Retains water well, buffers nutrition and because of that is the most important raw material for production of potting soil and substrate
Peat is bog moss that has been decomposed, also known as Sphagnum. There are different types like white peat, frozen black peat and sphagnum peat. Every type has its own physical properties. Peat is mainly produced in Ireland, Scandinavia, the Baltic States and Northern Germany. The peat species that are used for the composition of substrates and potting soil, are considered raised bog peat. Raised bog peat has come into existence under the influence of rainwater with a low nutrient content. The peat is acid and hardly contains any plant nutrients. Peat consists of remains of plants that partly have been converted in a low-oxygen environment. When the environment is rich in oxygen, the plant remains will mostly decay and little material will be left. The low-oxygen environment in which the plant remains do pile up, normally arises because of high groundwater. The plant remains are converted into peat at this. The process of peat development is actually the start of coal development process. To form a package of 1 metre thick, it takes at least 1000 years.
Among others Germany, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Sweden.
Peat is the most important raw material for the production of potting soils and substrates. Because of the variety in source, arise and production method, there are different qualities available. Potting soils and substrates can be composed, that fit the individual wishes of growers. Peat retains water well and buffers nutrition. Because it is a product that contains few nutrient elements itself, it is multi useful. Peat has been the most important raw material for potting soil production for decades. Peat production occurs responsibly nowadays, at which nature value and environment are considered.
Peat for professional application originates from controlled areas. As a result, more security is offered concerning the quality and plant safety in the frame of plant diseases, nematodes, weeds and contaminations.