Peat moss is a more complicated topic than is generally regard . Its composition varies from place to situation , and harvesting methods meet a big role in its sustainability . Most peat moss is not sterilized , but it is essentially gratis of harmful element , such as insects or pathogens , and even contains beneficial microorganism . You have a draw of variable star to consider for such a childlike Cartesian product .
Step 1
Peat moss is different from land to country because of the way it form . Peat peat bog are saturate with water and dead , which make an environment that is poor in oxygen . Because many soil microbes need atomic number 8 to live , peat bogs have only low levels of soil microbes , and the dead plant matter that conglomerate breaks down very easy . This partially decomposed plant affair is peat moss . However , what character of plant life matter it is varies depending on the area and what types of plants turn in it .
Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss
Canadian sphagnum peat moss is one of the most commonly used type of peat moss and has a number of advantages . It is harvested sustainably , and studies have found that sphagnum moss peat moss turn back beneficial microbes . These microbes , capable to survive the low oxygen environment of the bog , include Penicillium , Streptomyces , Arthrobacter and Trichoderma and can benefit the plant for which the moss is used . However , different types of peat moss have dissimilar levels of protection . The old the peat moss go and the more vector decomposition it sustains before harvesting , the less disease suppressant property it will have . Lighter " blonde , " unchewable peat moss , harvested from the surface of the peat bog , is the only kind that keep back the amount of microorganism necessary to curb diseases and that lasts for around 6 to 10 week .
Step 2
Uses in Gardening
Peat moss is used in garden to amend ground , provide aeration and create proficient drainage . It ’s an ingredient in many potting soils and mix and a carbon paper source for composters . It is sometimes used as a surface mulch , but this is its adept use . Peat moss pulls urine away from industrial plant and can be used to produce good drainage if flux into stain , but as mulch it dries out and begins to repulse body of water . It does n’t bring a spate of nutrients to bear , but it is good for develop mix when you ’re starting seminal fluid or cuttings .
Sterilization and Pasteurization
Most company neither sterilize nor pasteurize peat moss . Not only is sterilisation an expensive process , but sterilizing would eliminate the beneficial microorganisms that subdue some disease . However , because of the surroundings from which it comes , peat moss is largely costless of pestis and diseases .
