Peat soil for seedlings: requirements and which one is better to use, processing

The use of special peat soil for seedlings helps to accelerate the development of plants. Ultimately, this has a positive effect on crop yields. It is important to choose the right substrate depending on the plants that you plan to grow. Only in this case it will be possible to obtain the desired result. In addition to a special substrate, peat tablets are suitable for growing seedlings.

Ground requirements

The soil for seedlings must meet the following specifications:

1. Fertility - the substrate must contain a sufficient amount of organic and mineral substances that contribute to the normal growth and development of crops. This parameter is directly affected by the degree of decomposition of the material. Therefore, it is better to use lowland peat.
2. Balance of components - the development of seedlings is badly affected by both deficiency and excess of trace elements. Low-lying peat is characterized by an excess of organic and nitrogen agents, while high-moor peat is characterized by a shortage.
3. Structure - should be loose. Thanks to this, the sprouts receive air and water.
4. Ability to retain moisture - the soil must gradually absorb moisture and also give it away. This feature is typical for the upper substrate.
5. Acidity - the reaction of the soil should be close to neutral. Peat does not match this parameter. Because it has to be processed.
6. Absence of pathogens - peat soil is considered an almost sterile environment. It contains substances with antiseptic properties.
7. No Toxins - Ecologically sourced peat contains no toxic elements.
8. No tendency to overheat - despite the fact that the peat substrate contains a lot of organic matter, it breaks down slowly. Because heating does not occur.

Peat, by most parameters, is suitable for growing seedlings, but it also has certain disadvantages.

Which peat is better to use for seedlings

To grow seedlings successfully, it is important to choose the right substrate. At the same time, peat can have several varieties.

Horseback

This type of soil is formed in elevated areas. It has a low degree of decomposition and contains very few useful substances. For seedlings, a composition with a degree of decomposition of more than 15-20% is suitable. However, it should not contain bark or wood fragments.

Transitional

In terms of decomposition parameters, the amount of organic matter and useful substances, the material occupies an average place between lowland and highland peat. The pH parameters are 3.5-4.5, so acidity must be neutralized before planting seedlings.

Lowlands

This substrate contains the most useful elements. It is permissible to use it as an independent primer. However, it is best to mix the composition with humus, sand and fertile soil.

It is important to perform an acidity assessment before use. The level of decomposition of the material should be 20-30%. At the same time, the amount of iron cannot exceed 5%.

Treatment of peat soil

Before planting, it is recommended to process the peat substrate.First, impurities should be removed from it - fragments of bark, branches, small stones. After that, it is worth reducing the acidity parameters. To do this, it is recommended to add limestone flour to the composition. The volume of this component depends on the type of peat:

• for riding use 350-450 grams per 1 kilogram;
• 200-350 grams per 1 kilogram are added to the transition;
• lowland needs 100-200 grams per kilo.

The components must be mixed well and left for several days. After that, it is recommended to evaluate the acidity parameters. This should be done with litmus paper. If peat is used to prepare the soil mixture, it is not necessary to control the pH. Other substances can offset this disadvantage.

With active watering, there is a risk of waterlogging of peat. To avoid this, it is recommended to add the following components:

• washed river sand;
• agrovermiculitis;
• perlite.

Soil mixtures

Peat is best added to various seedling mixes. To do this, it is mixed with the following components:

• garden or sod soil;
• sand;
• rotten leaves;
• perlite;
• agrovermiculitis;
• humus;
• biohumus.

Peat tablets

It is permissible to use peat tablets for growing seedlings. In fact, they are crushed and compressed peat soil, which is sold in thin mesh shells made of non-woven material.

Such briquettes can be used as an alternative for peat pots. These products are easy to use. They are especially useful for plants that do not tolerate transplanting in open soil.

Peat is often used for growing seedlings. At the same time, it is important to monitor the composition of the mixture and adhere to the rules of agricultural technology.

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