Phase 1: In the Wesermarsch region, the effects of water level regulation methods on greenhouse gas emissions, agronomic parameters, material conversion in the soil and biodiversity are being tested on agricultural peat grassland. Measures are being developed, tested or implemented that lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on agricultural peat grassland and allow the continuation of economically orientated agriculture. To this end, the target water levels are being raised in a controlled manner in a pumping area covering approx. 320 hectares. In addition, 2 exact tests with ditch damming and subsurface irrigation as well as with different methods of grassland renewal will be carried out and the above-mentioned effects recorded.

Phase 2: An extension application was submitted for the SWAMPS project in September 2017, taking various factors into account. The proposal was approved for a project extension for a further two years. Among other things, there was a delay in the start of the project due to staff requisitioning, particularly in the authorities (LWK and LBEG). The trial year 2017 is the first year in which the measures, water regulation and grassland scar renewal, were implemented and represents a transitional year in terms of the effect of the measures. 2018 will therefore be the first reliable year for the measurements. Further investigation years are required in order to be able to make reliable statements on the climate relevance of the hydraulic engineering measures. In the future, these can lead to broader acceptance among farmers for the implementation of the planned water management measures in an intensified pioneer phase of stakeholder work.