Using peat on the site: beneficial properties and rules

Peat is an organic substance formed by the incomplete decomposition of plant debris in bogs. Peat has numerous beneficial properties for soil and plants, making it widely used in gardening. In this article, we'll explain what peat is, its different types, whether it serves as a fertilizer, why it's so popular in gardening, and how to use it properly.

What types of peat are there?

Peat comes in different types depending on its origin, composition, degree of decomposition, and acidity. Based on its origin, it is divided into lowland, transitional, and high-moor peat:

1. Lowland swamp soil is formed from the remains of sedge, reed, rush, and other moisture-loving plants in lowland bogs. It is dark brown or black in color, highly decomposed, and has a low acidity (pH 5–7).
2. Transitional soil is similar to lowland soil: it has a moderately to slightly acidic pH (3.2–4.6), but organic matter decomposes less rapidly. Its color ranges from almost black to light brown.
3. High-moor moss is formed from the remains of mosses, especially sphagnum moss, in raised bogs. It is light brown or white in color, has a low degree of decomposition, and is highly acidic (pH 3–5).

What's the difference between high-moor peat and low-moor peat? Primarily, it's the acidity. There are also other differences, such as structure, appearance, and macro- and microelement content.

According to its composition, peat is divided into humus and sapropel:

1. Humus soil consists of humic substances formed during the decomposition of plant and animal remains. It has a high density, good water-holding capacity, and a high content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
2. Sapropelic soil forms from dead aquatic plants in fresh, stagnant water (such as stagnant lakes) with limited oxygen availability. It has a low density, poor water-holding capacity, and low nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content.

According to the degree of decomposition, peat is divided into:

• low degree of decomposition (5–20%): the squeezed mass is springy and easily disintegrates upon contact with air and water;
• medium degree of decomposition (20–30%): squeezed peat is slightly springy and disintegrates moderately;
• high degree of decomposition (more than 40%): plastic, can be squeezed between fingers when compressed, almost does not disintegrate.

Is peat a fertilizer?

Peat can't be used as a complete fertilizer because it doesn't contain enough nutrients for plants. What makes peat so beneficial is that it's a valuable organic material that improves the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. It promotes:

• increasing the moisture capacity and water-holding capacity of the soil;
• improving its structure and looseness;
• regulation of soil acidity and salt regime;
• increasing its resistance to erosion and salinization;
• creating optimal conditions for the development of the root system of plants.

Thus, peat is an organic soil improver that increases soil fertility and plant productivity.

Why is peat so popular in gardening?

Peat is very popular in gardening for several reasons:

1. Availability and affordability. It can be purchased at any gardening store or ordered from specialized websites. The price of organic material depends on its type, quality, and volume. On average, one bag of peat (40–50 liters) costs between 100 and 300 rubles.
2. Versatility and ease of use. Peat can be used on any soil type and for any plant species. It requires no special storage or transportation conditions, and is easily mixed with other components and spread over the soil surface.
3. Eco-friendly and safe. This is a natural product that contains no chemical additives. It is hypoallergenic and harmless to humans and animals, and does not pollute the environment or disrupt the natural balance.

Where on the site is peat used?

What is peat used for? It can be used on a site for a variety of purposes:

1. To prepare seeding and planting mixes, peat is mixed with other components such as sand, humus, sawdust, vermiculite, coconut fiber, etc. This is done to create soil mixtures with the necessary properties for growing plants from seeds or cuttings. Peat provides good moisture, air permeability, and nutrition for plants in the early stages of development.
2. To improve soil quality: apply the fertilizer both superficially and deeply. Surface application involves spreading it over the soil surface in a thin layer (2–5 cm) and lightly loosening it. Deep application (to a depth of 15–20 cm) is done using a cultivator or walk-behind tractor. This improves the soil structure, moisture holding capacity, acidity, and fertility.
3. For mulching. Mulching the soil involves covering it with a layer of organic material, which protects it from overheating, drying out, clogging, and erosion. For this purpose, peat is used as a mulch around plants, especially young and tender ones.
4. For creating beds and supports. Beds are high (15–30 cm) and narrow (50–100 cm) strips of soil where plants are grown. Supports are low (5–10 cm) and wide (100–200 cm) strips of soil where crops are also grown. In these cases, peat helps prevent soil erosion and settling, enriches it with organic matter, and improves drainage.
5. As a covering material during the winter period.

What kind of peat is best for a summer resident, gardener, or vegetable grower?

The choice of peat depends on the purpose of its use, the type of soil and the types of plants on the site:

1. For preparing seeding and planting mixtures, it's best to use high-moor, acidic peat with a low degree of decomposition, as it has a light structure, good water retention capacity, and a low mineral content. This material is suitable for most plants, with the exception of those that prefer calcareous soils, such as cabbage, beets, carrots, and so on. For these crops, it's recommended to add lime or dolomite flour to the peat to raise its pH to 6-7.
2. To improve soil quality, it's best to use low-lying neutral peat, as it has a high degree of decomposition, good water retention capacity, and a moderate nutrient content. This peat is suitable for most soil types, except those that are too acidic or too alkaline. For extremely acidic soils, add lime or dolomite flour, and for extremely alkaline soils, add sulfuric acid to regulate the pH.
3. High-moor peat is best for mulching: it has a more fibrous structure, is not washed away by irrigation, has a low nutrient content, and has a high water-holding capacity. This type of peat does not compete with plants for water and nutrients, and also suppresses the growth of weeds and fungi.
4. For forming beds and supports, it's best to use low-lying, humus-rich, neutral peat. It has a high density, good water-holding capacity, and a relatively high nutrient content.

Rules for using peat on a site

In order for peat to be beneficial for the soil and plants on the site, several rules must be followed.

When to add peat

Organic matter can be added to the soil in the fall after harvesting or in the spring before planting. This autumn application will help retain moisture and nutrients in the soil and protect it from freezing. In the spring, peat will help warm and loosen the soil, as well as stimulate microbiological activity.

How to apply peat as a fertilizer: step-by-step instructions

Recommendations for enriching the soil with peat for planting:

1. Apply peat evenly over the entire surface and at a sufficient depth (15–20 cm). This distribution ensures uniform conditions for crop growth, and sufficient depth promotes good mixing with the soil and prevents weathering and leaching.
2. Consider the soil type and acidity. For light sandy and sandy loam soils, 10–15 kg per 1 sq. m is recommended. For medium loamy and light loamy soils, 7–10 kg per 1 sq. m. For heavy clay and loamy soils, 5–7 kg per 1 sq. m. For acidic soils (pH less than 5.5), it is recommended to add peat with lime or dolomite flour in a ratio of 10:1. For alkaline soils (pH greater than 7.5), add sulfuric acid in a ratio of 10:1.
3. Combine peat with other organic fertilizers: humus, compost, sawdust, ash, manure, chicken manure, etc. Also with mineral fertilizers: azophoska, ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, potassium salt, etc.
4. Consider the needs of your plants. Different crops have different soil composition and properties, so you need to select peat moss according to their needs. For example, acid-loving plants (rhododendrons, azaleas, blueberries, etc.) should use high-moor acidic peat without lime.

Peat is a valuable organic material with numerous beneficial properties for soil and plants. It can be used on a site for a variety of purposes. However, it's important to consider its type, quality, acidity, soil type, and plant species. Only then will peat help improve soil fertility and plant productivity.