Refining estimates of peat distribution, thickness and carbon stocks of Congolese peatlands: A brief review of knowledge gaps and research needs

A vast complex of peatlands was recently discovered in the Central Congo Basin ("Cuvette Centrale") in Africa and therefore remains understudied. Here, we briefly discuss five research needs in relation to pedometrics, a discipline of soil science that combines pedology and geostatistics: (1) cost-efficient data collection through appropriate sampling schemes; (2) digital mapping of peat distribution and thickness; (3) improvement of peat soil carbon stocks estimation; (4) description of the hydraulic properties of peatlands; and (5) contribution of hydropedology in understanding the hydrological functioning of the Congo Basin peat swamps. Overall, more scientific research is needed to provide up-to-date and relevant information for protection and sustainable management of the Congolese peatlands.