Peat moss

peat moss is a dark fibrous material found in bogs like swampy and waterlogged lands in the northern hemisphere. It takes a long time to form. It consists of decomposed organic matter including sphagnum moss.
Peat moss retains water and has useful characteristics associated to it. It increases soil moisture, acidity and porosity. It is used to amend soil and is an important horticulture product. Its sterile water retention and drainage ability makes it popular in hydroponics. It also germinates seeds. There are plenty of other uses of Peat moss.

Origin
Bogs and peat moss can mostly be found in Canada and Russia. That is where the majority of the world’s peat moss is extracted.  Finland, Ireland and the UK are contenders, but don’t operate commercial peat extraction on a large scale.

Extraction process
The extraction process of peat moss includes drainage, removal of surface vegetation and supply around the globe. The water drains through the grooves in the upper layer. The top layer of four to eight centimeters will be extracted once a year after the peat field is ready for production.
Surface milling is done for horticulture peat. Vacuum harvesters reduce the physical damage to peat. Integrity of peat fibers is protected throughout the harvesting process. Mechanical damage breaks apart sphagnum fibers. That then results in deterioration of its porosity in a container and creates more dust.
Harvest takes place when bogs are unfrozen. The time is period is usually May to September. To keep the underlying bog intact and prevent erosion, milling machines are only used to loosen up the top couple of inches of peat. The top layer is then dried for a day or two.

Peat moss’s favorable qualities have made it a significant part of gardening. In fact, it has some unconventional uses as it is used by shippers who transport live aquatic animals, for seabed covers. Also, it’s used in diapers and bedding. Don’t rush through the buying process. Do your research and select the best type for your garden.

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