The main cause of the decline of biomass in peatlands is its reclamation and drainage for farming or forest production. The solution therefore is rewetting, which can be very complex, costly and even unfeasible due to socio-economic reasons or lack of water. Still, depending on the conditions, farmers can reduce the decline of biomass in their peatlands. First by decreasing water loss, for example by putting obstacles in water courses (e.g. rocks or trees) or setting buffer zones with higher water levels. Another option may be to increase the water supply and/or the storage in the fields, for example irrigating by pumping into the site, creating depressions and hollows (e.g. dammed canals) or installing elongated dams to enhance the water storage over the surface. Furthermore, if the topography allows, they could also establish paddy field-like cascades to retain the water in the fields.



Finally the option of paludiculture deserves a special mention. This is agriculture using crops or trees adapted to wet soil conditions, therefore it may be a very convenient alternative for peatlands.

For mineral agricultural soils, there could be several practices to increase the content of organic matter. For example, reducing the use of mineral fertilisers by opting for manures (green compost, catch crops or animal). In addition, it is good to leave crop residues in the field and even try to favour plants or varieties with large amounts of roots and/or higher ratio of residues generated.

Then, in order to reduce biomass loss or avoid problems related to compaction or erosion, it is good to reduce the periods of bare soils, e.g. with inter-planting, perennial forage or cover crops, and also to be cautious with soil tillage. In this regard, conservation agriculture or no till systems are much better than intense soil tillage. It should be noted that all these practices will also enhance other positive aspects such as biodiversity or water infiltration.