out peatlands dictates introduction of these elements together with mineral fertilizes, which increases the peat production cost and aggravates the ecological impact. For this reason, it is most promising to use minedout peatlands for the forest regeneration under condition of the minimized ecological impact, including preliminary treatment of the peatlands and their further maintenance. The ranges of the effective use of peatlands dropped-out of commercial operation are assessed. It is emphasized that production of biomass for the power-generating purposes is the most effective trend. The environmental benefits of this approach include the efficient usability and biological reclamation ability of low-productive mined-out peatlands; reduction in greenhouse gases emission; maintenance of species diversity in the mined-out peatlands. Its shown that biological reclamation of mined-out peatland is possible with both maintenance of natural bog plant communities and creation of manmade short-cycle plantations of tree crops. It is found that production of renewable biomass with further pelletizing is an economically efficient trend both in using natural plant communities and in creation of manmade osier plantations.

Theoretical and applicative background of digital nature-reproductive technologies for integrated peat resources management

The relevance of the issues discussed in the article is due to the need to reduce the impact of geotechnologies on the environment and the necessity of digitalization of innovative high-tech industries. The article substantiates the effectiveness of a system-based approach to solving the problems of integrated development of peat resources based on the digital nature-reproductive geotechnologies that ensure carbon regulation. It is shown that the systematic approach and the end-to-end energy-environmental analysis facilitate joint solution of technical, technological and environmental problems. The model of the peat production and consumption system is proposed. The effectiveness of the digital model in enhanced accuracy determination of the qualitative characteristics of raw materials and in 3D imaging of distribution of peat categories is shown. The advantages of the hydromechanized method of peat extraction as a climate-saving technology are substantiated. The available theoretical and engineering background and the need of novel digital nature-reproductive geotechnologies for the integrated peat resources management is emphasized. The concept of a new digital nature-saving technology for peat milling and deep processing is based on the hydraulic peat milling equipment, innovative generation of thermal and electrical energy, mechanothermal activation of organomineral systems and on the modern structural covering materials. The key requirements to a robotic equipment system for obtaining composite products with new performance indicators are formulated and validated.The study was carried out under the R&D State Contract between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Ural State Mining University, Registration No. 075-03-2022-401 dated January 12, 2022: Development and Ecologo-Economic Justification of Reclamation Technologies for Land Disturbed by Mining and Metallurgy Using Ameliorants and New-Type Fertilizers, and was implemented in cooperation with the Shared Use Center and using the resources of the Federal Research Center for Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (No. RU.0001.21 PF59, Joint Russian Registry for Shared Use Centers: http://www.ckp-rf.ru/ckp/77384).

Spatiotemporally explicit prediction of future ecosystem service provisioning in response to climate change, sea level rise, and adaptation strategies

We present a framework to relate the provision of multiple, interacting ecosystem services to climate change and land use adaptation, by combining hydrological process models with statistical species’ distribution models and transfer functions to upscale plot data to the landscape scale. Functional traits of the projected plant communities predict provisional and species conservation services, whereas the hydrological model predicts water-related regulatory services. We applied the framework to coastal areas of the Baltic Sea to predict future ecosystem service outputs in yearly time steps from 2010 to 2100, based on a ‘high emissions’ climate change scenario, a projected sea-level rise of 1.05 m, and four land-management options corresponding to future coastal adaptation strategies. The “Hold the line” strategy implies continual pumping of excess rainwater into the sea to allow farm income from grassland usage, together with high conservation values for rare plants and meadow birds. Towards the end of the century, with an increasing sea-level rise, this results in reverse groundwater flows from sea to land and soil salinization of grasslands. Conversely, “managed realignment” implies the abandonment of pumping, thereby changing grasslands to reeds, reducing farm income and species conservation values, but promoting water retention and carbon sequestration by peat production. Between 2010 and 2100, the time series averaged across all landscape patches masked substantial spatial shifts in the outputs of ecosystem services from lower to higher elevations, emphasizing the relevance of considering both time and space.Multifunctional landscapes, by compromising between provisioning and regulatory ecosystem services, may create the response diversity needed to successfully adapt to climate change and sea-level rise.

Schedule for Reducing the Use of Peat and the Possibilities of Replacing It with Forest Chips in Energy Production in Finland

Between 2018 and 2020, an average of 15 TWh of energy peat was consumed in Finland. Energy peat is used in 260 boilers in Finland, which produce district heat and heat and steam for industry, as well as electricity as cogeneration (CHP) in connection with district heating and industrial heat production. Peat accounts for 3% - 5% of the energy sources used in Finland, but its importance has been greater in terms of security of supply. With current use in accordance with the 2018-2020 average, the emissions from peat are almost 6 Mt CO2 per year in Finland, which is 15% of emissions from the energy sector. In this study, the technical limitations related to peat burning, economic limitations related to the availability of biomass, and socio-economic limitations related to the regional economy are reviewed. By 2040, the technical minimum use of peat will fall to 2 TWh. The techno-economical potential may be even lower, but due to socio-economic objectives, peat production will not be completely ceased. The reduction in the minimum share assumes that old peat boilers are replaced with new biomass boilers or are alternatively replaced by other forms of heat production. Based on the biomass reserves, the current use of peat can be completely replaced by forest chips, but regional challenges may occur along the coast and in southern Finland. It is unlikely that the current demand for all peat will be fully replaced by biomass when part of CHP production is replaced by heat production alone and combustion with waste heat sources.

Structure of Integrated Mechanization at a Hydromechanized Enterprise in the Operation of Peat and Sapropel Fields and Production of Peat-Sapropel Fertilizers

Structure of Integrated Mechanization at a Hydromechanized Enterprise in the Operation of Peat and Sapropel Fields and Production of Peat-Sapropel Fertilizers

Торф як альтернативне джерело енергії

Purpose. Determining the current state of peat stocks and the overall energy potential in Ukraine. Drawing attention of the scientific community, authorities and the public to the problem of intensive development of peat production in Ukraine as the basis of economic growth of certain regions, significant improvement of the ecological state. Methods. Analytical methods for processing published sources, selection and systematisation of stock materials and reports on peat topics are applied in the work. Results. Information on the current state of reserves, availability of peat resources in administrative regions is provided, and the current state of the peat mining industry in Ukraine is analysed. The expediency of expanding the peat fuel base and potential opportunities for the development of the industry, which allow increasing the volume of peat production to 10 million tons per year in the shortest possible time, which will provide raw materials for more than 70 years, are substantiated, in addition, the development of new peat enterprises is carried out in a shorter time terms than the construction of coal mines. The production of a wide range of peat products, including peat fuel, opens the prospect of meeting the need for energy carriers at the expense of local resources, which will lead to a decrease in budgetary costs for the purchase of fuel in the regions and will improve the supply of peat for export, which is especially important in modern energy, social economic and environmental conditions of Ukraine. Scientific novelty. For the first time, attention was drawn to the importance of peat resources for socio-economic development in the conditions of the war and after the reconstruction of the country. Practical value. This study is aimed at clarifying modern peat reserves in Ukraine and their technological potential, conclusions are drawn that the balance peat reserves are sufficient and appropriate in their condition for their further development. The main areas of development of peat potential in Ukraine have been developed. It is equally important to inform the scientific community and the public about the state of peat resources in the country, since the extraction of peat as a fuel, raw material for various industries and agriculture is becoming truly relevant and important.

Justification of efficient work conditions for processing and molding press in coarse peat production

Coarse peat production using a team of cutting, molding and spreading machines in combination with excavators and peat drying and gathering machines enables the distributed energy sector and the private sector unsecured with central gas feeing in Russia to be supplied with local solid fuel. The cutting–molding and spreading machines used in coarse peat production have screw presses. The operations of slot cutting, shattering and molding of peat feature the highest energy consumption in the process flow diagram. This article presents the experimental study into coarse peat molding with a view to reducing energy consumption of the process at preserved density and strength of coarse peat. Drying of viscoplastic coarse peat was implemented under conditions of natural convection, in moderate mode, and down to equilibrium moisture content. During the experiments, we analyzed the influence exerted on performance of of mechanical shattering and molding on the work conditions of the processes, including: energy content, useful capacity, press productivity and energy density. The fuel density to ensure the required calorific power is found. A new concept is introduced – the pressure coefficient; it allows using the method of geometric similarity in the experimental substantiation of the parameters and modes of peat molding. The recommendations are given on selection of efficient work conditions for cutting and molding machines employed in coarse peat production, which is important for the machine engineering and operation. Adherence to the recommendations can cut specific energy consumption at preservation of the required density and strength of coarse peat.

Natural selection on a carbon cycling trait drives ecosystem engineering by Sphagnum (peat moss).

Sphagnum peat mosses have an extraordinary impact on the global carbon cycle as they control long-term carbon sequestration in boreal peatland ecosystems. Sphagnum species engineer peatlands, which harbour roughly a quarter of all terrestrial carbon, through peat accumulation by constructing their own niche that allows them to outcompete other plants. Interspecific variation in peat production, largely resulting from differences in tissue decomposability, is hypothesized to drive niche differentiation along microhabitat gradients thereby alleviating competitive pressure. However, little empirical evidence exists for the role of selection in the creation and maintenance of such gradients. In order to document how niche construction and differentiation evolved in Sphagnum, we quantified decomposability for 54 species under natural conditions and used phylogenetic comparative methods to model the evolution of this carbon cycling trait. We show that decomposability tracks the phylogenetic diversification of peat mosses, that natural selection favours different levels of decomposability corresponding to optimum niche and that divergence in this trait occurred early in the evolution of the genus prior to the divergence of most extant species. Our results demonstrate the evolution of ecosystem engineering via natural selection on an extended phenotype, of a fundamental ecosystem process, and one of the Earth's largest soil carbon pools.