The unexpected long period of elevated CH emissions from an inundated fen meadow ended only with the occurrence of cattail (Typha latifolia).

Drainage and agricultural use transform natural peatlands from a net carbon (C) sink to a net C source. Rewetting of peatlands, despite of high methane (CH ) emissions, holds the potential to mitigate climate change by greatly reducing CO emissions. However, the time span for this transition is unknown because most studies are limited to a few years.