Peat In Agriculture

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Nature has accumulated organic deposits in the marshlands for centuries. Thanks to scientific developments in recent decades, mankind is actively using peat for its life. What are the quality indicators of this material? Where is it used?

Benefits of using

Peat has undeniable advantages over other natural formations:

• has a porous structure;

• increased moisture capacity;

• the ability to retain nutrients in a form available to plants;

• there are no weed seeds;

• does not accumulate heavy metals;

• contains biologically active products (humic and amino acids);

• loosens heavy-textured soils;

• increases the resistance of crops to diseases;

• possesses bactericidal properties;

• during decomposition, carbon dioxide is released, which is necessary for plants.

Using it in earthen mixtures for growing seedlings allows you to get strong, healthy seedlings.

Areas of use

Due to the unique natural properties of peat, it is actively used in various industries:

1. Power industry.

2. Biochemistry.

3. Medicine.

4. Ecology.

5. Construction.

6. Livestock raising.

7. Agriculture.

Gardeners are interested in the last two areas. Let's consider them in more detail.

Livestock industry

For bedding for animals in stall keeping, high-moor and transitional, weakly decomposed peat with an acidic reaction of the environment is used. The soft structure perfectly absorbs wet mass equal to 10 volumes of its own weight. For comparison, straw litter retains 3 times less moisture.

Nutrients: ions of calcium, potassium, magnesium, ammonia - are retained in loose layers, improving the air on farms. The growth of pathogenic microbes stops, due to antiseptic properties, acidic reaction.

By mixing peat with straw, the benefits are twofold: clean room, high absorbency. The manure storage is filled with animal waste for a longer time, there is no liquid fraction. Savings on the processing of the original product (compost).

Agriculture

It is most rational to use peat in vegetable gardens after preliminary composting with manure, humus, straw, sawdust, vegetable and kitchen waste. Lime substances are added to the upper fraction, the low-lying one does not need such elements.

Low-lying dark peat has a high content of nutrients, low acidity. Under the influence of external environmental factors outdoors, it dries quickly, turning into a useless mass. It is more rational to apply it to a depth of 20-25 cm for plowing.

In some areas, peat briquettes are used for space heating. Their combustion leaves an ash residue, which is a good phosphorus fertilizer.

Peat slabs are produced to insulate houses. They retain heat well and are resistant to biodegradation. For several centuries northern peoples have been using this unique material for the interior decoration of the yurt.

The use of peat has a beneficial effect on the structure of the soil:

• improves soil aeration;

• enriches with nutrients;

• retains moisture for a long time after watering;

• stops the development of harmful microflora;

• as a mulching material, protects the soil from drying out;

• heals the soil in greenhouses, greenhouses;

• strengthens the sod of the garden, slopes, preventing wind and water erosion;

• promotes the growth of a powerful root system of lawn grasses;

• reduces the amount of nitrates in plants.

Nature generously shares its wealth with us. Our task is to use these “treasures” carefully and rationally, without violating the ecology of the environment. So that the reserves of peat will be enough for several centuries to come.