Environmental Technology Lab
At the Environmental Technology Lab, based in the Department of Geography at the University of Tartu, we are dedicated to advancing our understanding of the dynamic interactions between the terrestrial biosphere and the atmosphere. Our research delves into the physical, biological, and chemical processes that drive the exchange of trace gases and energy. By studying how plants, microbes, and ecosystems function, we aim to uncover the intricate ways the biosphere “breathes”—regulating the flux of gases and the energy needs.
Our overarching mission is to contribute valuable insights into mitigating climate change by understanding the role of ecosystems in the global carbon cycle. Through a blend of experimental fieldwork, innovative technology, and cross-disciplinary approaches, we tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges in the face of climate change.
Core Research Areas:
- Greenhouse Gas Exchange
- Wetland Biogeochemistry
- Wetland Restoration and Management
- Ecological Engineering for Water Protection and for sustainable Agriculture
Ecosystems where current research takes place:
- Abandoned peat extraction areas
- Restored peatlands and wetlands
- Forests
- Savannas
- Agricultural lands
- Lakes and rivers
ForPeat: FORest PEATtland ecosystem assessment and targeted management for enhanced carbon sequestration, biodiversity and water quality
Duration: 1.10.25-30.09.2029
Principal Investigator in Estonian group: Kuno Kasak
Finance program: HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01-08 (Horizon Europe – Mission: Soil Health and Food, Research and Innovation Action)
NitroScope: Scoping European N fluxes for sustainable N management and conservation practices
Duration: 01.10.2025 – 30.09.2029
Principal Investigator in Estonian group: Kuno Kasak
Finance program: HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01 (Research and Innovation and other actions to support the implementation of Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’)
Following the Nitrogen Fluxes from agricultural Losses via deposition into Wetland ecosystems causing climate impact
Duration: 1.01.2024 – 31.12.2027
Principal investigator in Estonian Group: Kuno Kasak; consortium lead: Dr. Alex Valach, Bern University of Applied Sciences
Finance program: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
Optimising Wetland Restoration and Management Strategies for Carbon Uptake
Duration: 1.01.2022 – 31.12.2026
Principal investigator: Kuno Kasak
Finance program: Personal research funding: Start-up grant (PSG)
REstoration of WETlands to minimise emissions and maximise carbon uptake – a strategy for long term climate mitigation
Duration: 1.10.2022–30.09.2026
Principal investigator in Estonian group: Kuno Kasak
Finance program: HORIZON-CL5-2021-D1-01
Water-based solutions for carbon storage, people and wilderness
Duration: 1.12.2021–30.11.2026
Principal investigator: Marko Kohv. Kuno Kasak responsible for micrometeorological measurements over restored peatlands.
Finance program: Horizon 2020 Programme
Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Land Use
Duration: 1.1.2024–31.12.2030
Principal investigator: Evelyn Uuemaa. Kuno Kasak is responsible for collecting CO2 and CH4 flux data, analyzing the main drivers for CO2 and CH4 fluxes and analyzing the FLUXNET eddy covariance datasets across the globe for CO2 and CH4 emissions
Finance program: Estonian Research Council
Members of the working group
