How peat is formed: how it happens and what it consists of, types and its use
Those who are engaged in gardening, horticulture and floriculture are sure to know that peat is a necessary and useful component that provides plants with nutrients. But not everyone knows how it works and how peat is formed. This component is different, depending on the classification, its useful properties and applications change.
What is peat
Peat - rotted compressed remains of flora and fauna. The formation of the component in natural conditions is carried out in a swampy area, under conditions of high humidity and lack of oxygen.
How it is formed
Plants and organisms that live in swampy areas, in reservoirs with a high degree of vegetation, in lakes with stagnant water, gradually die. As a result of death, the formation of a biological mass is observed, which annually becomes more and more due to the formation of new layers. This is how the pressing occurs.
Application areas
As mentioned earlier, most people use peat in gardening, horticulture and floriculture. But it is worth remembering that it is highly undesirable to treat the site and feed the plants only with this component. In this situation, it is possible to achieve not so much benefit as harm to plants.
Peat has a sufficient amount of nitrogen, so it is difficult for crops to absorb such an additive in large quantities. On the site, it is recommended to use not only peat, but also other organic and mineral additives.Therefore, nutrient mixtures are made from it. Based on one tone of soil, it is recommended to use no more than 2 kg of nitrogen.
As a result of reasonable use, the earth passes more liquid, oxygen, and the root system of plants develops quickly and qualitatively. In this situation, it is recommended to use the lowland and intermediate views. As for the riding type, it must be used to shelter crops for the winter.
But peat is not useful and effective on all soils. This applies to the use of the component in fertile soils. The best option for use is a clay and sandy area. After fertilizing the land, a high level of fruiting and a transformation in the appearance of plants are observed. Peat in agriculture is valuable only with the addition of other mineral and organic components, as well as in the form of compost.
It is also worth noting: peat is used in industry and economy as a combustible material. This is due to its composition, as well as its high carbon content (approximately 57%).
Basic Features
The main properties should include:
- carbon storage;
- improving soil moisture and breathability;
- increasing soil porosity;
- improving plant growth and development with humic and amino acids.
Pros and cons
The table will present data on the positive qualities and disadvantages of the component. After reviewing the information provided, we can conclude that it is necessary to use the component in agriculture. Disadvantages
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· lightens the ground; · increases moisture penetration; antiseptic; · supports microflora; · increases acidity; · increases fertilizer efficiency. | · cannot be used as a single component;
· ineffective use of high-moor peat; · not available on all ground types. |
Classification of peat species and their characteristics
In nature, peat is divided into several types: by the degree of humification, by the nature of occurrence, by the method of extraction, and also by ash content. Each has its own properties and characteristics.
According to the degree of humification
Weakly, medium, strongly decomposed are distinguished by the degree of humification.
By occurrence
According to the nature of occurrence, it can be superficial, lowland, transitional.
By mining method
There are two production schemes: with a thin layer of the earth's surface and from deep pits, to the entire depth of the reservoir.
In terms of ash content
According to the ash content, normal and high-ash are distinguished.
Educational mechanism
The process of formation is associated with the decomposition of biological material. Under natural conditions, this most often occurs in sphagnum bogs. Therefore, a greater percentage of the content in peat is sphagnum.
Every year the layer becomes more and more, thereby increasing its degree of nutrition. Bacteria are involved in the formation, contributing to the decay of the material.The process occurs due to the minimum amount of oxygen and high humidity. It is almost impossible to create identical conditions at home.
Peat is known to everyone and everywhere for its beneficial properties, but in order to get the most out of its use, you need to clearly understand how education takes place, who is involved in this process and with what it should be used correctly.
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