The Use Of Peat For Seedlings

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

The sowing season for gardeners is approaching. There is a question of acquiring soil for growing seedlings. The huge choice is confusing. Which mixture to give preference to? Most manufacturers use peat as a filler. In order to choose the right soil, you should familiarize yourself with the quality characteristics of each type of peat component

Peat varieties

The formation of peat occurs in a marshy area, through the very slow decomposition of vegetation without access to oxygen.

By the type of formation, it is divided into:

1. Horse.

2. Lowland.

3. Transitional.

Each type has its own set of quality indicators.

Horse peat

Formed in high places with poor moisture drain. It is fed by atmospheric precipitation, melt water. The decomposition of plant residues: sphagnum moss, wild rosemary, cotton grass, blueberry, cranberry, is slow. Therefore, it has a low ash content (mineral substances about 5%), an acidic environment (3-3, 5pH). It contains oxalic, acetic, and formic acids. There are few bacteria that stimulate the growth and development of cultivated plants.

The number of fungi that process lignin and cellulose into a form accessible to plants is 3 times higher than in the lowland type. On the other hand, there are 30 times less fungi - saprophytes, which process organic matter and increase the level of soil fertility. Little available nutrients, humic acids. Possesses good moisture holding capacity, gas-retaining ability.

Lowland peat

It is formed in swamps with a close occurrence of ground and river waters in depressions of the relief due to the decomposition of reed, sedge, horsetail, reed grass, willow, alder, birch. Such peat is rich in nitrogen (2, 6-3, 5%) and mineral (8-15%) elements. It contains bacteria that release nitrogen from organic matter. The acidity is closer to neutral (5, 5-7 pH). The water capacity is 2 times lower than that of the horse. The increased concentration of salts is accumulated due to the drainage of moisture from the elevated areas of the relief.

Transitional peat

The transitional form occupies an intermediate position between the two previous ones. Most often it contains 70% of the lowland and 30% of the upper part.

Decomposition rate

The level of decomposition of plant residues affects the quality of the substrate. On this basis, the following degrees are distinguished:

1. High. Small, dusty particles predominate, which, when moistened, stick to each other, forming a viscous, dense mass. Promote the development of mold, cause fusarium, root rot. The physical parameters of the soil and its structure are deteriorating.

2. Average. Particles within 20 mm do little to injure the roots, hold water well.

3. Low. Weakly decomposed soil with large fragments of plant residues.

It is better to take peat of medium decomposition from sphagnum moss. It has good antiseptic properties, quality indicators, and the absence of pathogenic flora.

Improving performance

Any kind of peat requires the addition of missing elements for plant nutrition.

Sand, sod land, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, strains of beneficial bacteria (preparations Bamil, Omug, Extrasol or Baktogumin) are added to the upper type with an average degree of decomposition. These elements improve the quality of the original product. The introduction of a lime component (dolomite or limestone flour) brings the acidity to a level of 6-7 pH. Low-lying peat does not require the addition of lime.

Ready-made, store-bought soils most often contain all of the above substances. When planting seedlings in such a mixture, the first month there is no need to use dressings.

For peppers, tomatoes, eggplant mix in equal proportions high-moor peat of low degree of decomposition with low-lying type of high degree of processing. Enrich the soil with a complex fertilizer.

When choosing soil for seedlings in the store, pay attention to the acidity, composition and additional components. A mixture that is too cheap will cause the plants more problems than good.