Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Lynne Marie on 28/02/2016 19:45:49
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What is the nutritional value of peat (ie. peat moss, sphagnum peat) for plants? Does it have significant amounts of micro or macro nutrients when used in a soil mix?
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Peat contains little, if any, nutrients or organisms.
It is used as a soil improver, particularly where the soil is heavy and to acidify soil.
Peat based compost is usually around 70% peat + soil and fertiliser. Peat is particularly good at retaining added nutrients.
The problem with using peat, is that it takes 1000's of years for the moss to decompose. A peat bog may add just 1mm of depth per year.